The Washington County sheriff’s office has halted an investigation into a November arson fire that destroyed a controversial new city hall being built in Lakeland.
Cmdr. Cheri Dexter said Wednesday that the case would be reopened if new evidence emerges.
“We have done everything we can,” Dexter said. “We’ve followed up on all the leads that we currently have available, and there’s nothing else to follow.”
Investigators from the state fire marshal’s office concluded that the Nov. 13 fire was deliberately set; the building was demolished.
A $10,000 reward has been offered; investigators received one tip, which was unsubstantiated, Dexter said.
“This is solvable,” she said. “If somebody does have valid information, we would hope that they would come forward.”
The fire happened about 11:30 p.m. Nov. 13. When firefighters arrived at the scene, at 1190 St. Croix Trail S., they found the structure fully engulfed.
Building a new city hall near the water department at a cost of about $550,000 was an issue that divided the city before the Nov. 9 election.
Richard Glasgow, who was elected mayor, wanted to stop the project, while his opponent, incumbent Amy Williams, favored it. Glasgow defeated Williams 61 percent to 38 percent.
In January, the new city council voted not to repair the burned building site and instead remodel the old city hall on Quinnell Avenue. Glasgow said the improvements are expected to cost about $200,000 and should be done by May.
Among the planned improvements are a new community room in the building’s lower level; a new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system; new windows; a new handicapped-accessible bathroom; a new entrance; siding repairs; trenching; and drain-tile installation.
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call the Washington County sheriff’s office at 651-430-7882.
