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JACKSON – After two months of consideration, the Northampton County Board of Commissioners have decided not to provide additional funding to Roanoke Chowan Community College (RCCC) this fiscal year.

They made that decision at their regular meeting held on April 7.

The request was first brought before board in early February when RCCC President Dr. Murray Williams presented information about how the college is serving the local community, including Northampton County. She concluded her presentation by asking the commissioners to consider increasing their funding this fiscal year so it would equal the percentage of Northampton County students attending the school.

That request was for an additional $85,000, which would bring their total allocation this year to $195,000.

The commissioners tabled the decision twice, wanting more time and information first.

Board Chair Ed Martin initially described the money as needed to cover a “shortfall” at the college, but later told the News Herald that this wasn’t the case. The college was attempting to request funding from the Northampton, Hertford and Bertie commissioners as a percentage proportionate to the number of students enrolled there from each of the three local counties.

Northampton County Manager Julian Phillips told the commissioners they could provide up to $50,000 from the county’s contingency fund, if they chose to do so.

“I believe it’s only fair to them to let them know one way or another if they’re going to get anything additional for this year,” Martin said to his fellow commissioners at Monday’s meeting, urging them to decide how to move forward.

“I don’t like to give to one without giving to all of them,” stated Commissioner Keith Edwards.

Commissioner Melvetta Broadnax Taylor said she agreed.

Martin noted that Halifax Community College (HCC) has not requested additional funding for this fiscal year. He also noted that the county manager’s initial budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year currently includes increased funding allocations for RCCC, HCC, and Northampton County Schools.

There was a long silence amongst the board members before Keith Edwards finally made a motion to not increase this year’s allocation to RCCC. Broadnax Taylor seconded. The vote passed unanimously.