City Councilwoman Deborah Scott said she questioned the wisdom of the city accepting the old Hixson Middle School from the county schools.
She said the city will be picking up such expenses as utilities, upkeep and stormwater fees.
Ms. Scott said under the contract the school system will continue to use two ball fields for two years and also get to use the school building for adult education classes.
City Parks and Recreation Director Larry Zehnder said there should be minimal costs until the city decides exactly how the property should be used.
City Councilwoman Pam Ladd of Hixson said $100,000 was set aside earlier for planning the use of the property, including hiring an architect.
She said that is the only ballfield area for Hixson and the community has been seeking a recreation center for many years.
Mr. Zehnder said the city might board up the building, which has suffered vandalism since it was closed. Ms. Ladd said School Board member Everett Fairchild opposes boarding it up.
Dan Johnson, the mayor's chief of staff, said much of the old building will likely be torn down - 60 to 70 percent of it.
Mr. Zehnder said hearings will be held to determine how the citizens of Hixson want to use the property.
Ms. Ladd said the John A. Patten School and the Shepherd School are excellent examples of community reuse of old schools.