Commissioners approve $296,994 increase for college workforce buildings after shifting funding to general fund

The Rockingham County Board of Commissioners on April 6 approved a request from Rockingham Community College to increase the 2025–26 budget by $296,994 to support two workforce capital projects: an emergency service training center and a Construction Trades Building.

Dr. Sylvia Cox presented the request and said the college identified site‑work and design costs that exceeded earlier estimates. She asked the board to reallocate $75,000 previously designated for a boat ramp to the training center, add $96,994 for required site work there, and allocate $200,000 for site preparation and design of the Construction Trades Building, for a total increase of $296,994.

Dr. Cox described a sealed‑bid process and partnerships with local colleges and workforce programs to ensure training capacity. "Both projects align directly with the intent of the quarter cent sales tax and address a clear workforce need in Rockingham County," she told the board.

Commissioner Burger moved to approve the college’s request with one change: that the money come from the county general fund rather than the quarter‑cent sales tax. Commissioner Richardson seconded the motion; the board voted to approve the request.

The board also handled a recusal before discussion: Commissioner Hall asked to be recused from voting because a vendor (Sears Construction) was named in some project paperwork; the board moved and seconded that recusal and approved it, with the county attorney confirming Hall could participate in discussion but not the vote.

The college will use the approved funds for site preparation, additional architect and engineering costs, and other pre‑construction work; no bids have been awarded for either project pending the updated budget and scope.