SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Plans for the construction of an athletic field house will proceed, despite one councilman’s objections to the vague language of the Baldwin County Board of Education’s contract with the city.

The City Council approved during Monday’s regular meeting a resolution authorizing Mayor Joe Bonner to execute the contract with the board in a 4-to-1 vote. District 1 Councilman Dennis Dismuke abstained, and District 3 Councilman Joe Thomas voted against the measure.

Dismuke questioned why the city was committing to the full $400,000 figure included in the contract for design and construction when Mayor Joe Bonner and Mayor Pro Tem Mike McMillan insisted the action would only authorize the city to expend $17,500 in design and engineering services needed to get the project bid-ready.

“It will come back to this council before any bids are let,” McMillan said.

McMillan, who has served as the city’s liaison on the project, said the board requires proof that the financial funding for the complete project is available before proceeding with any bricks-and-mortar action.

“Now we have ultimate control of the project because we control the funding,” he said.

Dismuke petitioned unsuccessfully to either have the language of the contract amended to reflect the anticipated incremental payments. He also cited language in the contract that makes the city “liable for any cost overruns.”

The proposed facilities would include new locker rooms, restrooms and weight room to be used by athletes of all sports.