news-record.com

WENTWORTH — A flagging campaign to raise money for the McMichael Civic Center has Rockingham Community College leaders seeking alternative methods to fund the project, including a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

College officials raised the possibility of a loan to help pay for the $16.9 million project during a meeting with county commissioners last week. Robert Keys, president of RCC, said state law does not allow community colleges to incur debt for capital projects, so the county would have to apply for the loan on the college’s behalf.

“That appears the most expedient option at this point,” said Keys, adding that the federal loans are tailored for community projects such as the civic center in low-wealth counties like Rockingham.

If the county gets the loan, Keys said, it could pave the way for other matching grants to help pay for the center.

The civic center is planned for the RCC campus but will be open to the community. It will include a business development center and exhibition hall with space for work force training programs and seminars; a 1,000-seat performing arts theater; and gallery space. The plans have been sent to the state for final approval.  

Only $5 million had been raised as of Oct. 1. The Dalton L. McMichael Family Foundation made a $3 million donation. Gifts from area banks and businesses make up the rest.

Construction costs are about $13.8 million, and about $1 million of that has already been paid in architectural fees, Keys said. The college would ask the county to borrow $8 million to $12 million, he said.

The college kicked off what was supposed to be a two-year campaign in 2005, with plans to occupy the building in 2010. The economic downturn hurt fundraising.

Commissioner Bobby Stanley said the civic center is a good idea with bad timing. The county has implemented furloughs and suspended its 401(k) contributions, and he worries about what incurring more debt in the face of those decisions would do to employee morale.

Stanley said the county would need to find a way to repay the loan that does not include raising taxes.

Amelia Dallas, chairwoman of the Rockingham commissioners, said the board will proceed cautiously on the request. While the civic center would be a nice addition to the county, she’s also concerned about loan repayment. Dallas said she’s bothered that the site plan includes no classroom space, as well as the low number of jobs the center would directly create.

“I just think these are things that we do need to seriously consider,” Dallas said.
 

Contact Jonnelle Davis at 627-4881, Ext. 126, or jonnelle.davis@news-record.com.