JEFFERSON TWP — South Butler School Board has taken the first step toward buying the property beside the parking lot adjacent to the intermediate school.

The board approved a measure that would initiate the purchase of the building and property at the northeast corner of Dinnerbell and Knoch roads.

Superintendent David Foley said the first step in buying the Hannahstown Mutual Insurance property is to have the building inspected, which can be completed now that the board has voted in favor of the move.

District solicitor Tom Breth said if any major deficiencies are found that would make the purchase cost prohibitive, the district has 90 days to back out of the purchase for that or any other reason.

Board member George Zacherl pointed out that the district was able to negotiate a price of $165,000, which he called significantly less than the original asking price.

Foley said it has not yet been determined how the building or lot will be used.

“We're exploring ideas at this point,” he said.

Foley did not know the exact acreage of the parcel, but said it connects with the district's current parking lot and covers the entire corner property.

He said the building inspection was scheduled to occur Friday.