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, who died May 17, 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 serving as the Allentown controller at the time of his unexpected death May 26.

Under citizens’ input, Joe Welsh addressed the draft resolution specific to the creation of a jail advisory board. He 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 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, the commissioners supported the $252,626 funding for 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 people served by St. Luke’s.

Welsh took to the podium to comment upon the positive recognition St. Luke’s has been awarded for its 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. As a consequence, he noted there is a marked impact to healthcare affordability.

Welsh urged all to consider the need for coordination among the two major health care networks in order to locate current gaps in healthcare coverage to better support all Lehigh County residents.

Three other bills received their first reading and were expected to be voted upon during the June 10 meeting.

Commissioner Sarah Fevig reminded all the finance and general services committee would host a joint meeting June 8 to kick off the capital planning process. Additionally, the finance committee was expected to meet 6 p.m. June 17 to discuss the intangible property tax proposal previously submitted by the controller’s office.