The South Portland City Council is poised to send an $85 million borrowing plan for rebuilding South Portland High School to a citywide referendum this fall.

But, councilors are more cautious about whether they would support the renovation project at the polls in November.

“I’m undecided myself,” said Councilor Jim Hughes. “It’s an expensive school, no question about that. I want to put the plan forward to the public.”

Councilor Linda Boudreau also is uncertain whether she favors the project, but says she wants the public to have the final say.

“I do expect I’ll be moving forward to put the issue on the ballot, but I don’t want anyone to assume that I will support it myself,” Boudreau said.

This week, the council formally heard the proposed ballot question that asks voters if they want to pay for an expansion and renovation of South Portland High School.

The next step for the council is to take a roll call vote on whether to place the question on a citywide ballot. The vote and public hearing have not been scheduled, but may take place as early as the next council meeting on May 21.

“It is the council’s obligation to give voters a direct say,” said Mayor Claude Morgan.

At issue is the most expensive school construction plan in South Portland history.

School officials are proposing to rebuild the city’s only high school at a cost of $55.6 million. An additional $29.4 million would cover interest fees on a 20-year bond.

Contributing to the costs are significant drainage problems at the school campus, off Highland Avenue, as well as outdated mechanical and fire-safety systems at the end of their service life.

A key component of the renovation is installing underground water retention systems and redirecting storm drainage away from the site. The existing building has standing water in some areas, and water damage on floors and walls.

Regardless of whether voters approve the rebuilding plan, officials say taxpayers still will face costly repairs and updates to meet safety and environmental codes.

The council lauded a school sub-committee and architect Harriman Associates for a thorough job at identifying concerns and proposing a solution.

But members question whether voters will accept the big price tag.

“Bonds don’t always succeed on their merits. It’s anybody’s guess as to whether voters will agree to this project, given the economic climate,” said Morgan, who added he personally supports the plan.

Councilor Ralph Baxter – a former South Portland High principal – said he knows firsthand about the limitations of the current school building and the need for major repairs. He also plans to endorse the project and vote for it at the polls this fall.

“It’s a fair price,” Baxter said. “If anyone wants to ask, they can check with other high schools that have had similar renovations. This will only get more expensive, if we wait another year.”

Other councilors are less forthright about sharing how they will plan to vote at the polls this fall.

Councilor Jim Soule said he will join the majority of councilors in voting to forward the proposal to a citywide referendum.

He said the council’s endorsement will enable school officials to present their case to voters through workshops and hearings.

But Soule declined to disclose how he personally will vote in the fall.

Likewise, Councilor Kay Loring said, “I don’t tell anyone how I vote when I step into the booth.”

But Loring may be the sole dissenter when the council votes by roll call on whether to place the proposal on the ballot.

“I’m not voting to forward it,” Loring said. “This is not the year to do it.”