The Spring Cove buildings and grounds committee discussed athletic facility investments, including a proposal to spend $230,000 to resurface Central High School’s six-lane running track.

Committee members include Erika Smith, Kevin Smith, Samantha Snowberger and Troy Wright.

Building and grounds supervisor Aaron Barnes said during his presentation at Tuesday night’s meeting that if approved, the cooperative purchasing program COSTARS will add a top layer to the track that can last about 10 years.

While the track is still in good condition, he said it’s the right time to undergo repairs.

“If you go too long, you got more repairs, which will cost more,” he added.

Superintendent Betsy Baker said the district had to resurface the track a couple of years ago when it was unsafe to use, costing the district a large amount of money.

Erika Smith said she doesn’t “feel good about putting a quarter million dollars into it (the facility) right now” because the track and field space needs to be updated.

She said Central can’t host major track events because they don’t have eight lanes, the pole vault pit and high jump pit need renovations and there is no access to outdoor plumbing facilities. Plus, the track’s current location behind the high school is unsuitable.

As a result, the high school can’t host major track and field competitions, which can bring in revenue, she said.

“We really need to consider what we’re going to pour into this,” she said.

Baker advised the board to create a plan, but they would potentially need a tax increase to afford upgrades.

“We gotta have a goal,” Erika Smith said. “Our facilities are heartbreaking compared to District 6.”

Discussing fund balances, business manager Steven Foor said their borrowing capacity is set at a $2 million bond payment, which is about $30 million. They also have about $17 million allocated in capital projects.

If they approved of any projects over $30 million, he said the district would have to raise taxes to increase the bond payment.

Meanwhile, it’s important to maintain a healthy fund balance, Foor said, as unforeseen events such as the state budget impasse can impact those savings. He recommended that board members place additional funding into their capital projects.

After a lengthy discussion about declining student enrollment, future building projects and saving money, Wright said, “I think that’s some great ideas to bring to the entire board and get some more discussion in the next board meeting.”

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.