CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Despite concerns about the economy, the Bradley County Commission’s Education Committee agreed this week that the quest for a new elementary school needs to continue.

The members passed a request from the county school board on to the Finance Committee, but pared it from two schools to one. And education members asked their finance counterparts to study whether the school can be built without a property tax increase.

“These numbers came in, quite honestly, higher than I anticipated,” said Commissioner Jeff Yarber.

Education Committee Chairwoman Connie Wilson cited lack of progress in a push by some state lawmakers to use some lottery funds used for brick-and-mortar projects instead of scholarships.

“I had hoped our Legislature would have made a move on the lottery money coming this way by now,” Mrs. Wilson said.

The estimated cost for elementary schools is $12 million apiece. The request to the finance panel is for a school at the county-owned Elrod family farm on Minnis Road.

Schools Director Bob Taylor said the figure is an estimate based on construction costs elsewhere.

Mr. Taylor also defended the Minnis Road property against doubts expressed by Commissioner Louie Alford and others about putting a school and a planned recreation center on the same site. Mr. Taylor said the two could share facilities.

“If in fact we can do it, it would serve taxpayers well,” Mr. Taylor said.

Mr. Alford also worried that a school on Minnis Road would be about a mile from three existing schools, but Mr. Taylor said that is where people are living.

Commissioner Brian Smith asked if the county should wait and see what happens in Nashville.

Mrs. Wilson said the question of whether to build will likely dominate the commission’s budget retreat in a few days.

“I don’t think we should put the brakes on completely, but we should also wait and see what the governor is going to do,” Mr. Yarber said.