Jefferson County Commission Chair Jimmie Stephens “can’t see” the commission approving Birmingham Southern College president Daniel Coleman’s request for $2.5 million from the commission to help stave off extinction.

The amount is not a “needle mover”, Stephens says, relative to the $37.5 million Coleman is pursuing–$30 million from the state, $5 million from the City of Birmingham, the rest from the county. “It’s more a gesture of support than anything else.”

The request has not come before the commission, Stephens says.

“We’re kind of waiting to see what the state and city were going to do,” Stephens shared. “I’ve seen no action from anyone yet. I’ve had no indication from [Birmingham Mayor] Randall [Woodfin] to know what he’s going to do. And I haven’t heard any information from the state”

The next state legislative session does not officially start until early March. Earlier this month, lawmakers said it was doubtful the state would fulfill the request.

Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, said investing public dollars in a private college open would be a “slippery slope”.

“I commend [Daniel Coleman] for his efforts because I think he’s trying to do everything he can to save his school,” Ledbetter told AL.com. “But at the end of the day, I don’t know that it’s the state’s job to bail out schools, private schools. It’s a slippery slope. If it’s Birmingham-Southern this year, who is it next year? What’s the next college or what’s the next big issue?”

Stephens agreed.

“Once we go down that slope, it’s hard to return,” Stephens says. “It’s hard to give one university, a private university, monies they need to survive, and then deny another who may come [to us] with a later time. It’s a great deal of responsibility that needs to go into that decision. Right now. I can’t see the county taking that step.”

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The decision to not support an institution with roots in the city extending back to 1856 is not without angst, Stephens says.

“I really hate it because that’s been such a great area and it’s a great liberal arts university,” he shares “Perhaps Birmingham Southern certainly can still exist, perhaps another light. It’s been there and furnished a wonderful educational foundation for so many leaders in our city and our state. I’d hate to see it go away, but just don’t see [the commission investing in] it.”