Two bank projects, a major retail expansion and a school air conditioner replacement helped boost Decatur building permits to more than double during May.

More than $4.6 million in permits were recorded, bringing permits for the first five months of the year to almost $8.3 million.

State National Bank of Texas filed for a permit to build a permanent structure on its site on Business 380 West, valued at $1,995,720.

North Texas Bank received a permit for an addition to the west side of the bank, on Thompson St., valued at $803,423.

Murphy Oil, in front of Wal-Mart, is planning a $575,000 addition.

The new a/c unit at McCarroll Middle School is a $662,000 project.

Another strong category was electrical permits, at $242,993, led by the work associated with the school unit at $123,793 and the new Panda Express at $50,000.