HALLOWELL -- In a four-to-three vote at Monday night's council meeting, the City Council decided to stop negotiations with the state for the purchase of the Stevens School complex.

The city has long debated purchasing the ten-building complex back from the state, and in December, made a bid for the property.

The proposal said the city would buy the campus back, then lease it to the state, which currently uses it for offices.

In a letter to Bill Leet, Director of the Division of Leased Space within the bureau of General Services, the Hallowell City Council said their withdrew their decision for economic reasons.

"It was felt that given the dramatic change in the nationwide economy in the last 12 to 18 months that the City would be wise not to pursue this project," the letter said.

Two public hearings that were scheduled for Jan. 15 and Jan. 31 to discuss the potential bid have been canceled.