Butler School Board was presented with two preliminary cost estimates during Monday's meeting.

BUTLER TWP — Presented with preliminary cost estimates for two different options, the Butler School Board Monday night voted again in favor of connecting Summit Township Elementary School to a public water utility.

In a presentation during its committee of the whole meeting, Eric Buzza of engineering firm Gannett Fleming told the board that he recommended the public water option for the school over attempting to repair its well and installing a chemical treatment system to lower the acidity of the water.

The building has been out of use since January because of high levels of lead and copper in the water.

Pennsylvania American Water Company had told district officials it was willing to extend service from Hinchberger Road in the township to the area of the school.

In his report, Buzza estimated that the cost to extend an 8-inch water line from the school to the intersection of Bonniebrook Road and Brinker Road would be $231,250.

The cost to repair the well and install a chemical treatment system would be $215,000, though Buzza noted that his estimate of $100,000 for well repairs was a placeholder and the amount could actually be much higher.

“If significant reconstruction of the wells or new wells are required, it could be much higher,” he said.

Gannett Fleming has not yet made a recommendation on whether the district should replace the plumbing.

A vote to move forward with the plan to connect to public water was passed by a vote of 8-1, with Bill Halle voting against.

Halle questioned whether the board should make such a large investment in the school, especially when the district may have to consolidate its schools again in the future.

"To me this is financially irresponsible,” he said.