GRAY -- Voters in Gray will be asked this Novemebr to authorize spending up to $2.4 million to renovate the historic Pennell Institute for use as a new town hall.

Town councilors this week unanimously voted to place the referendum on the town ballot. Whether to renovate the historic structure has been a contentious issue in town.

The desire to renovate the building coincides with a desire to replace the existing town hall. Proceeds from the sale of the existing town hall would be used toward the cost of the renovations.