Once again, the issue of the Bates Mill Complex surfaces – this time with a new agreement that will extend our involvement another seven years and supposedly save the city money. It escapes me how anyone can look at both the proposals and come up with a conclusion that we are going to save over $31 million.

The original agreement calls for the city to spend approximately $59 million (in one fashion or another) with the whole Bates Complex being taken over by the developer at the end of the agreed time.

The new agreement calls for the city to spend approximately $27 million, with the city retaining buildings 5 and 9. These buildings are the two white elephants of the complex. The steam plant is losing money every year, and the other is expected to be turned into a convention center.

Why isn’t the cost of the renovation to this building included in the estimated expenses of the new agreement? No mention is made of the $30 to $40 million needed to achieve the dream of a convention center.

Without all the figures being included in this new agreement, how can anyone speculate on whether we will save or lose money. We seem to be comparing apples and oranges instead of apples and apples. Unless the agreements are the same, no gain or loss can be calculated.

It sounds like a great deal for someone, but not the citizens of this city.

Jacqueline P. Smith, Lewiston