The First Baptist Church once owned the old YMCA building — a building that is now crumbling — before selling it to Bolton. During that sale, they asked for a first right of refusal option, giving them the opportunity to buy the building back from Bolton if he ever decided to sell it.

Even as the negotiations continue and as Bennett continues to finalize the remaining portions of the sale, the society has already moved ahead on finding out just how severe the condition of the building is in.

“We had structural engineers in the building this week who took a look at the building,” Bennett said. “They looked inside and out. I hope to have their initial reports back, well, hopefully Monday.”

In an earlier interview, Bennett said the society had reached the purchase agreement with Bolton, but declined to disclose the agreed purchase price.

Bolton, during council meetings and in interviews, had offered to sell the building for between $55,000 and $60,000.