Oran shares new city hall with bank for $1 a year

ORAN, Mo. -- Oran's city government has all but settled into its new home, which came at a pretty fair lease price.

Relocation of city offices to the new location began last week.

Oran shares its new city hall with another occupant, First Commercial Bank.

A July news release announced the completed sale of a building that once housed a Regions Bank. It became the location of the bank's new branch in Oran. The move occurred about the same time city officials considered a move of their own.

The city's board of aldermen has spent much of this year discussing the need for a new city hall, Mayor Gary Senciboy said.

Marcia Roslen, Oran city collector, applies postage to property-tax envelopes Wednesday at the new city hall in Oran, Missouri. (Glenn Landberg)

"Our old city hall is in pretty bad shape," he said. "We were tossing around about possibly redoing it, but it was just going to be astronomical on the cost."

Because of how expensive a remodel would be, Senciboy said the board began to consider the costs of building a new city hall. When news spread to First Commercial Bank officials, they decided to reach out to the city to offer the additional space they had available in a recently purchased building at 1200 State Highway W.

The city was offered a yearly lease of $1 as part of the agreement.

The building is about 4,800 square feet, Senciboy estimated, and city offices occupy about 3,000 square feet.

While some items remain at the city hall building at 118 Mountain St., the mayor said city officials have settled into their new offices since the transition began last week. He said both parties are pleased with the arrangement.

The entrance to the new city hall in Oran, Missouri, is shown Wednesday. A First Commercial Bank branch also shares space in the building. (Glenn Landberg)

"Everyone is tickled, that I've talked to. They're just tickled pink," he said.

Residents seem pleased with the new location as well, Senciboy said.

At the old building, stairs made access for those with disabilities difficult. The new building is at ground level. It also has sufficient parking for employees and customers, he said.

"People come in to the collector's office ... and say, 'Oh my gosh, this is so nice,'" he said. "It's been a pretty positive thing for all of us."

Senciboy signed the final paperwork on the deal Wednesday. Per the agreement, the city will maintain 69 percent of the building, and the bank will maintain the remaining 31 percent. If a major repair needs to be made to replace a shared appliance, he said the city and bank would divide the costs.

The lease allows the city to remain in the building for 40 years but recognizes other options for a future city hall.

"We do have it set up in the contract that if it doesn't work out and the city would like to build its own facility, it could opt out of the contract without penalty," Senciboy said.

He said the bank opened its doors as a new neighbor in Oran and agreed to work with the city because it understands "if you do good for the community, the community will do good for you."

Senciboy describes the bank's willingness to work with the city "a stroke of luck" that came at the right time.

"It's just worked out perfect. It's a beautiful location, beautiful building," he said. "... From the city's standpoint, we would really love to thank First Commercial Bank. They have treated us very well."

Talks are ongoing about the future of the former city hall building.

srinehart@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641

Pertinent address:

118 Mountain St., Oran, MO

1200 State Hwy. W, Oran, MO