Local preparations for the nation’s 250th anniversary received a $100,000 county grant, it was announced during Northampton County Council’s Sept. 5 meeting.

Northampton County Genealogical and Historical Society made the request to ensure the celebrations highlight the arts, culture and history of Northampton County. Lehigh Valley 250 is a major organizer of the anniversary planning.

Following the grant approval, Executive Lamont McClure released a statement, saying, “Lehigh Valley 250 offers a powerful partnership that offers Northampton County’s best opportunity to increase tourism, teach about our funding and just plain have a good time celebrating the birth of the greatest nation the world has ever known.”

Also during the meeting, by a vote of 5-4, Northampton County Council passed an ordinance Sept. 5 that provides free sanitation products in the county’s 69 restrooms.

As defined by the ordinance, the products include soap, toilet paper, menstrual pads and tampons.

Director of Administration Nicole Pietrzak estimates $28,415 as the startup cost for dispensers and an additional $16,000 annually for feminine products.

Ordinance sponsor Commissioner Kelly Keegan explained to her colleagues that basic hygiene, cleanliness, human dignity and equity compelled to bring this issue forward.

Making the argument menstruation is a normal bodily function, she reminded her colleague that a period cycle can start at any moment, and the ordinance provides a hygienic solution to those who might not have something on hand.

Commissioner John Goffredo, who voted against the ordinance, saw no logic in having dispensers with feminine products in male restrooms.

Earlier in the meeting, a couple of county correctional officers addressed the podium to express their concerns and frustrations with their working conditions. Among the points raised was not enough compensation for the overtime due to staff shortages, as well as altered work schedules.

During the executive address, council members asked McClure about the contract negotiations. He explained it had gone to binding arbitration and the contract was settled, adding he was unable to comment on details.

McClure confirmed 35,500 mail-in voting applications have been received as of the meeting.