PARIS – If anyone still has questions about a proposed $12 million elementary school project, now is the time to ask.

With a referendum vote on the project scheduled for Sept. 14, the SAD 17 Board of Directors and building committee have planned a special public hearing for 7 p.m. today at the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School.

According to a brochure sent out by the district, 96 percent of costs associated with the school would be subsidized by the state. The remaining 4 percent, or $428,000, would be covered by local taxpayers through a 20-year bond.

“The repayment of the bond issue and the cost for operating the facility will be less than the current annual leases payments of the Madison Avenue School,” the brochure states.

The 450-student school is being planned for a spot on High Street between Hathaway Road and Meadow Lane in Paris. If approved by voters, construction is set to start in July 2005 and be completed by December 2006.

District Superintendent Mark Eastman has said the referendum is being held this month so that project designs can be prepared and put out to bid well before the July start date.

The Sept. 14 secret-ballot referendum will take place at local polling places in each town.