The locks are changed and the building is empty. It seems to be only a matter of time before the city of Auburn sells its recently-vacated firehouse.

But despite interest from potential buyers, there are some steps local officials need to take before selling the property.

Residents who drive past the station, located at the corners of Frederick and Augustus streets and Lake Avenue, will not see a sign or other indications the property is for sale. But City Manager Mark Palesh said earlier this week that the city has already been contacted by parties expressing interest in the station.

“I can think of three (interested parties) right now,” Palesh said Wednesday, but would not elaborate on who those people are.

The station, which was built in the 1960s as a bomb shelter, has not been sold and no offers have been accepted, he said.

One of the reasons is that the city council must approve any property transfers, according to Mayor Michael Quill.

“It would take a super majority. It will need four votes (out of five members of the council) to sell it,” Quill said.

Palesh and Fire Chief Mike Hammon announced the station's closure on April 1, and the property was vacated the same day. Palesh said at the time that the move was made to improve efficiency within the department and cut city costs.

When Palesh announced the closure, he stated that the property is worth $160,000. The revenue generated from the sale was one of the selling points for the decision, he said at the time.

Local officials will have to face one other issue surrounding the firehouse if it is sold. The location has long been the polling place for its district.

While the county Board of Elections would have the job of finding a new polling place, Elections Deputy commissioner Tom Prystal Jr. said Friday that he is not sure where it might be located. Elections board officials have sent the city manager a letter seeking suggestions, Prystal said.

“We usually like to work with the (municipalities) on these matters,” he said.