Fort Smith (Mar 07/05) - The Town of Fort Smith will seek ratepayers' approval to borrow a higher amount of money to build a new swimming pool.

The overall cost of the pool is estimated at $4.5 million, about $1.2 million over budget. Mayor Peter Martselos says the town needs to borrow $4 million.

In 2003, ratepayers initially approved borrowing $2.5 million.

Martselos is confident the ratepayers will give their OK to the increase.

"I know it's going to go through."

No date has yet been set for the plebiscite.

The decision to go to a plebiscite was made at council's Feb. 22 meeting.

At that meeting, a $3 million tender to construct the pool building was awarded to CAB Construction of Fort Smith.

Other costs include architectural fees and a stainless steel pool and hardware, which will be purchased by the town for about $600,000.

The town's existing 27-year-old pool has exceeded its life expectancy by many years

It is an outdoor pool and can only be opened during the summer months.

Martselos hopes construction of a new swimming pool can begin in June.