As of the Aug. 10 Lehigh County Board of Commissioners meeting, 5,000 Lehigh County residents signed a petition to end solitary confinement in Lehigh County corrections facilities.

Ashleigh Strange, director of narrative and communications for PA Stands Up, said if successful, the petition will add a new article to the ballot in November that could change the Home Rule Charter, abolishing solitary confinement. She said the effects on mental health cannot be overlooked.

A handful of citizens echoed these concerns at the Aug. 24 commissioners meeting, focusing on the effects of mental health of inmates.

Courts and corrections committee chair Dave Harrington said he would add the issue to the committee’s agenda for its Sept. 7 meeting. He said he is hoping for an open and frank dialogue with residents who have concerns on this issue, as well as other related issues.

Additional information will be posted on the county website at lehighcounty.org. Harrington also made it clear citizens can contact him at DaveHarrington@lehighcounty.org.

In other business at the Aug. 10 meeting, emergency rental grants to Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley passed its first reading.

Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi said the bill was personal.

“I know what it’s like to get an eviction notice,” he said.

A heartfelt discussion before the meeting stressed family stability, children staying in the same school district and community support.

“You cannot simply define a homeless person as someone who lives on the street,” Commissioner Zakiya Smalls said. “One needs to remember that many are living with friends and relatives until they can find affordable housing.”

It is estimated 4% of Lehigh County residents are in need of this aid, primarily due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Commissioner Geoff Brace pointed out, the need for these benefits is significant.

This rental aid program has already helped more than 6,000 families in Lehigh County.

The second reading of this bill was expected at the Aug. 24 meeting.

In other business at the Aug. 24 meeting, it was noted budgetary discussions will be the main focus of the commissioner meetings in September and October. Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong was expected to present his budget this week.

Commissioner Jeffrey Dutt, who chairs the finance committee, said the commissioners will receive the budget Sept 1. The first finance committee meeting is Sept. 12, with the second meeting to be Sept. 19.

The first reading of the budget is scheduled for Oct. 12, and the second reading is Oct. 26.

Finally, a number of motions were carried at the Aug. 24 meeting, including bill 2022-32 regarding waiving the competitive advertising and formal bidding or soliciting requirements for the purchase of sorting equipment and software for use by the office of voter registration.

The first reading for this bill is scheduled for Sept. 14.