ELLETTSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Ellettsville officials plan to buy a small property near two creeks as part of a bigger effort to combat persistent flooding problems that forced workers out of Town Hall in December.

The Herald-Times reports the vacant parcel off Ind. 46 will be used as a water detention area and park.

Ellettsville has experienced severe flooding in each of the past four years. The most recent incident in the town about five miles northwest of Bloomington occurred just before Christmas. It forced departments out of Town Hall and into rented spaces at a nearby mall.

Council President Scott Oldham says he hopes to have a plan by the end of the year that will address both the flooding and what to do with the now-closed Town Hall.