The county will spend an extra $4.3 million to make its Zoo, Arts and Parks projects more earth-friendly - despite the millions more it already must cough up to cover inflated construction costs.

In a 7-1 vote, the County Council approved the add-ons Tuesday, deciding that "green" extras such as energy-saving light bulbs, solar panels and water-efficient plumbing make long-term financial sense.

The county will tap the $20 million once earmarked for parking at the proposed Real Salt Lake soccer stadium in Sandy to pay for the green buildings and the higher construction tab.

"I know it is important to stay low bid and build them as cheaply as we can," Councilman Randy Horiuchi said. "But we have a moral and ethical [responsibility] as leaders to make the right choice."

Councilman Jeff Allen cast the only no vote, arguing that the county is spending itself into hard times.

Voters originally approved $65 million for parks and recreation projects countywide. But with construction costs climbing 30 percent to 40 percent during the past two years, the same projects now cost about $15 million more.

In that context, Allen said, the earth-friendly extras seem a little too much. "This is our time of plenty and we are spending every nickel we have - and then some - hoping that the economy won't turn around on us."

Three of the five Republican councilmen ultimately voted for the expense, thanks to an addendum that would allow the council to reconsider its earth-friendly approach if times grow tight.

Councilman Mark Crockett, who once opposed the additions, was absent.

Most of the cash will help build a $24 million recreation center in Riverton and an $18.6 million one in northwest Salt Lake City - with about $3 million helping those facilities meet the environmental standards of the U.S Green Building Council. The projects will include more natural light, better air flow, solar paneling and a variety of energy savers.

The rest of the money for environmental upgrades will go to new light bulbs and improved equipment in existing buildings. The Kearns Recreation Center will get $147,000 in improvements, the Holladay Lions Recreation Center $329,000 and the Copperview Community Center $267,000.

County officials say the upgrades will pay off in three years for existing buildings and nine years for new ones.

Doug Willmore, the mayor's chief administrative officer, said the payback makes the expense easy to justify. "Financially, we are clearly best doing the work."

jstettler@sltrib.com