Staff photo / Bob Coupland Newton Falls council on Monday approved the purchase of the First Congregational Church of Newton Falls building for $250,000 to be used for future office and meeting space by the village. Plans are to be inside the 16,000-square-foot property at 612 W. Broad St. by June 1.

NEWTON FALLS — Village council on Monday approved the purchase of the First Congregational Church of Newton Falls off West Broad Street to be used for office and meeting space.

Officials said the 16,000-square-foot, one-story property, which has 65 parking spaces and room for expansion with two acres nearby, was purchased by the village for $250,000.

Council voted 4-0 on the purchase, with 1st Ward Councilman Zachary Svette absent from the meeting.

Village Manager David Lynch said plans are to consolidate the village offices now located at the municipal court building. The court building is used by the police department, the municipal court and the fire department, which houses vehicles and equipment in the bays. Offices for the mayor, clerk, village manager and others are located on the second floor of the court building.

“We want to get everything placed under one roof, and the church building will provide that,” Lynch said.

He said plans are to get all the offices moved within 90 to 100 days with opening planned for around June 1.

Officials said the church has a large room with a balcony that can be used for council and other community meetings. Current council meetings are held in the municipal court chambers.

“There is plenty of room at that building, which will provide an outstanding headquarters for our offices. The church is an iconic building and has a bell, which will be our goal to preserve as well,” Lynch said.

Third Ward Councilman Lyle Waddell said the church is handicapped accessible and ADA compliant.

“We feel this would be the best way to have our offices and other services in one location,” Waddell said.

He said he has spoken to Mike Wilson with SCOPE, who expressed interest in having a senior center in the community — which could possibly be located at the church site.

Second Ward Councilman John Baryak said he is in favor of placing all the village offices in one space.

He said the village’s annex building, where the tax office is located, is not in good enough shape to continue having some offices there and also has very limited parking.

“The church is a beautiful building where we can hold the council meetings and our officials can have their offices. It is in very good shape and has had work done over the years,” said Baryak, noting the church had some work done after being damaged by the May 1985 tornado.

Councilman-at-Large Tarry Alberini said the property has sculptures inside and outside and extensive landscaping.

Jack Reider, a member of the church, said the congregation has decreased in number to around 18 members in recent years with plans to keep the members together and have a part-time pastor and meet at another smaller location.

He said the congregation decided it was best to put the building up for sale.

Reider said the 1849 church bell, which weighs 650 pounds, is located in the courtyard and is an historic part of the building.