VIDALIA, La. &045; An informal vote at the Vidalia aldermen meeting Tuesday night was positive: Residents want a new recreation complex.

Most of the members of a standing-room only crowd raised their hands to show support for the project, which would cost about $8 million to $9 million and would provide new baseball, softball and soccer fields, among other recreation facilities.

&uot;I was delighted to see this many people and see the support,&uot; Mayor Hyram Copeland said after the meeting.

Of course, residents will have an official opportunity to vote on the project. Tuesday night’s public hearing was a chance for aldermen to gauge the interest in the recreation proposal.

But there were some concerns raised, including the issue of traffic around one of the proposed sites &045; which would be across the street from the current baseball fields.

Some residents also wanted to know about the cost of the project &045; and how it would be passed on to residents.

Copeland said the town could raise funds through grants but would likely have to raise either sales or property taxes or both.

But he pointed out that Vidalia has the lowest property tax rate in the region, and a proposed increase of 17 mills would still keep it among the lowest in the area and state.

&uot;Is it going to cost? Yes, it’s going to cost,&uot; Copeland said. &uot;Are you willing to pay for that kind of facility?&uot;

The majority of the crowd Tuesday night seemed willing. Many had questions about the details of the proposal and the drawing developed by Jane Greer of town engineer Bryant Hammett’s office.

Showing the design to the audience, Greer pointed out the features of the proposal, including baseball and softball fields centered around concession stands.

Copeland emphasized the design was just a starting point, and he welcomed suggestions from the community.

One resident, for example, asked why there were no basketball courts.

Copeland said the community’s support for the project would boost the chances of receiving grant funding.

&uot;They’re going to give grants to communities that make a commitment,&uot; he said.

Some residents also asked about the possibility of Concordia Parish residents or the police jury footing part of the bill. Copeland said the town would look into that idea.

After so many residents voiced their support, aldermen agreed to set up a committee &045; including three members from the recreation district or police jury and three members appointed by the town &045; to discuss ideas for the complex and how to fund it.