Lehigh County commissioners recently voted to cut taxes by $1.25 million.

At the Oct. 8 meeting, commissioners debated the cuts, which will result in $8 in savings to each county resident.

Leading the charge for the tax cuts, Commissioner Michael Schware said the cuts are intended to show residents they are heard and valued.

"It sends a message when things go well for us at government we're willing to give back to the taxpayers because they're the ones who support us," he said.

Commissioners Geoff Brace, David Jones Sr. and Percy Dougherty voted against Schware's proposed budget.

"If it were something more substantial, I'd be all for it, but $8 per household is about enough to buy you a Happy Meal," Dougherty said.

Also approved during the meeting were cuts in raises to Cedarbook Nursing Home non-union employees.

Commissioner Vic Mazziotti said the county provides $6 million a year in subsidies to help the nursing home stay afloat.

Additional approved amendments directed at non-union employees include the elimination of longevity pay for non-bargaining unit employees in 2015, a 2-percent cap in wage increases for non-bargaining unit employees at a maximum of $1,000 and offering a 2016 bonus to all non-union county employees, if an operational surplus is achieved by the end of the 2015 budget.

County Executive Tom Muller opposed the cuts, arguing it will lead to workers seeking greater benefits through unionizing.

"If we keep whacking at these non-union people through budget amendments, frankly, I'd be worried about the ones who didn't try to organize over the next year," he said.

District Attorney Jim Martin spoke out against the approved amendments.

"You're being cheap," he said.