At the Oct. 6 meeting, Northampton County Council approved a motion overriding county Executive Lamont McClure’s veto for a county executive raise.

Council introduced a motion in September proposing that, effective Jan. 1, 2026, the county executive’s compensation increases from $85,000 to $105,000.

McClure vetoed the motion, saying the Lehigh County executive receives $10,000 less than he does. Further, he has done his duties at the current salary for five years and recognizes “public service requires a certain level of sacrifice.”

Council Vice President Kerry Meyers urged his fellow council members to separate McClure from the position, since he may not be executive when the changes take place.

The motion passed, with six council members in favor of overturning the veto.

Council also approved a motion overriding another veto by McClure. This veto was in relation to an ordinance issuing a request for proposals for a county wage study.

McClure said pay studies can be expensive and do not always provide actionable items. A majority of county employees belong to a union and enjoy many benefits such as prescription drug plans, a pension and various insurances. McClure also said the nation is currently undergoing a hiring crisis he believes to be temporary.

Northampton County last completed a pay study in 2007. Many council members felt they’ve heard a lot about vacancies and the inability to hire across county departments. The motion passed with all present council members in favor of overriding the veto.

Finally, council overrode McClure’s decision to veto a request for proposals for a comprehensive Gracedale study. McClure believes any deficiencies in the organization have already been found and addressed.

Council also passed a resolution in May 2022 allocating $15 million to Gracedale for retention and recruitment bonuses, agency nursing costs and capital improvement. McClure wishes to see how these incentives improve operations first.

“It’s almost monthly that Gracedale comes to us with a new plan, a new idea, and as far as a study, we do a study monthly,” Councilman Kevin Lott agreed. “We’ve made a lot of changes; let it play out.”

On the other hand, Councilman John Goffredo felt the county needs a new perspective on Gracedale, especially since he and many other council members do not know how to run a nursing home.

This resolution divided council members much more than the others. Eventually, they overrode the executive’s veto, with six council members in favor.

County council’s next meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 3 in the county building, 669 Washington St., Easton.