Lehigh County commissioners have approved an amendment to modify the 2019 budget authorizing creation of a new job position - Director of Cedarbrook Senior Care and Rehabilitation.

They needed the new slot so they can pay for a director to replace Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, which gave up the contract to manage the facility in South Whitehall. The annual salary for the position is $123,136.

In other business, commissioners commemorated the long service of Deputy Controller John A. Falk, who is retiring after almost 31 years.

“I will still stay busy,” Falk said following the board’s Jan. 23 meeting.

Commissioners expressed high regard and admiration for Falk and his service to the county.

Falk also teaches at DeSales University.

“I always found you willing to teach,” Commissioner Brad Osborne told him.

Commissioner Marc Grammes also gave kudos to Falk.

“You have always been a man of integrity and professionalism,” Grammes said.

Commissioner Dr. Percy Dougherty described Falk as “a mainstay” in the controller’s office.

In other matters, commissioners gave final approval for an agreement with Lehigh Carbon Community College to provide English language services and testing for youth and adults to earn GEDs.

Dougherty said the program supports inmates at the county jail.

Engineering services for rehabilitation of Geiger’s Covered Bridge over Jordon Creek was approved by the board.

Carroll Engineering Corp. of Warrington, Bucks County, received the contract.

The board also approved a contract with Tactical Public Safety LLC, West Berlin N.J., for installation and configuration of telecommunication services.

Also approved, under sponsorship of Dougherty was an amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement for Lehigh, Carbon, Lackawanna, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Susquehanna and Wayne counties to continue the Northeast Pennsylvania Emergency Response Group to provide mutual aid in planning, preparation and response for disasters.