Northampton County's controversial public relations contract with Sahl Communications is back on again. Executive John Brown issued an executive order right before the Independence Day holiday, agreeing to a $78,600 "communications consulting services" deal with the Bethlehem firm, owned by Kim Plyler. In his award, Brown points out that it is a "female-veteran owned small business."

The contract is for a one-year period. Because it's under $100,000, no approval is needed from county council.

Brown's deal with Plyler was originally an $84,000 no-bid contract, bitterly opposed by all four Democrats on council. They argued that it was a professional services contract, requiring competitive proposals. Solicitor Vic Scomillio disagreed, calling it a "nonprofessional service done in a professional way."

The contract was ultimately challenged in court by the county controller, Steve Barron, who filed a declaratory judgment action on April 3. That very day, Brown responded by ending the contract and agreeing to seek proposals from other forms.

Aside from Sahl, the county considered a proposal by Brian Communications, located in Conshohocken.

Brown is the first Northampton County executive to hire an outside PR firm. Historically, that function has been performed as part of the job responsibilities of a director of administration.

Brown's choice for director of administration, Cathy Allen, was rejected by county council by a 6-3 vote in April.