Months of heated discussion and debate culminated Wednesday night, July 15, as the Sunset Hills Board of Aldermen voted to allocate $14.5 million toward a new pool, community center and storm water projects.

The board chose the higher, $14.5 million figure — supported by four aldermen and the mayor — over the $12 million option favored by four aldermen. The money will be borrowed.

“We are actually going to borrow more money than we need (with either resolution),” Alderman Bill Nolan said. “The only responsible thing to do in this instance is to borrow the least amount that we can.”

Alderman Frank Gregory agreed.

“In an ideal world we would design the project and get the bid first, then issue funding based on cost estimates,” he said. “Twelve million dollars is an appropriate amount and fiscally responsible approach to the process. If costs come in excess of that budget, then we can reassess and make modifications that don’t materially detract from the desirability of the project.”

Mayor Michael Svoboda said the chances of building a community center are much greater should the city go with the $14.5 million figure. He reminded aldermen that residents voted a new community center as a top priority.

Gregory disagreed with the mayor’s view.

“In my humble opinion, there won’t be enough savings to build the community center with $14.5 million,” Gregory said. “Twelve million dollars encourages us to be the most fiscally responsible.”

Alderman Pat Fribis worried that the quality of the project would suffer if only $12 million was appropriated.

“We need to borrow enough so we don’t build something inferior,” she said. “People want a pool with bells and whistles and a community center. If the cost comes in under then we are in great shape.”

Alderman Thomas Hrastich, who favored going with the higher allocation, encouraged the board not to be afraid of borrowing funds.

“There are advantages to borrowing money in this economy,” he said.

As the debate continued, Alderman Stephen Webb encouraged the board to consider the best interests of the community rather than their personal preferences.

“Based on body language, there is a negativity surrounding this debate,” he said. “I think it is positive. I’m not comfortable with $14.5 million and I’m not even sure that I’m comfortable with $12 million, but it’s not about me or anyone on this board,” Webb said. “I, along with everyone here, have personal interests but we have to think about future generations and administrations and what we are leaving with them.”

Aldermen split 4-4 on the two allocation options. Mayor Svoboda broke the tie with his vote in favor of the $14.5 figure.