It couldn't have been much closer!

By the narrowest of margins, 60.1%, voters in Orange City have passed a $4.5 million bond issue.

The money will help pay for parts of the "Phoenix Project", which includes a new events center, a performing arts center and replacing the old Hawkeye Hotel that burned down more than a year ago.

It started as a way to rebuild after a devastating fire to an historic downtown building. The phoenix project has now emerged as a larger vision for the community.

"As a fairly new resident to Orange City, I'm excited by the progressive nature of the community and I think this is just one example of that." says Greg Christy of Orange City.

The project contributes in three parts: an events center off of Highway 10, a retail and residence facility to replace the old Hawkeye building, and a performing arts center in Unity Christian High School.

"We believe it to be a very fiscally responsible vote and one that we can actually leverage public dollars into multiples of 3 or 4 times that in terms of total investment in the community." says chair of the Phoenix Task Force Marty Guthmiller.

The plan will add $110 to the average home owners yearly bill.  Many say the long term benefits outweigh the short term payments.

"The $12 a month for the future of our children and grandchildren is insignificant." Says resident Dennis Denhartog.

"In order to keep your community progressing, you have to keep doing new and innovative stuff because otherwise you can't go forward. You naturally go back." says Barb Deboer of Orange City.

The project still has several other obstacles to overcome. They're hoping grants and donors will help offset the remaining costs.