PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- On a 4-1 vote, the Pierre School Board has rejected the bid for the proposed $15.7-million T.F. Riggs Athletic Addition project.

Board member Dan Cronin said he supports addressing needs, but not with this particular project.

Board member Joan Adam said along with the price tag, she’s concerned about pay increases for staff.

One of those issues is a city ordinance about parking space. There’s currently 415 spots at Riggs and board member Jessica Lewis asked Pierre School District Business Manager Darla Mayer (mayor) how many more would be required.

Lewis thinks the benefits of the athletic addition are worth taking the risk.

The Pierre School District has around $10-million available for the project, but would have to finance the rest of the cost. Among the suggested ways to do that was fundraising, something board member Randy Hartmann is against, in this situation.

Another financing option was opting out of the state property tax freeze, but board members didn’t feel there would be public support to go that route.

Those voting to reject the bids were board members Randy Hartmann, Dennis James, Joan Adam and Dan Cronin. Jessica Lewis was in favor of moving forward with the project.