In a time where the average person rarely stays with the same job or with the same employer for even 10 years, Andrea Naugle is celebrating an important milestone: working 50 years for Lehigh County doing somethings she loves.

On Sept. 28, the commissioners took time during their regularly scheduled meeting to honor Naugle’s years of service and impressive career.

It was back in 1973 when Naugle first started working for the county.

She became clerk of the courts in 1995, a position she would hold for three terms.

In 2008, Naugle became the first elected Lehigh County Clerk of Judicial Records.

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 Brace 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 spoke to the commissioners about what this recognition means to her.

She began by reminding everyone about simple facts from the days when she first started with the county.

For instance, Richard Nixon was president, average 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,” Naugle said.

In other business of note, full board sponsorship was given to Bill 2022-36: authorizing sub-grant funds for upgrades to Coca-Cola Park under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Brace said although there are a lot of community-based reasons to move forward with this bill, business reasons must be considered.

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 Lehigh County.

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