The May 27 Lehigh County Board of Commissioners meeting began on a more solemn note with the remembrance of two local prominent figures.

Dr. Percy Dougherty served on the board for 28 years and as chairman for six of those years. Previously representing District 2, Commissioner Ron Beitler spoke of Dougherty’s influence and effect on his involvement in local politics almost 15 years prior, stating Dougherty is “truly the reason I am here.”

Chairman Geoff Brace also took a moment to honor Jeff Glazier, a dedicated public servant who was actively serving as the Allentown City Controller at the time of his unexpected death.

Under citizen’s input, Joe Welsh addressed the draft resolution circulating specific to the creation of a jail advisory board. He specifically is concerned with the board not seeming to include members actually speaking to inmates as he feels this is an “essential element” absent from the design.

Sharon Finnegan commented upon case study examples of Pennsylvania inmates suffering negative health effects as a result of PrimeCare Medical. She spoke of these examples to call for the need and consideration for an independent third party medical monitoring company before the contract with PrimeCare is up for renewal.

Lastly, Susan Jordhamo illuminated several arguments against the use of solitary confinement, asking all to question who we are creating when we treat people this way given they return to the very community we live in.

Under old business, Bill 2026-20 approved reallocating $25,000 of Community Development Block Grant-Cares Act funds to the Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative, Parkland Cares Food Pantry and the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley.

Bill 2026-21 also passed with no opposition to authorize the purchase and build out of a Ford Explorer for the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office and Forensic Center.

Bill 2026-22 approved amending the administrative code to update the Lehigh County Grants Policy pertaining to dollar thresholds and grantee requirements.

Bills 2026-23 and 2026-24 authorized opioid settlement dollars to assist with opioid treatment, recovery and counseling programs for adults, as well as prevention and intervention programs for youth. Despite Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi’s abstention from voting on both bills, all eight commissioners supported the $252,626 funding five different programs within the Lehigh Valley.

Under new business, a motion approved change orders to fund costs outside of contract approvals for the Cedarbrook Allentown Senior Care and Rehabilitation additions renovation project and plumbing construction.

Resolution 2026-21 approved a professional services agreement with Vital Healthcare Solutions to provide psychiatric, psychological and behavioral health services to residents of Cedarbrook.

Resolution 2026-22 approved a professional services agreement with Frank M. Dattilio to provide psychological exams of the clients of the public defender’s office and to testify as an expert witness.

Lastly, Resolution 2026-23 approved the issuance of Lehigh County General Purpose Authority hospital revenue bonds for the benefit of the county folks served by St. Luke’s. Joe Welsh took to the podium to comment upon the positive recognition St. Luke’s has been awarded for their commitment to community benefit. However, he wanted to simultaneously shed light on Lehigh Valley having two major hospital networks as both a blessing and a curse given the two are in fierce competition for market share and as a consequence, there is a marked impact to health care affordability. Welsh urged all to consider the need for coordination among the two major health care networks in order to locate current gaps in health care coverage to better support all Lehigh County residents.

Three other bills received their first reading and will be reviewed once more to be voted upon during the upcoming June 10 meeting.

Commissioner Sarah Fevig reminded all that the finance and general services committee will be hosting a joint meeting June 8 to kickoff the capital planning process. Additionally, the finance committee will meet 6 p.m. June 17 to discuss the Intangible Property Tax proposal previously submitted by the controller’s office. At this time, the location is to be determined given requests to possibly host at the courthouse.