(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has approved the purchase of two vacant lots located south of the Sheriff's Office in Hiawatha.

The Commission on Monday voted to authorize Commission Chairman Rich Lehmkuhl to sign the contract for the purchase of the lots located in the 700-block of Kickapoo Street for $200 through the Hiawatha Land Bank, as long as there are no special assessments.

The Commission also voted to authorize Lehmkuhl to sign a reversionary quick claim deed that would deed the property back to the Land Bank if there are any nusiance issues.

Lehmkuhl said the property is being looked at for the possible construction of a building that would house the Brown County Rescue Squad and Brown County Emergency Management, along with provide storage space for emergency management and the Brown County Health Department. Lehmkuhl said it's hoped COVID relief funds could be used for the project.