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Central Town Administrator Phillip Mishoe points out a portion of the more than 23 acres of land purchased by the town to construct a recreational complex to compliment Bolick Field and Central Community Park. Also pictured are Mayor Mac Martin, foreground, and Parks and Recreation Director Tom Cloer. Town Council will ask voters in the November referendum if they desire to pay an additional $5 per month on their water bill to expedite the construction process. Photo by Greg Oliver/Staff

CENTRAL — Central Town Council is seeking assistance from local residents in hopes of expediting the construction of its new recreational complex.

Council members voted last week to include a question on the Nov. 4 general election ballot, asking 1,500 customers whether they favor contributing an additional $5 per month for two years on their water bill. That fee, which Mayor Mac Martin said is the equivalent of a Big Mac, would raise enough funds to substantially complete the recreation complex.

“We’ve received some citizen input on the project, and individuals have expressed an interest in expediting construction of the new complex, including the ball fields,” Martin said. “The question on the November ballot will ask whether citizens feel they can each afford $120 over two years to ensure the rec complex is built in a timely manner.”

Last year, the town finalized a deal with the Hicks estate to purchase the 23-acre property beside The Summit at Cross Creek for $25,000 per acre to house the recreation complex.

Town officials said that the additional fee, if approved, would be in addition to funding derived from hospitality funds, the sale of a portion of land that contains a road and house in the middle of the property and grant opportunities.

Parks and Recreation Director Tom Cloer has already received a $50,000 grant from the state Parks and Recreation Division to fund a master plan that would include engineering costs and architectural drawings. Public input will be sought as to what individuals would like to see included in the plan.

Though the town already uses Bolick Field and Central Community Park for its football and baseball programs, officials say additional fields are needed in order to adequately serve a growing number of participants. The additional property will allow the town to construct two ball fields, a combination soccer and softball field, walking trails, picnic areas on the lower end and shelters. A Frisbee golf course has also been discussed as a future possibility.

Though the complex bears the town’s name, Martin said the name of the family members that sold the property would be placed on the walking trail and benches. The mayor said plantings and — per the request of the benefactor — naming rights permanently inscribed on the trail and benches, would also be featured.

For now, construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in January 2010, with another year required for completion. Additional questions regarding the November ballot question can be directed to Martin at mmartin@townofcentral.org.