BCCC Board of Trustees Presents Budget Request to Beaufort County Commission

The Beaufort County Community College Board of Trustees met with the Beaufort County Commissioners on April 15 to update the governing body on projects at the college and to present its 2019-2020 budget request. The two bodies meet every year to review projects and discuss budgets. While the college receives the majority of its funding from the state of North Carolina, Beaufort County is responsible for maintaining buildings and paying for security and maintenance positions.

College staff updated the commissioners on projects using the NC Connect Bond. The college secured B.E. Singleton and Sons to construct its emergency vehicle driving pad for $2.6 million. With savings from the project, college administrators hope to add back storage bays for emergency vehicles. These bays were removed from an accompanying classroom because of concerns about cost. The driving pad should be complete by fall 2019. The NC Connect Bond was passed by the people of North Carolina in 2016 to fund infrastructure projects at colleges, universities and state parks.

Last year, the college had requested additional resources to improve security at the Beaufort County Early College High School. This included hiring an additional police officer dedicated to the high school, replacing doors, installing cameras and replacing some windows with walls. The projects have all been completed, and access to high school areas are now limited by key-card access.

For the 2020 fiscal year, BCCC administrators are requesting an increase of 3.2% more than the previous year’s budget. The increase comes from a cost-of-living adjustment for county-funded positions to match state-funded positions. Increases in equipment repair, insurance and marketing also factor into the additional expenses. The college requested $6000 less for capital improvements.

Major capital projects include replacing the 27-year-old HVAC system on Building 8, upgrading HVAC controls and converting interior lights to LED. The college has converted exterior lights to LED and continues to replace HVAC systems to reduce its energy use and maintenance costs. The budget also includes new signage to reflect new locations on campus and upgrades to classrooms and a camera security system. The college will replace several fleet vans, one of which is 19 years old.

BCCC continues to be an economic driver in the county. On May 30, the college will host the Beaufort County Economic & Workforce Development Summit. Dr. Jay Golden, East Carolina University’s vice chancellor of research, economic development and engagement, will present Out-migration, Economic Development, and Entrepreneurship.