McClure Surrenders Most Emergency Powers; Wants Council To Award $27 M in CARES Act Grants

At last night's Northampton County Council meeting, Executive Lamont McClure surrendered most of his emergency powers. But he asked for a limited extension so he could require the public to wear masks and submit to temperature checks when the courthouse opens again on June 8. He can also limit public access. Council approved this extension by a 8-0 vote. Council member Peg Ferraro was still in Florida.

McClure first declared an emergency on March 19. This extension will remain in effect until the Governor puts Northampton County in the green zone.

Under this resolution, McClure has surrendered (1) the right to transfer employees into different departments where there are manpower shortages; the unilateral power to award hazard pay without Council approval; and sole control over CARES Act funding.

McClure reported that Northampton County has paid $1,157,409.54 in hazard pay thus far, mostly at Gracedale and the jail. Council will have to approve continued hazard pay and decide how best to spend CARES Act funding.

According to McClure, the County is about to receive a $27 million block grant from the state from the CARES Act funding. This money must be used for small business grants; tourism; municipal and community assistance; mental health and addiction projects; nonprofit assistance; and broadband development.

McClure said the county's Department of Community and Economic Development is coming up with an application process to get the money out where it is needed most, and quickly.

McClure said it is needed most by small business. "Who's really been impacted by this? Small business. Where do most people work? Small business." Though Council will decide, McClure believes the lion's share of the money should be distributed there.

He also hopes to see a sizable chunk of this money doled out to municipalities suffering revenue shortfalls.