“Returning to normalcy is our number one priority,” Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong said at the State of Lehigh County address Feb. 25.

That “is why we must move forward with the health and safety of our community in mind,” Armstrong continued.

Speaking via an online format, Armstrong addressed the pandemic early in his speech as being a major challenge to the community and Lehigh County.

“This pandemic has touched our communities in unspeakable ways and has affected our daily way of life. We have lost over 1,000 individuals in Lehigh County to this terrible virus and over 450,000 United States citizens.

“It is with a heavy heart that we remember these strong individuals and I ask you all to join me in a moment of silence as we remember all the lives that were lost to COVID-19.”

Armstrong said the county had received $33.3 million as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CARES).

“We have helped over 700 small businesses get back on their feet. Our small businesses are the backbone of this country. They are the foundation on which so many residents built their livelihoods, and as county executive, I wanted to ensure that our small businesses had the means to make it through this pandemic.

“We have secured an additional $11 million in CARES funding for rental and housing assistance,” Armstrong said. “Although the program is still in its early stages, and there are details still to be worked out, I am incredibly proud of my community and economic development team, headed by Frank Kane, for securing this financial opportunity for our residents.”

Armstrong acknowledged Lehigh County’s first responders, front-line workers, health care workers and emergency management personnel for their service and sacrifice during the pandemic.

Armstrong acknowledged the 2,010 workers and volunteers who serve Lehigh County at Cedarbrook, the county courthouse, government center human services department, county jail, parks and recreation department and at the buildings and maintenance department.

Armstrong described some of the duties he has performed such as achieving annual and long-term goals, proposing an annual budget and attending meetings at all 25 local municipal governments in Lehigh County.

Besides attending ribbon cuttings and making proclamations, he said he serves on the boards of volunteer service and attends charity events.

Armstrong described his action when the pandemic began as being “proactive” as of the last week of February 2020. “As a result, Lehigh County is currently under the longest state of emergency declaration in its history.”

He recounted some of the measures taken to include closure of the government center on Seventh Street in Allentown, and the courthouse, suspension of visitors at both Cedarbrook campuses and the county jail and the requirement of face masks, temperature screening and frequent cleaning at all county government facilities.

Armstrong touted a COVID-19 reporting system that kept the human resource department informed of cases. Armstrong said employees at Cedarbrook, the county jail, the 911 center and emergency management personnel were classified as “critical essential employees.” Over 400 employees were allowed to work remotely from their homes while others worked on a schedule of staggered hours in the government center and the courthouse. Armstrong said use of video conferencing programs was encouraged.

“I would like to thank my administration and my fellow Lehigh County employees for creating and abiding by these new COVID-19 protocols,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong also praised Lehigh County’s emergency management services helping the state set up a testing site at Coca-Cola Park.

Lehigh County is partnering with the Allentown Health Bureau to set up vaccination locations and has worked with United Way to coordinate distribution of personal protective equipment supplies, according to Armstrong.

“We had over 100 responses alone from our special operations team this year, [because of] natural disasters such as Hurricane Isaias to COVID-19 support,” Armstrong said.

“It is thanks to them that we have developed COVID-19 resources for our homeless and created an isolation plan for our first responders so our brave men and women don’t have to worry about exposing their loved ones.”

Armstrong extolled his 2021 budget.

“This past August, I made it my priority in our 2021 budget plan that Lehigh County citizens could have the means to make it through the year’s hardships.

“In preparing this plan, I looked to the historical leaders of our past and turn to the influence of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal.

“Relief. Recovery. Reform.

“To relieve Lehigh County of the financial burden caused by COVID-19. To recover what we have lost in areas of financial distress. To reform Lehigh County’s budget for success in 2021.”

Armstrong said $114 million will come from local property taxes in 2021 while preserving the current millage rate of 3.78.

“Our Moody Bond Rating currently sits at AA1, which is phenomenal amidst these circumstances.

“Our county stabilization fund is maintained at $25 million. That safety net for our residents has been a lifesaver as we faced these unprecedented times.”

Armstrong lauded Chief of Elections Timothy Benyo and the elections staff for their handling of the November 2020 election, “one of the greatest turnouts in our county’s history.

“Voting by mail-in ballot became more accessible to our communities which has proved to be fundamental during the height of this pandemic. More citizens than ever before had the opportunity to vote in this election.”

Armstrong said he has worked with the Lehigh County Jail to “maintain that open-door policy [communication policy] within our prison system as we focus on combating the COVID-19 virus within its walls.

“This program will serve to enhance the quality-of-life changes for those leaving our corrections systems, including the opportunity to build up the services available with the Department of Corrections and address the issue of homelessness, employment, mentorships and a reliable family support system,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong said the public defender’s office is working toward a “holistic defense representation” approach.

“With great pride I acknowledge our public defenders office this year. We have made substantial progress in creating a diverse, welcome[ing] environment within our offices by bringing on a bilingual staff support specialist, a part-time attorney and a full-time social worker.”

Cedarbrook received high praise from Armstrong.

“Despite the challenges faced in 2020, both Cedarbrook Administrator Jason Cumello and I are proud to announce that Cedarbrook has maintained its four-star rating. That means that [Cedarbrook] has an above average nursing home care rating compared to [assisted living] homes around the nation.”

Armstrong said Walgreen’s will be providing and administering the vaccination program at Cedarbrook.

Armstrong said the renovation at Cedarbrook’s Allentown location is continuing.

“The new wing will completely replace the former B and C wing and a small component of our D wing unit as well.”

He said Lehigh County has reached a milestone with 25,000 acres of farmland now preserved.

“That is roughly over 350 farms successfully preserved and counting. I hope to continue this legacy by further expanding our preservation efforts past the 350 farms already secured.”

Armstrong said 60 more farms are on the list to be preserved in the coming year.

He next turned to the county park lands. “We have secured two land parcels at the Jordan Creek Parkway in the Trexler section of the preserve and are currently engineering a trail connector for all guests to enjoy.”

Armstrong reported Lehigh County has purchased the Berger property in Washington Township. A trail head and boat access in the area are under construction.