Staff photo by Fritz Busch Brown County commissioners will consider authorizing the Brown County auditor-treasurer to begin the demolition process of the George’s Ballroom property, located at 405 Center St., Tuesday. The art deco property, built in 1947, also housed a bowling alley, restaurant and bar. It was a gathering place for big bands, ballroom dancing and polka music for decades. It was tax forfeited recently.

NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners will consider authorizing the auditor-treasurer to begin the demolition process for the George’s Ballroom property Tuesday.

The county auditor may take a variety of actions, including demolition, pertaining to any buildings located on a tax forfeited land (TFL) parcel approved by the county board, according to state law.

The county may contract for demolition of any buildings commissioners determine are reducing the taxable value of property due to age, dilapidated condition or excessive size. Demolition may also be done to improve the chances of selling tax-forfeited land.

George’s Ballroom forfeited to the State of Minnesota in 2002. It was purchased at 2003 TFL sale and forfeited again in July 2019 for non-payment of taxes.

According to assessor’s records, the building value has been reduced to $22,700. The value of the property’s six lots is estimated at $109,300.

Asbestos removal costs are estimated at more than $350,000. Demolition costs are estimated at $500,000.

Since the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a Phase 1 environmental study would be required. The City of New Ulm will work on the project if county commissioners approve demolition.

Commissioners will also:

• Review a 2020-2021 Child Care Assistance Plan and Program from Brown County Human Services.

• Look at a new online child care licensing orientation presentation from Brown County Human Services. Online training was developed by Brown County Human Services to make it easier for those interested in getting a child care license.

• Consider approval of the 3 Counties for Kids Collaborative with Watonwan and Sibley Counties. The group’s mission is to work together to help provide community-based behavioral health services for children and their families through prevention, early intervention, education and providing shared services.

• Receive a 2020 census update from Brown County Auditor-Treasurer Jean Prochniak.

• Consider a resolution to use a procedure for classifying tax-forfeited parcels.

• Appoint commissioners to the Red Rock Rural Water System.

• At 1:30 p.m., commissioners will interview human services director finalists. Interviews may continue on Wednesday, Sept. 25, if needed.

• The meeting begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the courthouse second-floor commissioner’s room.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.