As the Sampson County Board of Commissioners prepares to vote on a 2009-10 budget Monday, with no tax increase, the issue of an only three percent hike in funding for the county’s two major school systems remains a factor members are weighing.

The board has contemplated the move, which school officials have expressed concerns with, since May, when county manager Rick Moorefield and finance officer David Clack asked commissioners to consider reducing the proposed school funding from seven ($317,000) to three percent ($272,781), or from $793 per child to $817 per child. Commissioners have been trimming the fiscal plan from the beginning, asking department heads to reduce spending by 5 percent, in an effort to prevent a tax increase in the coming budget year. To do that, Moorefield said a reduction in the promised school funding was necessary.

Commissioner John Blanton, a former school administrator, has addressed his concerns with dropping the increase; however, due to the weakened economy in the county, he said the three percent hike is appropriate.

“My opinion is the schools have got to exist... I am in favor of the lesser amount; At least we are trying to help,” said Blanton.

In addition, he pointed out that the county and city schools should “give a little” in regards to the increase in funds.

“They have to be wiser with their money,” Blanton remarked.

Plus, with funds being tight, he stressed, “the county is in no position to raise taxes.”

But, he committed, “we can give them three percent.”

Blanton then added, “I can’t give them all that they ask for and cut others. That is not being considerate.”

He then noted that the cost-cutting charge by the board was a “county effort” that all departments should recognize.

However, Blanton has not closed down the idea of helping bring back the school funds, even after the board votes on its budget Monday. In fact, he is hoping that some stimulus money will come along and help the school systems fill that void.

“That is something for us to investigate,” said Blanton of the potential government funding.

Another commissioner who addressed his concerns with dropping the schools’ increase from seven percent to three percent was Jefferson Strickland.

“My main concern was that we indicated that we would give $327,000,” said Strickland.

But, he stressed that he understands why he and his colleagues on the board decided to decrease their promised funding.

And, he encourages his fellow board members not to close their minds to the prospect of giving the schools additional monies.

“I am going to ask that the keep this an open issue ... If we can help, we should help,” said Strickland.

Clinton City Schools superintendent Dr. Gene Hales said he remains grateful that the county is going to boost finances, even if it is just the three percent.

“You can always use extra funding,” Hales pointed out. He then added that he understands the economic stress that the county is under. And given that the state’s budget is up in the air, Hales said he was appreciative that the county was willing to increase educational funding.

County Schools Superintendent Dr. Ethan Lenker, who last month urged commissioners to reconsider fulfilling their promise of a 7 percent increase in school funding, said he believes with only a 3 percent hike, the county schools will have to dip into its fund balance in order to maintain all plans, including the opening of the old Union High School, which will now be Union Middle School.

In addition, he explained that the schools will also see energy rates go up as much as 10 percent. But, Lenker noted that this is not a problem that schools are facing alone.

“This is the same for everybody,” said Lenker.

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@myclintonnc.com.