Northampton County Council met Jan. 5 to discuss an employee health center.

At its Dec. 1, 2022, meeting, council voted to enact conditions on an employee health center. Council asked for a request for proposal to open the contract to additional bidders and a full survey of all employees.

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure vetoed the ordinance Dec. 9, 2022.

According to an employee survey, 78.2% of employees would use the center, McClure said. The survey was sent out to approximately 1,700 employees, 481 of whom responded.

Further, 62.6% of county employees would use the employee health center if it wasn’t affiliated with the two large health networks.

Councilman John Brown feels many county employees would be in favor of the health center; however, he does not support the motion due to the lack of a competitive bidding process.

Councilman John Goffredo echoed these sentiments and wondered how he can be sure the only option council has been presented with is the best.

Council has only seen facts and testimony from Integrity Health and its clients.

After a lengthy discussion, seven council members voted in favor of overturning the veto. Six votes are required to successfully overturn the executive’s veto. Councilman Kevin Lott and Councilwoman Tara Zrinski voted not to overturn the veto.