Lehigh County’s Andrea Naugle is celebrating a remarkable milestone: 50 years doing what she loves as a public servant. On Sept. 28, commissioners took time during thehonor impressive career.

Naugle first started working for the county in 1973 and became Clerk of the Courts in 1995, a position she would hold for three terms.

In 2008, she became the first elected Lehigh County Clerk of Judicial. In this role, she oversaw the Civil, Criminal, Recorder of Deeds, and Register of Wills Division. Naugle is credited for streamlining these records.

During his presentation honoring Naugle, Commissioner Geoff Bryce said, “We are grateful for your unwavering commitment, your willingness to serve for so long, your ability to serve for so long, and your keen understanding and respect for the citizens of Lehigh County.”

Commissioner Jeffrey Dutt added, “Your dedication to the county and its employees is outstanding.”

A visibly emotional Naugle thanked the commissioners and reminded them how things have changed over her tenure. For instance, Richard Nixon was president when she first began, and family income was $12,900 and a gallon a gas was 39 cents.

“I’ve gone through a lot. I love it. I love public service. So thank you very much,” concluded Naugle.

In other business of note, the full board agreed to fund upgrades to Coca-Cola Park under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Bryce said business reasons to support the bill must be weighed with the many community-based reasons.

If funding is not provided, the IronPigs could lose their affiliation with the Phillies. That possibility would result in taxpayers paying for an empty stadium because Coca-Cola Park is owned by the county.

Second reading and consideration for the bill is scheduled for Oct. 12, the same date the county budget will receive its first reading.