ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Lehigh County officials said Tuesday they’re looking to recoup some of the funds they lost during the state’s 135-day budget impasse.
The budget has now passed. However, if the state hadn’t released the funds, Chief Fiscal Officer Tim Reeves said the county would have taken out a $40 million to $60 million loan on Jan. 2, 2026, to fund services until spring tax revenues replenished county coffers.
Unlike many counties, Lehigh never needed a loan during the impasse, but it did lose what it believes to be interest on state-held funds. Now, officials want that money back.
The effort could help replenish a portion of what the county believes it’s owed, Lehigh County Board of Commissioners Chair Geoff Brace said. The finance department is currently calculating the full impact.
Other counties have considered similar actions. Westmoreland County reportedly sent the state a $500,000 bill for financial losses tied to the impasse.
Property tax reassessment
Commissioners also discussed a possible countywide property tax reassessment, a topic raised at a recent state commissioners conference.
A reassessment formally reviews the taxable value of real estate to ensure taxes reflect current fair market values. Lehigh County last conducted one in 2012; officials noted some Pennsylvania counties haven’t done so since the 1950s or ’60s.
“It does sound like the taxpayers wouldn’t be too happy,” Commissioner Sheila Alvarado said of a potential reassessment.
She also noted the long-term value a reassessment could bring. Commissioner Antonio Pineda said many counties run into problems when they wait too long, risking court challenges.
Brace added that the county has helpful tools for a reassessment, including its new GIS department.
2026 job classification
Commissioners held the first reading of a bill amending the 2026 job classification and pay plan, restructuring staffing and pay grades at the 911 Communications Center.
The county executive and Department of General Services requested the changes to address staffing shortages, labor needs and workload distribution, according to county documents.
The legislation divides the telecommunications operator classification into levels I through IV and raises pay grades across most positions. Several supervisory roles, which include the 911 coordinator, quality assurance/improvement coordinator and shift supervisor, would also receive grade increases.
The new classifications take effect with the pay period beginning Jan. 3, 2026.
Grant request for Da Vinci Science Center
In other news, commissioners adopted a measure allowing the county to apply for a $175,000 Local Share Account grant on behalf of the Da Vinci Science Center. The grants use gambling revenue to support programs that enhance community and economic well-being and “mitigate the impact of gaming and related activities,” according to county documents.
Da Vinci plans to use the funds to expand educational outreach by purchasing an SUV, a mobile planetarium and virtual reality equipment.
The project aims to “engage K-12 students in exploring new technologies and design thinking, incorporating career exposure and skills development to ignite curiosity and build science capital and individual agency in STEAM.”
The center’s virtual reality career exploration systems will offer training in high-demand fields aligned with industry certifications, and the project will bring hands-on experiences that meet PA STEELS and Career Education and Workforce Standards to classrooms across northeastern Pennsylvania, county documents state.
Agricultural conservation easements
Commissioners also approved conveying agricultural conservation easements on two tracts of land in Upper and Lower Milford townships to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: 25.27 acres in Upper Milford valued at $151,620, and 53.89 acres spanning both townships valued at $323,340. Together, the tracts total roughly 79 acres.
“This is a win, win, win,” Commissioner Ron Beitler said.
Funds from the transaction will be reinvested into the program.
“All positive, no negative,” Pineda said.
Other business
Commissioners also voted to apply for nearly $800,000 in state gaming funds to replace the aging backup generator system at the 911 Communications Center. The $798,105 Local Share Account grant would pay for two new natural gas generators. Officials say the current system has exceeded its service life and no longer meets reliability standards.
Lehigh County commissioners approved a professional services agreement with the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission for three regional planning initiatives. The funds were originally intended for a passenger rail study, but Northampton County, who expected to match the funding, ended up voting down its portion.
“We’re finding some good uses,” Pineda said.
Brace said he has confidence in the planning commission but is “disappointed we can’t follow through with our original plans.”
The LVPC will inventory trail infrastructure, develop a comprehensive economic development strategy and update stormwater management plans and related ordinances. The projects total about $170,000 and run through 2027, with public engagement, municipal review and mapping components.
Commissioners also approved a professional services agreement with Lehigh Carbon Community College to provide educational programs for county jail inmates.
“This is a great program; I’m happy to see it going again,” Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi said.
They also approved an update to the Lehigh County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance requiring electronic plan submission.
Beitler said some paper submissions will still be allowed, but the change will save substantial amounts of paper.
Pineda said the move is “way more efficient and brings the county into the 21st century.”
“Good for record retention,” he said.