MEXICO – The Region 9 board on Tuesday set a public hearing for 6 p.m. on Dec. 19 for receiving comments and to explain a proposed $4.9 million building and renovation project for the vocational school.

Residents of the 16-town region will vote on the issue at referendum on Jan. 9.

The board also met in an hour-long closed session to continue discussion of a purchase price for about 2.5 adjacent acres on which the addition, new parking area and access road would be located, said board Chairman Norman Clanton.

No price has been agreed on.

Planned is a major renovation of the existing 377 River Road school that includes installation of an air ventilation system, construction of an elevator that would bring the building into Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, roof replacement and reconfiguration of vocational programs and office spaces.

The renovation and 17,000-square-foot addition would also provide space for two vocational programs now housed in modular classrooms, and add programs in automotive technology and early childhood.

The project would be financed by an estimated $673,238 grant from the state, a zero-percent loan for just over $1 million from the state, and about $3.1 million from bonds issued at the market rate of interest over a 20-year period.

Each of the 16 towns will hold separate referendum elections on Jan. 9.

The Dec. 19 public hearing will be held at the River Road school.