Vance-Granville Community College President Randy Parker appeared before the Vance County Commission on Monday evening seeking approval for operational funds for a structure on land the college intends to buy.
Parker explained to commissioners during their regular monthly meeting that the funds for the land acquisition will come from a 2000 Higher Education Bond that originally totaled $17 million, not all of which was spent.
The funds will be transferred from Granville County to Vance County. The amount of the purchase was not shared; however, the total maintenance cost for the existing building has been estimated at $64,000 per year. Vance County is responsible for 75% of that, or $48,000.
Parker also stated that $168,000 would be left over from the purchase funds for the renovation of the building in question, which was described as being in a “warehouse” condition.
Commissioner Danny Wright asked what the building would be used for. Parker replied that the use of the building is being discussed.
Member Dan Brummitt asked if the community college was seeking to buy the land for its acreage or for building. The college president replied that it is looking at future expansion, as its current Vance campus has only one building site left.
The motion to approve the commitment of operational and maintenance costs for the building made by Commissioner Deborah Brown passed unanimously.
Before moving the meeting along, Danny Wright mentioned that North Carolina Rep. Jim Crawford needed to be thanked for getting the land purchase done. He noted that it requires legislative action.