The Executive Committee of the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Board of Trustees convened a meeting on Monday, July 29, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. in the Simpson Building. Mary Ann Rice, Chair, presided.
The following members of the Executive Committee were present: Joe Brumit, Frances Ramsey, John Parham, and Roger Metcalf.
Others present for the meeting included: Dennis King, President; Dirk Wilmoth, Vice President, Business and Finance/CFO; Chris Campbell, College Attorney; and Carolyn Rice, Secretary to the Board.
At 3:10 p.m., Chair M. Rice called the meeting to order.
Enka Offer
The College continues to negotiate a possible sale of a portion of the Enka property with 31 College Place, LLC. The two parties are still in discussion regarding the use of parking areas on the property.
The Executive Committee agreed that Dr. Wilmoth would inform Mr. Martin Lewis of 31 College Place that the College will not make any further concessions regarding the sale. Dr. Wilmoth will also ask Mr. Lewis for a final answer that may be presented to the Board on August 12.
Buncombe County Budget
Dr. Wilmoth discussed the Buncombe County Budget with the Executive Committee. Buncombe County approved a budget that leaves the College short $775,000 resulting in our inability to meet our obligations with county funds.
Dr. Wilmoth identified a few items in the budget that may be eliminated to help with the deficit. Dr. King and Dr. Wilmoth will meet with the Buncombe County Manager before the August 12 Board meeting in an effort to remedy the situation.
The Executive Committee discussed the budget deficit and agreed to ask the Board Chair to write a letter to the County detailing the history of the Buncombe County Budget with the College, including the Article 46 funding issue.
Mr. Campbell was asked to research the statutory obligations that Buncombe County has to the College. Mr. Brumit offered to write an Op-Ed to the Asheville Citizen-Times regarding the budget situation.
Interim President
The Committee agreed that an Interim President should be hired to cover the time between Dr. King’s retirement on January 31, 2020, and the date that a new President could start. The Committee will review the list of Interim Presidents that was provided by the State Board, and recommend a selection to the full Board during the October 7 meeting.
Adjourn
On a motion properly made the meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. by unanimous consent.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn H. Rice
Board Secretary