Budget Ensures Long-Term Fiscal Stability and Makes Critical Investments

(Allentown, PA)– County Executive Armstrong presented the second budget of his administration Friday, August 30^th, 2019. Armstrong’s budget makes significant investments in public safety, social services and important county infrastructure.

Executive Armstrong commenced his budget address by detailing the many refinements he has made to the budget process since taking office. He’s invited the Board of Commissioners to sit in on all budget sessions and provided the Board with both early audit results and county healthcare reports.

In another display of compromise and cooperation, Armstrong agreed that any budget surplus would be committed to the capital fund to reduce future borrowing costs by paying for projects upfront. This was a request made by the Board of Commissioners.

Armstrong also addressed his administration’s priorities moving forward, which included maintaining the Stabilization Fund at $25 million through 2023, investing in the county’s social safety net and ensuring a balanced budget.

Among the county’s most important projects is the $46.7 million construction of the new E-wing at the Cedarbrook Senior Care and Rehabilitation Center, $9.6 million in renovations to the Historic Courthouse, $1.3 million in security upgrades and the $420,000 resurfacing of the Velodrome Track. The budget also calls for $3 million in farmland preservation funds, continuing Lehigh County’s efforts to preserve open space and develop in a responsible manner.

Armstrong’s total budget came in at $514.6 million, but only 26% or $115 million is derived from local property taxes. 64% of the county’s budget came from grants and reimbursements this year.

The bulk of county spending was allocated towards law and order, accounting for 68% percent of total spending. Armstrong discussed the creation of several new positions to complement the mission of keeping the county safe, including adding a gang investigator for the Regional Intelligence and Investigation Center (RIIC) and two Sheriff’s Deputies, in addition to a social worker in the Public Defenders Office.

Armstrong commented on the importance of doing the right thing, not the political thing. “I want to commend Commissioner Marc Grammes, who said that he was elected to do right by the voters of his district and not govern based on party,” said County Executive Armstrong.

Armstrong’s budget reflected the importance of making the tough but right choice. His budget calls for a minor millage increase from 3.64 to 3.84, which would ensure that county can maintain its stabilization fund at $25 million for the next five years.

For reference, based on the median assessed value of a property in Lehigh County of $201,000, a family would pay roughly $40 more a year or just about $3 more per month. At this rate, Lehigh County would still pay less as a percent of household income than Northampton and Berks county.

Under the proposed rate, this would equate to 1.27% of household income in Lehigh County compared to 1.88% in Northampton County and 2.40% in Berks County.

“This budget was the result of simply looking at the numbers, and making realistic decisions based off of them. This is about ensuring we maintain a strong bond rating and leave Lehigh County in a strong position for the future,” said Executive Armstrong.

Armstrong’s budget now goes to the County Commissioners, four of whom were in attendance at the presentation. Commissioners Hartzell, Dougherty, Grammes and Zanelli were there to formally receive their budget books.

Armstrong emphasized the need to communicate and work together to successfully pass this budget and continue to do the right thing.

Information provided to TVL by:
Joshua Siegel
Public Information Officer
County of Lehigh, Office of the County Executive
17 S. 7th Street, 4th Floor, Suite 436
Allentown, PA 18101
www.lehighcounty.org
 

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