SANFORD — Those with an opinion on the proposed new high school and technical school bond may express it Tuesday at a public hearing during the regular city council meeting.

The council is poised to act on setting the matter for a public referendum.

The public hearing is a required step ahead of the expected Jan. 13 vote.

Two questions will be presented for the public hearing and subsequent vote. The first asks voters to approve the base project at $100 million, which includes about $7.9 million in local funds, with the bulk of the project ”“ about $92 million ”“ paid through the state’s school construction program.

The base project includes construction of a new Sanford High School and Sanford Regional Technical Center, and includes site acquisition, building construction, and site improvements, including athletic fields, parking and more.

Items to be financed through the local, $7.8 million portion of the bond are expected to include a performing arts center, increased space in the second gymnasium, portions of student common and presentation areas, portions of the site costs, field lighting, irrigation, outdoor bleachers, a concession stand, portions of an added softball field, a fourth tennis court, mechanical system improvements, portions of equipment, a community reserve, and stadium utility preparations, according to the proposed referendum question.

City and school officials say when the bond payment, energy consumption and maintenance are configured, someone with a home with a 2014 value of $160,000 would save about $22 per year in taxes.

If the first question is approved, the second question asks voters to authorize $2.7 million in supplemental improvements, which includes additional bleachers, lighting, an upgrade to synthetic turf for the competition athletic field, additional parking and additional dehumidification.

If the second question is approved, City Manager Steve Buck in September said no tax savings are expected – but no increases are expected either; it would be a wash.

The project will replace the 40-year-old Sanford High School and technical center and the dozen portable classrooms surrounding it. Proponents say the new school will provide a wealth of technical programs, educating young people for the 21st-century economy.

At a September straw poll, all but six of the 217 residents casting ballots favored the base package, and all but 18 favored the supplemental package as well.

The public hearing is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday in the council chambers, on the third floor of City Hall.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].