(WSBT) Expect a battle over the governor's plan to get voter approval for public construction projects. To help ease the state's property tax burden, Governor Mitch Daniels wants voters to approve school construction projects instead of local leaders.

Elkhart Community Schools are currently wrapping up two construction projects and hope to start more in the near future. But getting projects like that off the ground has been difficult for other area districts.

With more than 20 buildings in the district, Elkhart Community Schools say renovation projects are inevitable.

"We have needs. We have always had needs," said Elkhart Community Schools Business Manager Doug Hasler.

But getting money for those projects could get harder if Gov. Daniels gets his way. He wants voters to decide on funding for school construction projects.

"We're somewhat concerned as I suspect other school districts would be," Hasler said.

In a visit to Elkhart last month, Governor Daniels addressed the reason behind his new proposal.

“I think the people should have a more direct say," Daniels said.

While some taxpayers agree, others aren't so sure.

"I don't know that an actual vote by the voters is the appropriate manner to do that," said an Indiana taxpayer.

"I think it's important that all the people have a voice in that kind of thing and I would certainly be interested in that," said another.

But it hasn't always worked in Michigan where referendums have been hard to pass. People tend to vote with their pocketbooks. Just this week, Cassopolis voters failed to pass a school millage for the second time this year. And some Indiana taxpayers fear that could lead to crumbling schools.

"I think it's really hard for some of the schools to get the funding that they need especially for building projects and renovations," said one Indiana resident.

Taxpayers who oppose construction projects can fight them through a petition drive called remonstrance. And in many cases opponents have won.

"That suggests to me that that's a real option that exists today. Good quality schools are very important to the vitality of the community and the economy of the local community," said Hasler.

Elkhart Community Schools say if the proposed referendum passes, this would force them to campaign for construction projects. They say that's not something they want to do.

Sen. John Broden (D-South Bend) also opposes the referendum system because he thinks it's not informative and the vote is seldom about the projects.

On the other hand, Rep. Ryan Dvorak (D-South Bend) is open to the idea, but would like learn more about the specifics involved and how they would affect the community.