High River Town council is trying to decide whether to sell a home the town owns along MacLeod Trail across from Spitzee School.

The Town bought the property for $350,000 to resolve a boundary dispute involving George Lane Park.

Mayor Craig Snodgrass says it's assessed now at only about $200,000 and they had to decide whether to put more money into it or sell it.

"I voted to sell it but I understand where council is with trying to recoup some of that investment if we put a little bit of money into that house," he says.

According to a report to council between 2008 and 2013 the property was occupied by a tenant but has been vacant since June of 2013 and is in a state of disrepair. After the flood the basement was fully remediated with new appliances installed including the furnace, hot water tank, fridge and stove with all costs covered by insurance. Since 2013 the Town has incurred approximately $2,000 in expenses for minor repairs, maintenance, and landscaping. Due to the state of disrepair the house requires major repairs to bring it up to current building code standards to become habitable.

The Town has lost $12,000 per year in rental revenue due to the house being vacant and incurred annual utility expenses of $1,800.

Council voted 3-3 which defeats the motion so the Town will look further into what can be done.

Mayor Snodgrass says this is a clear indication of why the by-election is needed to bring council back up to a full complement with an uneven number of members.