Statement on Brunswick Community College Budget

In recent weeks there has been a great deal of discussion regarding funds allocated to Brunswick County College by the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners.  Specifically, there has been discussion revolving around the salary of Dr. Susanne Adams, President of Brunswick Community College.

The following clarifications and corrections to the information that has been circulated regarding this issue were included in a response I sent to a constituent who inquired:

• There has not been a request for “new” taxpayer money.
• Historically, the county has provided the Community College with a lump sum budget appropriation each year. County Manager Ann Hardy indicated that this has been the case since the college was founded.
• The Community College has used a portion of that lump sum to supplement the college president’s salary.  County Manager Ann Hardy indicated that it is her understanding from speaking with college officials that this has occurred since the college was established.  She further indicated that this is widely done throughout the state, with only three that do not have a local supplement to the best of her knowledge.
• This issue was raised within the context of a larger discussion about whether to move from the current practice of providing the community college with a lump sum appropriation to providing them with a budget allocated by purpose code.
• The county manager’s recommended budget includes purpose code-based appropriations for the community college, and does not include purpose code funding for a presidential salary supplement.

In closing, I would like to state for the record that I believe Brunswick Community College is a tremendous asset to our county.  We have a great college, and I believe our college has strong leadership.