ST. JOSEPH -- The village is not going to sell the "Boy Scout" building, across the street from Village Hall on Lincoln Ave.

The building is owned by the village and previously served as Village Hall. The village previously discussed selling it due to increasing utility costs.

"The community feels we shouldn’t sell it," said Buildings and Grounds Committee Chairmann Roy McCarty. "I agree."

McCarty moved, and the board approved 5-1, removing the sale as a goal for 2011. Forrest Chism cast the opposing vote.

"The Boy Scouts do a lot of good stuff for the village," McCarty said. "They do a lot of public service."

Mayor B.J. Hackler said even though the village subsidizes the utilities for the building at the cost of about $3,000 per year, the ownership is worthwhile.

McCarty said he planned to speak to the Scouts and ask them to be more energy-efficient. He also pointed out that any village group could use the building, by asking permission.

Also at the meeting, the village voted not to take over control of the lakes and common areas in Crestlake subdivision. The Crestlake Homeowners Association had asked the village to consider the idea.