LISBON — Town councilors at Thursday’s special town meeting approved a request for a $6 million bond to fund renovations at Philip W. Sugg Middle School, sending it to a public referendum in November.

Growing student enrollment is surpassing the available space at the school, according to Lisbon School Department Superintendent Richard Green. Areas were already too small, such as the gym, which is hampered by a wall created to make space for the library.

If the bond is approved, several areas, such as the gym, library, kitchen and others, will be expanded, he said.

The proposed bond is for 25 years at 6% interest, according to Green. The accrued interest over 25 years is expected to be a little less than $5.6 million, bringing the total to be paid to roughly $11.6 million.

Green has touted the proposal as having no additional cost to taxpayers because one bond was recently paid off. However, he said he hopes state or federal grant funds will be approved, reducing the amount the town might ultimately have to pay.

Some councilors shared concerns at an Aug. 20 meeting and at Thursday’s meeting that no grants would be approved or that the bond would ultimately drive up the budget despite one recently being paid off, frustrating the public after the fact.

Green said he felt confident there would be no additional costs to the public and that the bond figures given at the meeting are the most expensive option. He said he hopes that if voters approve it the town will be eligible for a lower interest rate, resulting in a smaller payout.

Several members of the public spoke in favor of the proposal, expressing a need to invest in students to give them the best possible education.

Former Town Councilor Don Fellows spoke against approving a bond now and instead suggested the town wait a year until interest rates come down.

Green was against the idea because it could prevent the town from receiving state or federal grants for the project, he said.

Councilors Mark Lunt, Fern Larochelle, Vice Chairperson Raymond Robishaw, Christine Cain, JoJean Keller and Norm Albert voted for the request. Chairperson Harry Moore Jr. was absent.

Green will schedule public meetings on the issue at dates to be determined.