The Troy School Board approved a motion to hold a mail ballot for the new Troy Activity Center during the Tuesday board meeting.

The decision to begin the voting process as soon as possible was met with some discussion over the amount of time necessary to inform the public and voters about the project.

"The advantage is the faster we can get this ballot out there, the faster we can get approval from the voters and get bids out there," said Troy School District Superintendent Brady Selle during the meeting.

Plans for the Troy Activity Center include a remodel of the existing auditorium and a science lab, as well as a full size gymnasium with seating for 750 individuals, a concessions area, four locker rooms, a multipurpose room, public restrooms, racquetball courts and a walking track.

Mail ballots will be sent to all registered voters in the Troy school district on Nov. 27. They must be returned by Dec. 18.

"I see a psychological disadvantage in waiting until January (to hold the election)," added Steve Straley, vice chairperson for the Troy School Board.

Voters will be deciding on a $1.8 million bond. The state share will be 43 percent of the cost of the project. The bond will sunset after 15 years.

"The longer we put this off, the longer the cost factor will keep rising," said board member Warren Fahner.

The annual tax increase for a $100,000 home will amount to approximately $35.

If the project is approved, the new activity center will be built in the W.F. Morrison Elementary School area.

Construction will tentatively begin as early as spring 2008 and would be scheduled for completion by fall 2008.

The center will be community accessible, a varsity athletic facility, a multi-use and 50-year facility. The old gym will still be maintained and available for use.

"We're talking about facilities that are 50, 60 and 70 years old," board member Steve Garrett said about the current facilities in Troy.

If the project continues, the center will be a school facility, but it will also be available for community use.

The school district will be the owner of the facility and will be responsible for the maintenance.

"The sense of pride isn't measurable, but it is very valuable," W.F. Morrison Elementary School Principal Lance Pearson said regarding building a new facility in the district.

"It carries over into the community feeling better about the school," added Jeff Ralston, Troy High School principal.

Board members have met with considerable support for the project from the city of Troy and Lincoln County to move ahead with the project, Selle said.

"I feel confident that the people we're working with will make this project happen," Selle continued. "If it fails, then the voters have spoken. The mail ballot gives every registered voter in the school district a chance to weigh in."