EDGERTON, Wis. -- Edgerton has spent thousands of dollars keeping up its City Hall, but it's up to the voters to determine whether they want to spend more than $1 million on a new facility.

There's no question the facility needs work, but many are questioning whether now is the right time to build.

A referendum to build a new City Hall was narrowly approved by voters -- by 17 votes.

The current building is said to be 100 years old.

"There's a threaded rod running from this beam to a structural steel support beam on the other side," said Casey Burns, as he pointed out a wooden beam inside the City Hall.

The former alderman and referendum supporter said City Hall has seen better days.

He said walls are at risk of collapsing and the roof does little to keep the elements out.

Plastic sheeting is being used to protect the fax machines from rain, WISC-TV reported.

"That's the big thing for this community. People walk in that door and see what we have to operate with, with plastic hanging, things of that nature, what they have to do. What impression does that give?" said Burns.

With the health of the economy in the question, many residents, including District 3 Alderman Mark Wellnitz, said they believe now is not the time to spend.

"I just felt, regardless of the cheaper prices of building a City Hall, I feel we should have still waited to see what goes on with the economy," said Wellnitz.

There were 367 residents who voted no for the referendum and 384 who voted yes, and those 17 votes mean the project will go forward.

"Within 17 votes, I guess I have to respect that since I, myself, was elected by one vote," said Wellnitz.

"I'm glad it went the way it did for the betterment of this community and the people of this community. In the long run, it will save a lot of money," said Burns.

Officials said they hope the project could mean jobs for local contractors and expect to break ground within a year.

Edgerton Mayor Erik Thompson said the city will begin applying for grants to cover as much of the project as possible.

A new 5,000-square-foot facility could also include green technologies, such as utilizing solar energy.