The Bainbridge-Decatur County Recreation Authority unanimously voted to purchase a 21-acre plot of land on Hubert Dollar Drive for $168,000.

The land lies between the Bill Reynolds Sports Complex and the Early May Boat Basin. The Recreation Authority is just beginning to develop ideas of what to put there, but the biggest project on its list is a multiuse building with a gymnasium, offices and additional sports fields.

“It’s just a step forward where we can expand some of our offerings,” board member Jeff Lynn said.

DeHildren Realty originally priced the land at $420,000, coming out to $21,000 per acre. The Recreation Authority was able to purchase it for $8,000 per acre.

“I’m excited we made the first step on this, and we’re not going to slow down,” Recreation Authority Director Al Kelley said.

Kelley also presented the board with a temporary budget for now until June 30, before the authority’s fiscal year begins July 1. According to the document, Kelley estimated total expenses amounting to $68,750 during the six-month period.

The authority is projected to collect $1,200,000, or 1.5 mils, of property taxes for its budget this year.

The Recreation Authority’s next meeting is Thursday, Feb. 11, at the Potter Street Community Center.

The address for the land is 111 Hubert Dollar Drive.