The decision comes after no upset bids were submitted against a $3 million offer to buy the building by the 5 p.m. deadline Monday.

City Manager Joseph Scherer this morning confirmed there were no upset bids submitted.

City council meets at 5:15 p.m. at the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall on Jackson Street.

While surprised there were no other bids submitted, Doughtie said, “The people buying it made a real offer. I think they made a genuine offer.”

Doughtie said from conversations he has had, it appears Thomas and Evon McClean “have a plan for development. They have a plan to make this a business venture to help our city move forward.”

Said Doughtie: “To look at the big picture, getting it in private ownership with the possibility of other things to come will offer that venue a chance to reach its full potential.”

The mayor said the potential sale of the venue will give the city dollars to pay on the remaining debt and will eliminate the city spending money on the day to day and month to month costs of keeping the theater open.

Councilman Wayne Smith, who has been a staunch advocate of selling the building, said the potential sale, “Will be a benefit to the taxpayers and do away with the $180,000 in upkeep.”