The Aug. 7 storm event brought devastation and challenges throughout Lehigh County, putting first responders and 911 dispatchers at the forefront of the storm’s path of destruction.

According to Chair Geoff Brace, “The 911 Communication Center, during the three hours of that storm, fielded an excess of 830 storm-related calls. And between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. yielded 400 calls.”

Brace relayed this update during the board’s meeting Aug. 9., the same day the National Weather Service confirmed that it was an EF1 Tornado that touched down in the Midway Manor area, in Allentown.

Brace went on to praise the work of the dispatchers, first responders, county staff and all involved in rescue operations, clean up and recovery.

“As recovery takes place, we should be proud of all the county staff,” he stated.

Bill 40, Approving a Change of Use of Subgrant Funds Previously Allocated to Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley and Authorizeing Additional County Administration Fees Under the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, received its first read. The bill is sponsored by Commissioner Ron Beitler.

Commissioner Bob Elbich spoke to the bill, saying “The county has actually provided more direct funds through this grant than was actually required by the federal government. More of the funds are going to direct use to the community than initially anticipated. That’s positive for the community.”

This sentiment was echoed by Commissioner Dave Harrington, who added, “This is a minor reallocation of funds just to make sure that we are sufficiently covering the costs to make sure that the money goes out.”

Second read and consideration is scheduled for Aug. 23

County budget details were announced by Commissioner Jeffrey Dutt. County Executive Phillip Armstrong will be presenting the budget at 10 a.m. on Aug. 31.

Key dates: Finance Committee Reviews will be Sept. 11, 18 and 25, if needed. Budget Amendments will be addressed on Sept. 29 and Oct. 6.

The Board will receive the budget on Oct. 11, and will proceed to a final vote Oct. 25.