School and city administrations are expected to decide next month if they will become roommates.

The city and Middletown Schools announced in late October the possibility of moving district offices into the city building at One Donham Plaza. The city currently occupies all or portions of every level in the city building.

The financial details of such a deal are a moving target, said City Manager Judy Gilleland.

“We’re in negotiations and we are examining figures now that will make this a win for the schools and a win for the city,” Gilleland said. “I can’t give you any figures right now, nothing is firm. I think it would be irresponsible for me to throw out any figures.”

Any deal would be negotiated at the staff level and presented to the city council and school board for approval, she said.

Financial figures discussed now may not be the same when a deal could be presented to the city council and school board in December, Gilleland said.

However, a post on MiddletownUSA.com states the city would get around $65,000 a year from the school district. Gilleland wouldn’t comment on the post, but Middletown school board President Marcia Andrew responded on the website. Andrew did not state if the figure was accurate, but said both governmental entities would benefit from sharing a building.

“The school district has needed new office space for the central office staff for a long time,” according to the post by Andrew, who did not respond to phone calls and emails left Monday by The Journal. “The offices are sub-standard, the roof leaks and the whole place is very uninviting for parents, teachers and the community.”

“We have been clear that we cannot spend any money on new or better offices for administration,” Andrews wrote, stating the board has cut millions of dollars from its budget.

The post also states the city would waive the first two years of rent to help defray the school district’s moving costs.

About 40 school district employees would be impacted by a move, though not all would move into the city building, school officials have said.

While there is space available in the city building, Gilleland said they are still assessing exactly how much space is open.

Middletown schools Superintendent Greg Rasmussen said nothing has changed from the school’s point of view since the idea was announced.

“We think the idea has real merit as a potential win-win for both our district and the city,” he said. “We are currently exploring options and hope to make a recommendation to the board and council soon.”

He declined to comment on the Andrew post.

The district owns the administration building at 1515 Girard Ave., where it has been for 50 years. It pays for utilities and maintenance for the building and parking lot.

The city’s budget is tight at best, being one year removed from having to make $3.7 million in budget cuts. The 2013 budget won’t see any cuts, but Gilleland said it is still a tight budget.

The idea has been touted as a one-stop shop for many people who do business with both governmental entities. Some resources could be shared, such as a lobby receptionist, something the city does not have currently.

“We just think this is a real positive way where two public entities can share services,” Rasmussen said. “We think it’s a good way for us to look at preserving and being good stewards of tax payer money.”