Northampton commissioners delay decision on Roanoke‑Chowan shortfall request

The Northampton County Board of Commissioners discussed a request from Roanoke‑Chowan Community College for short‑term financial assistance after the college warned it may exhaust funds before the fiscal year ends.

County officials said the college is projecting a shortfall of about $85,865. County staff and at least one commissioner said the board could draw on contingency funds and mentioned a potential contribution of up to $50,000, but no appropriation was approved at the meeting. The board voted to postpone action until its next meeting to allow commissioners and staff time to review budget details and to see whether other counties that serve the college’s students will contribute.

Commissioners and staff said the college had previously asked the county to match its share of funding based on student population and that Northampton had historically contributed a smaller share than the county’s percentage of enrolled students. Commissioners warned that approving an emergency appropriation could set a precedent for other colleges or agencies that might come asking for help during the state budget uncertainty.

The board’s motion to postpone was made and seconded; members voted in favor and carried the motion. County staff said they could notify Roanoke‑Chowan of the decision and that the matter will be revisited at the next meeting.