Village considers selling Wywash Trail entrance to county for liability relief

During a recent meeting, the Village of Hortonville's leadership discussed the potential sale of a village-owned entrance to the Wywash Trail, located on Lakeview, to Outagamie County. This conversation, which had been initiated about a month prior, centered on the practicality and benefits of transferring ownership of the property.

The village officials noted that the county had shown interest in relocating the entrance to a different site, potentially away from Lakeview and closer to the train tracks. However, without a clear timeline for this relocation, the village sees little reason to delay the sale of the current entrance. The property in question is deemed largely unusable, as it is not large enough to be developed into two viable lots, even when combined with an adjacent empty lot.

Officials expressed concerns about the financial implications of retaining the property, highlighting that it has become more of a liability than an asset. The county had previously attempted to manage the lot but found that it could only be transferred to a neighboring property owner, which limits any potential financial gain for the village.

By selling the entrance, the village would alleviate maintenance responsibilities, such as asphalt repairs, which would otherwise fall on them. The discussion concluded with a consensus among officials to move forward with the sale, recognizing that it aligns with the village's best interests and reduces unnecessary liabilities.

This decision reflects the village's ongoing efforts to streamline operations and focus on more beneficial uses of its resources, ultimately aiming to enhance community services and infrastructure.