ELIZABETHTOWN — With less than 60 days to finalize a budget for fiscal year 2016-17, the Bladen County Board of Commissioners were urged by officials from Bladen Community College for an increase in the funding provided by the county.

President William Findt told the commissioners that $1.4 million would cover the college’s necessary costs — which represents an increase over the current year’s $808,265 amount given by the county.

Findt bolstered his request for the increase by saying that BCC is the state’s third-lowest funded community college, behind only Stanley and Lenoir community colleges.

According to figures supplied by Findt, the added funding would cover security through the Bladen County Sheriff”s Office, a 2-percent cost of living increase for county-paid employees, an additional custodian for the campus’ 17 buildings, additional campus lighting, siding at the East Arcadia Center and ADA-required renovation of a restroom.

No action was taken on the request.

Also on Monday, the board recognized the week of May 6-12 as National Nurses Week and presented representatives from Bladen County Hospital with a proclamation.

Staff report