July 3rd, 2024, Northampton County Council Meeting

The Northampton County Council meeting held on July 3, 2024, included several procurement and contracting discussions. The Council ratified a collective bargaining agreement with the Pennsylvania Social Services Union (PSSU) Local 668 SEIU, approving a 5% cost-of-living adjustment over three years and clarifying contract terms related to employee pay and benefits. Additionally, the Council considered and passed a health, safety, and welfare bond resolution authorizing the Northampton County General Purpose Authority to finance and refinance projects for Lehigh University, including $71 million for ongoing capital projects and $54 million to refinance previous bonds. The meeting also featured updates on the county's bridge infrastructure projects, noting that two bridges remain under construction with completion expected by the end of the year, and discussions about maintenance schedules and the transfer of bridge responsibilities back to the county. A tax increment financing (TIF) district ordinance was tabled pending further actions by the Bureau and the Wilson Area School District. No votes were taken on the TIF ordinance during this session.