Three of Lehigh County Executive Tom Muller's six budget amendment vetoes have been overridden by commissioners.

County commissioners met Nov. 5 to tackle the possibility of overriding all six of the executive vetoes.

The three amendments to remain intact include using $1.25 million from the county reserve fund to reduce real estate taxes by $8; eradicating longevity pay for non-union county employees in 2015; and requiring commissioners to offer insight before retaining the management company currently running Cedarbrook Nursing Home.

Regarding the $8 reduction in real estate taxes, Commissioner Vic Mazziotti said residents who take issue with the reduction may donate the money back to the county.

"This body would be delighted to accept it," he said. "We do accept donations."

Commissioners Geoff Brace, David Jones Jr. and Percy Dougherty voted against the tax cut.

"We still have this structural deficit hanging over our heads," Dougherty said. "In addition, we're not debt-free. We have bond issues we owe."

Brace called the tax cut "insidious.

"Adding $1.25 million back to that deficit, I think, undercuts that effort [balanced budget]," he said.

Muller vehemently spoke out against the board eliminating longevity pay. He argued employees who devoted time and energy to the county this year will receive less money in 2015. In opposition to longevity pay were Brace and Jones.

Muller's other vetoes included three non-union initiatives to eliminate bonuses for senior employees, capped raises and an incentive program.