SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Just moments after the 5-A State Football Championship trophy adorned the table at Monday’s regular meeting, the city council approved the design and construction of a $400,000 field house at Spanish Fort High School.

The proposed facilities — which would be available for use by all sports across the board — include locker-room facilities, restrooms and a weight room.

“I think we have a good partnership on a much-needed facility,” Mayor Joe Bonner said of the resolution approved unanimously by the council. The measure allowed him to enter into a contract with the Baldwin County Board of Education for the project.

The council actually approved a memorandum of understanding on the project between the city and board of education on Sept. 20, making the timing of the announcement on the heels of the Toros’ state championship mere coincidence.

Bonner was clear, however, that the city will not be committing a penny above the budgeted $400,000 for the project, and each of the four responsive bidders on the project were made well aware of that fact before figures were discussed.

“I want to assure you,” Bonner told members of the council during the work session prior to Monday’s meeting, “the bid package is going to have to make you and me feel comfort before we sign on the dotted line.”