At the Oct. 5 meeting, Northampton County Council voted to approve a tax break for certain active volunteer EMS personnel and firefighters.

An individual must be in good standing with their organization for at least six months between Jan. 1 and Nov. 31, and be either an officer or have participated in three calls per annum. Eligible volunteers can claim this credit during the 2024 tax season for service done between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31. The credit will be the amount of the individual’s real estate tax, not to exceed $250.

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure voiced his opposition.

“I think this idea comes from the best possible place,” McClure said. “I think it’s fundamentally unfair that a third of our county is served by these departments and these folks won’t be able to participate,” citing the paid first responders in Easton, Bethlehem and Wilson Borough.

Councilman John Goffredo approximated there are 38 departments in the county, each with an average of 20 to 25 active members. Only nine or 10 of them show up to each call, he said.

“On the high end, you’re looking at maybe $250,000 and on the low end, you’re looking at $100,000 if you extrapolate those numbers out. We take in $98 million in real estate taxes,” Goffredo said.

In other business, council approved a request for proposal for audio and visual improvements to council chambers. The objectives include improved audio capabilities, reliability and ease of use, new microphones and the ability to host hybrid meetings.