ELIZABETHTOWN — North Country Community College’s proposed 2012-13 budget passed Essex County on a preliminary 16-1 vote Monday.
The spending plan comes up for final approval by the Essex County Board of Supervisors at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 6.
The Franklin County Legislature gave its final approval on July 19.
Both sponsor counties must OK the $13.6 million budget, which calls for county shares the same as last year: $1.19 million, which includes $100,000 for the college capital fund.
No one from the public spoke at Essex County’s public hearing Monday morning in the Old County Courthouse in Elizabethtown.
College President Dr. Steven Tyrell told supervisors he appreciates the county’s ongoing support.
He said they will have 2012-13 enrollment data in October, and they can discuss matters such as out-of-county students and getting more county residents to enroll.
“We can address some of the issues we’re always talking about.”
Supervisor Sue Montgomery Corey (D-Minerva) said she’d like to see more Minerva residents enrolled at NCCC.
“We have been talking about a community forum to introduce the college to our residents,” Corey said.
The vote to approve the new NCCC budget was 16 to 1, with Supervisor David Blades (R-Lewis) absent and Supervisor Edward Hatch (D-Willsboro) opposed. Hatch said he voted no because he wants to see discussion on the feasibility of merging North Country Community College, based in Saranac Lake, and Clinton Community College in Plattsburgh.
The venture could save on expenses and reduce administrative overhead, he said.
“I think these schools should be considered to merge,” Hatch said.
Email Lohr McKinstry at:
lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com
