Despite a warning from one of the top budget officials in Barrington, members of the town council voted 4-1 to approve sending the plan for a new middle school to officials at the Rhode Island Department of Education.

During the Feb. 1 meeting, council members voted to approve the two project options — a new building tagged at $80.7 million or a renovated structure estimated to cost $89.6 million — for the stage two construction application to RIDE.

The move did not sit well with Geoff Grove, the chairman of the town's committee on appropriations.

"I encouraged the town council not to endorse the plan at this time," said Mr. Grove, adding that he has concerns about the affordability of the project.

June Speakman, president of the council, said the vote was "basically a procedural request." She said the vote should not be construed as support for the plan as it currently exists.

"The $80 million price bothers us all," she said. "I wanted to make sure that our vote was not an endorsement of the $80 million plans."

Ann Strong cast the lone vote against sending the plan to RIDE.

"I didn't see enough to make me feel that the $80 million price tag was justified," she said.

Ms. Speakman said the ultimate decision about whether to approve a bond for the future project will rest with the town's taxpayers.