COLUMBUS – Efforts of a grassroots group to preserve the former Columbus Town Hall were pushed forward by an informational meeting called by the group at the town hall on Tuesday.

The “Spirit of Columbus” team used Tuesday’s meeting to discuss the history of the building, its use, and options for the town to keep proprietorship, despite an estimated $160,000 needed to restore the building. According to the group, there are alternatives on the table that will allow the town to maintain ownership and have a minimal impact to the local tax levy.

But some argue it’s simply not worth the expense and that any repairs made to the 209-year-old building will only add unnecessary burden to an already strained local tax base. Even if the former town hall is fixed up, critics say the building doesn’t get enough use to justify mainenance costs.

According to Town Supervisor Tom Grace, several realtors have taken interest in selling the property, which could result in adding the property to the tax roles in the future.

The decision to give the Columbus Town Board authority to sell the building will be decided by voters on Nov. 4.