Petitioners for a $20 million building project in the Union-North United School Corporation are working around the clock to drum up support.

They've been circulating their petitions since late February.

Whichever side gets the most signatures will determine whether the plans move forward.

Both sides tried to convince people during community meetings Saturday, but that didn't come without some controversy.

Both sides agree renovations are necessary especially when it comes to the elementary school. But the disagreement comes when they talk money and exactly how much it will cost taxpayers.

"I see the need every single day," said supporter Julie Schmidt.

Schmidt says that need is space. She says her daughter knows first hand how crowded it is at LaVille Elementary School.

"When the year started she had 26 students in her class. That's just too many second graders to have in one classroom," said Schmidt.

Overcrowding issues have forced sixth graders to be housed in four portable classrooms behind the school. It's one of the many reasons people like Schmidt are petitioning to build a new middle school and renovate the elementary school and high school.

Supporters say the proposed project would cost $19.6 million. With interest, they say it would cost the average taxpayer an extra $10 a month.

"It's a worse case scenario figure," said supporter Tim Tyler.

But some taxpayers say that's just not affordable.

"The people who say it's only going to cost me $10, I say to them if it's only $10 please pay mine," said Michael Gross.

Gross is among those who won't be saying yes to the plan. Those against the plan say if you look at the entire life of the project, it would cost much more than the projected $19.6 million.

“You're misleading the public when they think it's only $19.6 million. The truer cost of this is closer to $40 million," said George Moffett.

Petitioners have until March 24 to gather signatures. The side with the most signatures wins. If the proposed project passes, it must still be approved by the state.

For more information on the proposed project, click here.