At a hastily-called Dec. 17 meeting, Northampton County Council voted 7-0 to offer a $750 COVID-19 vaccine incentive to Gracedale workers. Administrator Jennifer Stewart-King told council this could cost as much as $490,000, but will be paid out of CARES Act money specifically set aside for “infection control” at the nursing home.

In addition to this incentive, some Gracedale workers will continue to receive hazard pay until Dec. 31.

Since the vaccine has been approved for emergency use only, McClure advised council that he lacks the authority to make it mandatory.

This incentive only exists at Gracedale.

“We don’t have the money to incentivize anyone else,” explained County Executive Lamont McClure. The county also maintains 24/7 operations at the jail and 911 Center. McClure expressed some hope that money for vaccines will be in the $900 billion COVID relief bill being acted on by Congress, but details are as yet murky.

Council member Kerry Myers was absent and Council President Ron Heckman left the meeting before the vote.