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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Northampton County Contemplates $21.5 Million Bond

John Callahan agrees with the concept. So does one of his opponents, Glenn Reibman. But the third democratic candidate for County Executive, Lamont McClure, was MIA yesterday when John Stoffa unveiled a spending plan for $7.1 million spending plan for the repair of 18 bridges. In addition, Stoffa would like to spend $3.2 million for a generator at Gracedale, in the event of another major power loss. He's also like a new boiler house at Gracedale, which would cost $300,000. Finally, Stoffa thinks there should be a $800,000 generator at the courthouse, because the computers there keep the wheels of government in motion. Altogether, that's $11.4 million in spending.

But that's not all. A $9.9 million, 2006 bond issue, will very soon be eligible for refunding at a rate that can save the County $1 million.

Between the refunding and new spending, we're talking about a $21.5 million bond.

What this bind fails to address is a new steamline and parking lot at Gracedale, which would add nearly another $4 million.

That parking lot work could not even begin for a year because of the permit requests involved.

Council member Bob Werner suggested that the County consider a concrete, as opposed to asphalt, parking lot, because it would have a much longer life. Council Prez John Cusick marveled at the estimated cost for a new parking lot. It "seems extraordinary," he said.

Werner reminded everyone that, within the next five years, the County could incur another major cost if it purchases the centralized human services building.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Boys in a boat with a lot of oars and no rudder. Pray for the county people.

Anonymous said...

I think you meant to write, "prey for the county people."

Anonymous said...

The new HS bldg should be purchased in 5 years so more millions of tax dollars do not go to waste.

And if we are to believe Ken Mohr about NorCo's population growth and programs to expand as well, then the county will have to fund an expansion to the new building as there is NO additional space at all now. Not even for another caseworker anywhere!

Hopefully the county council is doing there due diligence on this project as there are more than millions at stake. Their political careers!!

Anonymous said...

"if we are to believe Ken Mohr"

That is all the due diligence this county council does and it is costing we taxpayers millions and millions.

Very inept and lazy county council.

Anonymous said...

Many of you had and have no problem spending millions every year for a nursing home but this new building bothers you. What hypocrites. The money from the purchase of the nursing home could have paid for this new building. You are very selective about where taxpayer dollars should go. We have a 2 star rating and you think a private company couldn't do at least that well? Either you support spending taxpayers money on services and the buildings or you don't. You do not get to pick and choose. What makes that, you right?????

Anonymous said...

Given the ongoing economic drag, continued un- and under-employment, and the crushing expense of legacy costs from years of poor labor contract management, this is a perfect time for the county to add more debt. WTF is wrong with these assholes. There's no more fucking money. It's been in all the papers.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"the county will have to fund an expansion to the new building as there is NO additional space at all now"

There is room for expansion in that building.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"this is a perfect time for the county to add more debt. WTF is wrong with these assholes"

Perhaps you'd prefer to see a bridge collapse or see Gracedale seniors doe of exposure after the next power failure. These are exactly the kind of projects you float a bond for, and now is the best time to do it bc interest rates are at all-time lows. It is a no-brainer.

Anonymous said...

I for one am glad John Stoffa spent $30 million on the swaption payout, and another $25 million on a new Industrial park building while many sit vacant.

Please John tell us how much more money can we spend.

In Service to you my Liege,

"Members of County Council"

Anonymous said...

This is a carbon copy of allentowns king palumpa and all his court jesters pipedream¿ Now they will be contracting out the hunt for a replacement for cheif mrclean the only time I ever seen this man was at jacks pizza or coynsil meetings¿
This is a no brainer just like king palumpa is a proped up maniqun we could have a chief that is a cardboard siloutte, and than there would be no sign monitary package not to mention the kings private pension precurement¿

redd