Franklin is one step closer to getting its first microbrewery, which plans to set up shop in the former town hall building on Main Street.

The Franklin town board voted unanimously last week to lease and possibly sell the old town hall building to The Lazy Hiker, a brewing company owned by two Macon County men. 

The Lazy Hiker would lease the building for $1,250 per month for the first year and $2,500 per month thereafter, according to the 10-year contract approved by the town.

At any point along the way, the brewery could exercise an option to buy the building outright for $325,000. That’s less than the building’s 2013 appraised value of $725,000, but more than the highest offer the town has received so far, $200,000. 

There’s a 10-day window for higher bids on the property to be submitted before the deal is signed.

— By Holly Kays