In his eighth year as Northampton County Executive, Lamont G. McClure presented his final budget Oct. 2 in the Chapel at Gracedale.

The proposed 2026 budget, amounting to $503 million, is balanced in accordance with the Home Rule Charter. The budget reflects a 7.3-percent reduction in spending, while maintaining essential county services and does not increase real estate taxes, with the tax rate remaining at 10.8 mils for the upcoming year.

Budget priorities outlined by McClure include:

• Balanced budget and no tax increase - The 2026 budget is balanced, as required by the Home Rule Charter, and holds the tax rate at 10.8 mills. This marks seven consecutive years without a tax increase, including one year with a tax decrease, resulting in a total savings of $24 million for Northampton County taxpayers.

• Environmental protection and farmland preservation - The budget continues McClure’s investment in open space, farmland preservation and parks, totaling more than $23 million during his tenure. In 2025, Northampton County celebrated the preservation of 20,000 acres of farmland. This year’s funding supports additional conservation easements and land acquisitions to combat warehouse proliferation and protect community character.

• Healthcare cost management - Employee healthcare costs have been reduced through stop-loss limits and other cost-saving measures. A new partnership with Health Insurance Solutions Inc. will save $1.5 million in prescription drug costs. McClure remains hopeful that an Employee Health Center can be established to further stretch healthcare trust fund dollars.

• Commitment to Gracedale Nursing Home - Gracedale will again operate without contributions from the County General Fund in 2026. The administration remains committed to keeping Gracedale county-owned and county-operated, while holding agency nursing pools accountable, managing costs and maintaining a high standard of care.

• Infrastructure improvements - The 2026 budget prioritizes repairs and upgrades to county buildings and public safety infrastructure. Major courthouse parking deck repairs will begin, funded by bonds secured in 2025, and upgrades to the P-25 radio system will strengthen 911 services across Northampton County. These projects modernize county operations while ensuring no impact to the 2026 operating budget.

The budget now goes to council.

McClure’s budget address is available on the county’s YouTube Channel:

youtube.com/channel/UCYbPLqdMR1dkl9R95Rlq8rw

The $503 million 2026 Proposed Budget is available on the Fiscal Affairs website:

norcopa.gov/fiscal-reports.

Contributed article