Ownership of the central Oamaru building, which has sat vacant since December 2011, was transferred to Land Information New Zealand for disposal last year.
However, the Waitaki District Council was in negotiations with the Ministry of Justice over what it required for court services, if the council was to buy, strengthen and lease the building back to it.
Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher yesterday told the Otago Daily Times that the council was seriously considering the option.
''We are looking at the level of strengthening required, the proportion of the building that [the Ministry of Justice] would need and the amount they are prepared to pay per annum,'' Mr Kircher said.
''We have invited the ministry to work with us on getting a solution, and there is generally a sense of goodwill by both parties to come to a good result.''
Mr Kircher said he would like to see the building utilised and ensure court services remained in Oamaru, but it was also important that Waitaki ratepayers were not having to contribute to the project.
