Since the 16th, Balk, which had developed there, had become the place where the 'Grietenij' of the municipality was located. A municipality used to be called a 'Grietenij'.
Grietman Obbe Obbes decided to build a weather house or court house and this building was put into use in 1615. Until 1795, the grietmannen judged here together with 3 judges. They were only allowed to give light sentences, such as putting on bread and water, denouncing or imposing a short prison sentence or a fine of up to 12 guilders. There is still the houne under the stairs, where people were temporarily locked up by the police.
Over the centuries, the Council House has literally and figuratively been the center of the vibrant life in Balk, due to its central location along the Luts and the busy intersection.
Today it only has a symbolic value for marriages and holding council meetings. In 1953 the municipality took place
on the other side of the road where the town hall is and the police are there left out in 1972 when the police got their own office.
