The city wants voter input on spending $6 million, 85% of which will be reimbursed by the state, for turf fields at the new high school and middle school complex. A referendum question on the appropriation is included on the ballot for Tuesday’s election. The expense would increase the cost of the school construction project from $179.575 million to $185.575 million. Originally the high school construction project included the fields but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the cost of goods increased, the Building Committee decided to scale back on some things, including the fields. Building Committee Co-Chair Edward Arum said the athletic complex will consist of two baseball fields, two softball fields and a multipurpose field. If they are grass, which is the plan as of now, Arum said maintenance would be more expensive. Lining, watering and mowing would run about $90 000 a year, he said. The quote the committee got to maintain the turf is $22,000.
