Published in the Courier-Tribune on April 1, 2011
by Hugh Martin
TROY — Area officials are looking forward to the opening of a new farmers market in the downtown area of Troy. First envisioned as a way to attract people to the center of town by the Troy Main Street Committee, the market has come together quickly.
The new market will formally open at 3 p.m. on April 7 with local farmers and artists selling their products. Storytellers and musicians will perform, making the market a family event.
Last summer, smaller markets were opened at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Office and in the parking lot at Montgomery Community College.
At the Troy Board of Commissioner’s meeting on March 7, Faye Atkinson and Jean Abbott from the Main Street Promotions Committee said they supported efforts by MCC and the Extension Service to hold a single combined market at 417 North Main Street, in the parking lot across from the Chamber of Commerce.
Danélle McKnight, extension agent, and several area growers and meat producers were present to support the farmers market plan. McKnight said they were prepared to start on April 7 and hold the market on Thursdays from 3-6 p.m.
The times could be expanded as the market grows, McKnight said, but the farmers have other jobs and commitments to other established markets.
Electrical outlets and water will be installed at the site. Troy Town Manager Greg Zephir said the cost for electricity and water would be minimal and would be offset by the benefits to the town.
“We are going to do all we can to make it happen,” Mayor Roy Maness said.
On March 29, McKnight reported that a group of local growers had met several times and organized as the Montgomery County Farmers Market Association (MCFMA).
“The Montgomery Farmers' Market Association is made up of key players throughout the county. Each member has their own uniqueness and that is what is going to make this association and market a success,” McKnight said.
The group has developed market rules and an application that must be completed before any vendor is allowed to participate in the market.
Information for potential vendors is available through the Cooperative Extension Office on West Main Street in Troy and at the market itself.
Applicants for the market must live in Montgomery or any bordering county and may only sell farm products that are grown by the vendors or their families. No reselling is allowed, and growers must be certified by McKnight.
Several vendors have already been approved:
• Hope Farms in Pekin calls itself a “small-timey farm with an old-timey heart.” Grower Sheila Menendez encourages people to eat fresh, local food. She raises free-range chickens and sells eggs. Menendez will also perform double-duty as manager of the market.
• Whipowill Hill Farm, located in the Abner community, raises chickens, pigs, goats, turkeys, pheasants and peacocks that are hormone and antibiotic free and are raised in an ethical and natural way.
• Fox Squirrel Farm, located on Samarcand Road near Eagle Springs, say they want to provide the freshest, high-quality foods to their neighbors and community. At market they will offer produce that they have grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.
• Uwharrie Heirlooms, of Biscoe, will be at the market with old-fashioned heirloom transplants of vegetable, herb and flower plants. Heirloom produce, fresh-cut flowers and shiitake mushrooms will be added as the season progresses.
• STARgarden, which is a part of the STARworks Center for Creative Enterprise in Star, plans to participate. Anne Pärtna, who is in charge of the gardens there will have plants and produce to sell. She also runs a community supported agriculture program from the farm.
McKnight said that there has already been a lot of interest in the market, both from potential vendors and consumers.
“Troy Farmers Market has everything to succeed. We have the entire support of the county from the citizens, farmers and town officials,” she said. “There are some other vendors who have not yet returned their application to the MCFMA. Some are also waiting to gauge the success of the early vendors before they commit to the market.”
The MCFMA is also working on two other potential markets in the county.
The farmers are making plans to start a market in Star, beside the Town Hall at the future Heritage Center, and one in Mount Gilead, at a location that has yet to be determined.
The farmers have also been approached by the Town of Candor to hopefully work out a plan for the use of the existing farmers' market facility located near the interstate.
A Facebook page for the MCFMA is being developed and local towns and businesses are supporting the market with their attempt to get the word out to the community.
“I am personally thrilled to see the great unity in our community to build this farmers market,” McKnight said. “I cannot wait until I can purchase my local meats, eggs, plants, produce and homemade arts and crafts!”
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Candor marketplace construction approved ♥
Published in the Courier-Tribune on Friday, March 18, 2011
By Hugh Martin
CANDOR – During a special called meeting Monday Town of Candor Commissioners approved a request from the Candor STEP Committee to begin construction on a multi-use building that, is hoped, will help to stimulate a revitalized downtown area.
The project, called Candor Marketplace, will be funded mostly by a grant that Candor received from the North Carolina Rural Center through their selection in 2006 as a community in need of economic help because they are in a distressed area.
STEP Committee member and former Mayor of Candor Becky Williams gave a brief presentation to the board on the history of Candor’s participation in the program and offered the committee’s choice between two contractor proposals that were considered for construction of the building.
The committee chose the proposal from Kanoy Builders of West End, NC, who entered a bid of $110,238.00 for a 2040 square-foot structure, to be built at the intersection of South Railroad Street and Whiskey Road.
The building will have a roof structure of laminated beams with wood decking and a metal roof for aesthetic appeal and durability.
The floor will consist of four-inch concrete, crowned for drainage and poured three feet beyond the roof line on all four sides.
Electrical and internet service will be included as will two handicapped-accessible restrooms, to be constructed from brick.
The board approved spending of town funds on the project not to exceed $11,000.00. John Gowan, Management Advisor for the town, told board members that the town’s portion of the funding could be split between two budget years because the timing of construction falls at the juncture of fiscal years. “The STEP money is already in an account, ready to be spent,” he said.
STEP funds amount to around $100,000.00 toward the cost
Commissioners Tim Smith, Layton Booker, Leslie Thomas and Phillip Hearne, along with Mayor Richard Britt, unanimously approved the expenditures and choice of proposal.
Commissioner Hearne expressed concern as to whether the construction would be finished in time for the 2011 NC Peach Festival, which takes place the third Saturday in July. Gowan pointed out that the proposal indicated that the timeline called for 30 to 90 days for design, followed by 60 to 90 days for construction, which would allow sufficient time for completion before the festival. “There has already been some design work done,” Gowan said.
The marketplace was originally thought to be mainly a farmers’ market with additional events to be scheduled, but the STEP Committee has eliminated the sale of any type of farm products because, according to Williams’ presentation, “Candor already has a State funded farmers’ market that needs to be better promoted and managed along with The Market Place.”
Williams urged board members to include funds in the upcoming budget to pay a part-time manager to take care of both the Marketplace and the existing farmers’ market.
Hearne asked about changing the name from The Market Place to something else. “I’m afraid that people will be confused and think that we have a new farmers’ market,” he said.
Gowan said that the building could be named anything that they wanted, that the marketplace name is just for planning purposes.
Planning for the marketplace has been ongoing for five years. The Town of Candor purchased the property for $8250.00 and the Rural Center paid for demolition of an old store building on the site and grading at a cost of $10,000.00.
A business plan that was submitted to the STEP Committee by member Ron Franklin lists three types of markets to be held at the facility, those being Craft, Arts and Performing Arts.
The plan also calls for:
• Quarterly Ethnic, Native American and Health-Food Markets;
• Weekly Specialty Beer and Wine Markets during tourist season;
• Monthly Potters Markets;
• Monthly Print, Art and Poster Markets;
• Monthly Glass and Ceramics Markets;
• Seasonal Multi-Specialty Artist’s Markets;
• Craft Markets;
• Quarterly Gunsmith Markets;
• Quarterly Custom Knife and Blacksmith Markets;
• Quarterly Textiles Markets;
• Quarterly Home and Garden Markets
• Quarterly Ethnic, Native American and Import Craft Markets;
• Quarterly Used Computer, Camera and Electronics Markets;
• Semi-Annual Quilt Markets;
• Quarterly Antique Furniture and Jewelry Market, and a
• Performing Arts Venue.
Throughout the year Candor Marketplace will offer a series of performing arts events, including bluegrass, gospel, Hispanic, Jazz and Folk music and specialty celebrations.
By Hugh Martin
CANDOR – During a special called meeting Monday Town of Candor Commissioners approved a request from the Candor STEP Committee to begin construction on a multi-use building that, is hoped, will help to stimulate a revitalized downtown area.
The project, called Candor Marketplace, will be funded mostly by a grant that Candor received from the North Carolina Rural Center through their selection in 2006 as a community in need of economic help because they are in a distressed area.
STEP Committee member and former Mayor of Candor Becky Williams gave a brief presentation to the board on the history of Candor’s participation in the program and offered the committee’s choice between two contractor proposals that were considered for construction of the building.
The committee chose the proposal from Kanoy Builders of West End, NC, who entered a bid of $110,238.00 for a 2040 square-foot structure, to be built at the intersection of South Railroad Street and Whiskey Road.
The building will have a roof structure of laminated beams with wood decking and a metal roof for aesthetic appeal and durability.
The floor will consist of four-inch concrete, crowned for drainage and poured three feet beyond the roof line on all four sides.
Electrical and internet service will be included as will two handicapped-accessible restrooms, to be constructed from brick.
The board approved spending of town funds on the project not to exceed $11,000.00. John Gowan, Management Advisor for the town, told board members that the town’s portion of the funding could be split between two budget years because the timing of construction falls at the juncture of fiscal years. “The STEP money is already in an account, ready to be spent,” he said.
STEP funds amount to around $100,000.00 toward the cost
Commissioners Tim Smith, Layton Booker, Leslie Thomas and Phillip Hearne, along with Mayor Richard Britt, unanimously approved the expenditures and choice of proposal.
Commissioner Hearne expressed concern as to whether the construction would be finished in time for the 2011 NC Peach Festival, which takes place the third Saturday in July. Gowan pointed out that the proposal indicated that the timeline called for 30 to 90 days for design, followed by 60 to 90 days for construction, which would allow sufficient time for completion before the festival. “There has already been some design work done,” Gowan said.
The marketplace was originally thought to be mainly a farmers’ market with additional events to be scheduled, but the STEP Committee has eliminated the sale of any type of farm products because, according to Williams’ presentation, “Candor already has a State funded farmers’ market that needs to be better promoted and managed along with The Market Place.”
Williams urged board members to include funds in the upcoming budget to pay a part-time manager to take care of both the Marketplace and the existing farmers’ market.
Hearne asked about changing the name from The Market Place to something else. “I’m afraid that people will be confused and think that we have a new farmers’ market,” he said.
Gowan said that the building could be named anything that they wanted, that the marketplace name is just for planning purposes.
Planning for the marketplace has been ongoing for five years. The Town of Candor purchased the property for $8250.00 and the Rural Center paid for demolition of an old store building on the site and grading at a cost of $10,000.00.
A business plan that was submitted to the STEP Committee by member Ron Franklin lists three types of markets to be held at the facility, those being Craft, Arts and Performing Arts.
The plan also calls for:
• Quarterly Ethnic, Native American and Health-Food Markets;
• Weekly Specialty Beer and Wine Markets during tourist season;
• Monthly Potters Markets;
• Monthly Print, Art and Poster Markets;
• Monthly Glass and Ceramics Markets;
• Seasonal Multi-Specialty Artist’s Markets;
• Craft Markets;
• Quarterly Gunsmith Markets;
• Quarterly Custom Knife and Blacksmith Markets;
• Quarterly Textiles Markets;
• Quarterly Home and Garden Markets
• Quarterly Ethnic, Native American and Import Craft Markets;
• Quarterly Used Computer, Camera and Electronics Markets;
• Semi-Annual Quilt Markets;
• Quarterly Antique Furniture and Jewelry Market, and a
• Performing Arts Venue.
Throughout the year Candor Marketplace will offer a series of performing arts events, including bluegrass, gospel, Hispanic, Jazz and Folk music and specialty celebrations.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Biscoe board okays property rezoning ♥
Published in the Courier-Tribune on March 16, 2011
by Hugh Martin
BISCOE - Town of Biscoe Commissioners voted during their regular meeting Monday to rezone .56 acres of land from Heavy Industrial to Highway Business. The property, located directly across from the entrance to Montgomery Crossing shopping center on N.C. 24/27, is owned by Montgomery Farms, LLC, who requested the change.
Beau Jackson, representing Montgomery Farms, told the board that a new road would be constructed along the lines of the present intersection. The road would be built in order to open up adjacent land for development.
Commissioner John Beard asked Jackson if there was a particular project in mind for the property.
“There are a few things in the works, but nothing I can tell you about,” said Jackson.
David VanDerveer of Montgomery Farms did confirm later that the property has been sold but that he was unable to disclose any details at this time.
In other business, board members Beard, Gene Anderson, Jimmy Cagle, Jerry Smith and Mayor pro-tem Mike Criscoe:
• Recognized Public Works Director David Asbill for 27 years of service to the town. Asbill is retiring this month.
• Approved matching funds for a grant being requested from the N.C. State Fire Marshal's Office by the Biscoe Fire Department. Funds would be used for equipment upgrades.
• Scheduled a series of budget workshops to be held during April and May.
• Held a closed session to discuss a personnel issue. No action was taken.
by Hugh Martin
BISCOE - Town of Biscoe Commissioners voted during their regular meeting Monday to rezone .56 acres of land from Heavy Industrial to Highway Business. The property, located directly across from the entrance to Montgomery Crossing shopping center on N.C. 24/27, is owned by Montgomery Farms, LLC, who requested the change.
Beau Jackson, representing Montgomery Farms, told the board that a new road would be constructed along the lines of the present intersection. The road would be built in order to open up adjacent land for development.
Commissioner John Beard asked Jackson if there was a particular project in mind for the property.
“There are a few things in the works, but nothing I can tell you about,” said Jackson.
David VanDerveer of Montgomery Farms did confirm later that the property has been sold but that he was unable to disclose any details at this time.
In other business, board members Beard, Gene Anderson, Jimmy Cagle, Jerry Smith and Mayor pro-tem Mike Criscoe:
• Recognized Public Works Director David Asbill for 27 years of service to the town. Asbill is retiring this month.
• Approved matching funds for a grant being requested from the N.C. State Fire Marshal's Office by the Biscoe Fire Department. Funds would be used for equipment upgrades.
• Scheduled a series of budget workshops to be held during April and May.
• Held a closed session to discuss a personnel issue. No action was taken.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
MCC Gunsmithing program continues to grow ♥
Published in the Courier-Tribune on March 13, 2011
by Hugh Martin
TROY - While the budget for Montgomery Community College gets smaller, the gunsmithing program continues to grow.
During the regular meeting March 9 Wayne Bernauer, gunsmithing instructor, gave the Board of Trustees a brief history of the program since its inception in 1978.
“Students from all over the United States are receiving two-year associates degrees, certificates and diplomas,” he said.
The National Rifle Association classes have also included students from Canada, Ireland and Trinidad.
“There are only 12 comparable programs in the United States with 20 or so more available by mail order and Internet,” Bernauer said. He told board members that last year the program had 33 full-time students; 47 are presently enrolled and 67 are expected in the fall with 37 names on a waiting list.
The program has expanded from one “shift” of classes to three, largely as a result of a $55,000 grant from Brownells Inc. Improvements to allow additional classroom space are scheduled to be finished in May.
Knife making classes are also a popular draw for the program.
Bernauer said that of 19 NRA courses being offered during the next session, eight were filled within days of being posted on the MCC website. He said that students of all ages and walks of life, from fresh out of high school to retirees, were taking the courses.
“We’ve had hobbyists, professional gunsmiths, a nuclear engineer, an executive of a medical corporation and even a part-time executioner from Tennessee enroll in our classes,” he said. “Many students enroll just to get away from their jobs for a while.”
The NRA classes last from one to two weeks each.
At the 2010 SHOT Show, the international shooting sports trade show, in Las Vegas, MCC students and administrators made contacts with representatives of several firearms manufacturers, including Brownells, Beretta and Remington, who expressed an interest in possibly working with the MCC program to do warranty repair work and in setting up a retail store for student training.
Students sold chances on a gun to raise money to attend the show.
“Every gun that is brought onto this campus is logged into a Federal Firearms Logbook and is also logged out when it leaves,” Bernauer told the board.
Bernauer said students who go through the program are highly employable in the industry. Several have been hired by North Carolina firms, Gander Mountain and a military arms manufacturer.
In other business, board members:
• Approved a local budget request of $810,000 from the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, more than the $701,191 proposed by the county.
• Several new employees were introduced: Lenny Anderson in Computer Technology; Marcus Ervin as Lead Maintenance Technician; Randy Gunter as Dean of Curriculum; Metzi Hopkins as Developmental English and Reading Instructor; Crystal Thomas as Special Programs Assistant; and Mitchell Walker as Director of information Technology.
• Approved a new policy on naming of Montgomery Community College facilities.
• Approved the academic calendar for Fall 2011 through Summer 2013.
• Approved a revised mission statement and goals.
• Approved in-kind transfers of donations of a hospital gurney, medical books and medical references to the nursing program.
• Mack Gaddy, student government association president, reported on the activities of the SGA, including a Polar Volleyball tournament Feb. 22 and plans for the annual Spring Fling on April 6.
• Trustee Sam Martin announced that a corporate sponsor had agreed to support the MCC Relay For Life team.
• Board Chair Gelynda Capel reported that 100 percent of the Board of Trustees had contributed to the Foundation fundraiser, bringing the total amount to more than $65,000. The goal this year is $175,000.
Earlier in the meeting, Gay Roatch, chair of the Foundation Board of Directors, had reported that 107 percent of faculty and staff had contributed, explaining that some part-time and continuing education staff who had not been included in their original goal had made contributions.
by Hugh Martin
TROY - While the budget for Montgomery Community College gets smaller, the gunsmithing program continues to grow.
During the regular meeting March 9 Wayne Bernauer, gunsmithing instructor, gave the Board of Trustees a brief history of the program since its inception in 1978.
“Students from all over the United States are receiving two-year associates degrees, certificates and diplomas,” he said.
The National Rifle Association classes have also included students from Canada, Ireland and Trinidad.
“There are only 12 comparable programs in the United States with 20 or so more available by mail order and Internet,” Bernauer said. He told board members that last year the program had 33 full-time students; 47 are presently enrolled and 67 are expected in the fall with 37 names on a waiting list.
The program has expanded from one “shift” of classes to three, largely as a result of a $55,000 grant from Brownells Inc. Improvements to allow additional classroom space are scheduled to be finished in May.
Knife making classes are also a popular draw for the program.
Bernauer said that of 19 NRA courses being offered during the next session, eight were filled within days of being posted on the MCC website. He said that students of all ages and walks of life, from fresh out of high school to retirees, were taking the courses.
“We’ve had hobbyists, professional gunsmiths, a nuclear engineer, an executive of a medical corporation and even a part-time executioner from Tennessee enroll in our classes,” he said. “Many students enroll just to get away from their jobs for a while.”
The NRA classes last from one to two weeks each.
At the 2010 SHOT Show, the international shooting sports trade show, in Las Vegas, MCC students and administrators made contacts with representatives of several firearms manufacturers, including Brownells, Beretta and Remington, who expressed an interest in possibly working with the MCC program to do warranty repair work and in setting up a retail store for student training.
Students sold chances on a gun to raise money to attend the show.
“Every gun that is brought onto this campus is logged into a Federal Firearms Logbook and is also logged out when it leaves,” Bernauer told the board.
Bernauer said students who go through the program are highly employable in the industry. Several have been hired by North Carolina firms, Gander Mountain and a military arms manufacturer.
In other business, board members:
• Approved a local budget request of $810,000 from the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, more than the $701,191 proposed by the county.
• Several new employees were introduced: Lenny Anderson in Computer Technology; Marcus Ervin as Lead Maintenance Technician; Randy Gunter as Dean of Curriculum; Metzi Hopkins as Developmental English and Reading Instructor; Crystal Thomas as Special Programs Assistant; and Mitchell Walker as Director of information Technology.
• Approved a new policy on naming of Montgomery Community College facilities.
• Approved the academic calendar for Fall 2011 through Summer 2013.
• Approved a revised mission statement and goals.
• Approved in-kind transfers of donations of a hospital gurney, medical books and medical references to the nursing program.
• Mack Gaddy, student government association president, reported on the activities of the SGA, including a Polar Volleyball tournament Feb. 22 and plans for the annual Spring Fling on April 6.
• Trustee Sam Martin announced that a corporate sponsor had agreed to support the MCC Relay For Life team.
• Board Chair Gelynda Capel reported that 100 percent of the Board of Trustees had contributed to the Foundation fundraiser, bringing the total amount to more than $65,000. The goal this year is $175,000.
Earlier in the meeting, Gay Roatch, chair of the Foundation Board of Directors, had reported that 107 percent of faculty and staff had contributed, explaining that some part-time and continuing education staff who had not been included in their original goal had made contributions.
MCC weighs budget options ♥
Published in the Courier-Tribune on March 11, 2011
by Hugh Martin
TROY — Montgomery Community College officials face difficult decisions regarding their ability to continue to offer the current level of service with prospects of a significant budget reduction for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
Matthew Woodard, interim vice president of administrative and student services, presented some disturbing predictions to the MCC Board of Trustees if Montgomery County commissioners are unable to meet the $810,000 budget request that the board approved at their March 9 meeting.
Woodard told board members that the county budgeted $973,017 three years ago for the college, but that County Manager Lance Metzler is proposing just $701,191 for the school in the upcoming budget year, a reduction of almost 28 percent.
County Commissioner Jim Matheney, who was present for the meeting, said that the cuts should be more in the range of five to eight percent.
The amount that the college is requesting would fund eight full-time salaries, utilities, maintenance and custodial supplies, insurance, vehicle operations and service contracts.
While the college receives funds from the state, the facility is owned by the county and must be maintained with county money. MCC President Dr. Mary Kirk said that she would love to be able to maintain the facilities with state money.
“We can’t do that,” she said.
Woodard read a statement from Metzler in which he said “the (MCC) board asked us to determine the amount of revenue and, based on prior year’s percentage of budget, that we allocate the revenue that way this year. Since our revenue has been reduced significantly, then this year’s first allocation is also reduced. As we move through this process this number may increase or decrease but we wanted to give them an opportunity to start working on their budget.”
Woodard said that he has been working on possible solutions for staying within the budget that Metzler is proposing. He said that the first choice for cuts would be salaries, specifically eliminating two positions, leaving one facilities director and five employees to handle all the plant operational, maintenance, custodial, and grounds work for the entire campus.
“If $700,000 is all this county can afford then they cannot afford this college,” Woodard told the board. He said according to North Carolina statutes, state financial support may be withdrawn if “the required local financial support of an institution is not provided.”
“We desperately need what we are requesting — $810,000,” Woodard said.
Woodard urged county officials to measure the economic impact that the college provides: Annual salaries for more than 200 employees equal $6,278,832 and purchases in Montgomery County totaling more than $250,000 each year.
If the college were forced to close due to lack of funding, Woodard added, around “4,000 students each year searching for a better life will have to look elsewhere. Programs could be lost that are a part of the heritage and pride of MCC.”
Kirk told board members that the request for $810,000 would be made to county commissioners and that negotiations would proceed from there.
“People here are working hard and making do with what we have,” she said.
by Hugh Martin
TROY — Montgomery Community College officials face difficult decisions regarding their ability to continue to offer the current level of service with prospects of a significant budget reduction for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
Matthew Woodard, interim vice president of administrative and student services, presented some disturbing predictions to the MCC Board of Trustees if Montgomery County commissioners are unable to meet the $810,000 budget request that the board approved at their March 9 meeting.
Woodard told board members that the county budgeted $973,017 three years ago for the college, but that County Manager Lance Metzler is proposing just $701,191 for the school in the upcoming budget year, a reduction of almost 28 percent.
County Commissioner Jim Matheney, who was present for the meeting, said that the cuts should be more in the range of five to eight percent.
The amount that the college is requesting would fund eight full-time salaries, utilities, maintenance and custodial supplies, insurance, vehicle operations and service contracts.
While the college receives funds from the state, the facility is owned by the county and must be maintained with county money. MCC President Dr. Mary Kirk said that she would love to be able to maintain the facilities with state money.
“We can’t do that,” she said.
Woodard read a statement from Metzler in which he said “the (MCC) board asked us to determine the amount of revenue and, based on prior year’s percentage of budget, that we allocate the revenue that way this year. Since our revenue has been reduced significantly, then this year’s first allocation is also reduced. As we move through this process this number may increase or decrease but we wanted to give them an opportunity to start working on their budget.”
Woodard said that he has been working on possible solutions for staying within the budget that Metzler is proposing. He said that the first choice for cuts would be salaries, specifically eliminating two positions, leaving one facilities director and five employees to handle all the plant operational, maintenance, custodial, and grounds work for the entire campus.
“If $700,000 is all this county can afford then they cannot afford this college,” Woodard told the board. He said according to North Carolina statutes, state financial support may be withdrawn if “the required local financial support of an institution is not provided.”
“We desperately need what we are requesting — $810,000,” Woodard said.
Woodard urged county officials to measure the economic impact that the college provides: Annual salaries for more than 200 employees equal $6,278,832 and purchases in Montgomery County totaling more than $250,000 each year.
If the college were forced to close due to lack of funding, Woodard added, around “4,000 students each year searching for a better life will have to look elsewhere. Programs could be lost that are a part of the heritage and pride of MCC.”
Kirk told board members that the request for $810,000 would be made to county commissioners and that negotiations would proceed from there.
“People here are working hard and making do with what we have,” she said.
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