A budget request from Lehigh Valley Planning Commission for an 81% increase – $1.15 million – will not be granted, according to Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure.

In assuring council during its Aug. 15 meeting, McClure pointed out the difficulty in justifying such an increase, as Lehigh Valley Planning Commission has approximately nine to 12 months when the standard government norm for reserves is two months.

The county budget will be presented in late September to early October, and although there will be an increase for Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, it will not be near the 81 percent requested, McClure said.

Council agreed to discuss an ordinance pertaining to public health in the county’s restrooms at its Sept. 5 meeting. If passed, the ordinance will ensure sanitation products are available in all county restrooms.

An increase in salary for the position of one full-time district attorney 1 – from $67,828 to $77,403 – was adopted by a vote of 8-1. Councilwoman Kelly Keegan objected, saying, “I don’t know why we need to increase salaries to get people to work with us.”

Alene Shafnisky was appointed as clerk to council, as of Aug. 19, at a salary of $107,482, and Jenesia Negron was appointed as deputy clerk, effective Aug. 19, at a salary of $81,541.

The meeting ended with a brief discussion of America 250.

Councilman Jeff Warren raised the topic of following through on council members’ requests with council President Lori Vargo-Heffner. He said even if the matter cannot be discussed for a given reason on a given date, it can always be tabled. Warren presented the matter because at the previous meeting, he requested America 250 be placed on the Aug. 17 agenda.