In previewing architectural designs for a new gym and classrooms Tuesday evening, the Lometa Independent School District Board of Trustees weighed both the school district's building needs and considerations of the community.

Meeting in regular session, the board agreed that additional facilities are a necessity for the district. "I believe, in this case, our needs and our wants walk hand in hand. I think we need a new gym," said Lometa board member Stephen Stone.

Michael Nelson of NR2 Architects offered three designs, and the firm's presentation met with approval from trustees. Each design incorporated a new gymnasium, locker rooms, a concession stand to serve football and basketball events, and additional classroom space.

While building designs were of interest to the board, trustees also contemplated a bond election and an increased tax rate for local citizens. With a tax rate currently sitting at $1.04, the rate of increase will be a much-discussed issue for the district.

A $700,000 cafetorium/stage facility, which was paid off recently, may serve as a confidence booster for the board. The project required no bond election and was paid out of the district's budget. The need for a new track also figures into the design plan for the district.

"We paid for the cafeteria out of our budget; we could pay for a track out of our budget, too," said Stone.

Facing a Sept. 2 deadline for the order of a bond election, the board requested that Ron Greiner of Government Capital Securities figure projections for tax increases of 29 cents, 35 cents and 41 cents over 25 years, based on an average daily attendance of 278 students. Greiner then is to report back to trustees with his findings.

In addressing Nelson and Greiner, Board President Tommy Maddox stated, "I think what you're basically going to do is see what we can get for $3.8 or $4 million. The board's got to get together and say we can pass `X' amount in taxes, then give that figure to you, and you tell us what we can build."

No action was taken.

In other business, Lometa Superintendent David Rice reported that the district's monthly interest revenue climbed to $2,944 with the maturing of a CD. The district currently reports $1.5 million in funds, with $500,000 to $600,000 marked for return to the state, Rice added.

"That's a pretty good balance for us at this time of year, considering all of the things we have done," said Rice.

Also Tuesday, trustees agreed to accept vendors for bids regarding cafeteria, maintenance, athletic, custodial, instructional, transportation, electrical and HVAC supplies, as well as fuel.

In final matters, Rice was named representative for the National School Lunch Program, and approval was given for the shared services agreement for special education.