Cape Fear Community College announced Tuesday that it will cut some staff positions.

A CFCC news release stated that "the non-renewal of some staff positions" has come about "due to a projected decrease in budget, enhanced technologies and streamlined processes." 

There was no information in the release as to what kinds of positions are affected by the cuts. No further information was immediately available from officials contacted for this story.

The college will try to retain employees whose positions are eliminated, according to the release, which stated, “Employees in the positions affected are encouraged to apply for other open positions within the college. The administration recognizes the talent and expertise of the staff members whose positions are being eliminated and is hopeful to retain as many of the employees in other open positions as possible.”

The changes are difficult but necessary if CFCC is to be a good steward of its resources, the release stated.

“As we look forward to our next 60 years, we are ensuring Cape Fear Community College continues to make quality education affordable and accessible to the community, to provide leadership in workforce training, and support the economic development of the region,” CFCC President Jim Morton said in the release.

The staff reduction decision is one of Morton’s first actions since he officially became president of CFCC. At its meeting Thursday, the college’s board of trustees approved a contract with Morton that will pay him a total of $255,000.

That amount reflects the state of North Carolina salary contribution of $158,718 set by the State Board of Community Colleges and a local supplement of $96,282, according to an announcement released after the meeting. The state salary portion is based on the size of the institution, with CFCC being the fifth-largest community college in the state, based on full-time equivalent student enrollment.

Although the college reported a drop in enrollment prior to Morton’s appointment as president, the release stated that Morton told board members during their meeting Thursday that enrollment for the summer session has increased.