In her first report to NorCo Council as County Exec, Tara Zrinksi gave a detailed and informative account, department-by department, of what is happening. Some might call it boring, but we have forgotten that most of what is called "news" should be boring. We need to be informed, not titillated. Zrinski continued a trend of providing the nuts and bolts of county government in her second report at last week's Thursday night's Council meeting. She's been on the job for five weeks. I really appreciate these detailed reports.
Communications Manager - has been onboarded and communication applications within the county are being reviewed.
Governor's State of the State Address - Was invited to Harrisburg for the address. The County Facebook and Substack pages provide Zrinski's breakdown of Governor Shapiro's vision. "I think it's very positive, and I look forward to the legislature passing a budget on time in 2026."
Department of Community and Economic Development - met with Director Tina Smith to discuss various grants and future endeavors in the department as well as implementation of fiscal year 2026 grant award contracts across multiple county funding programs. Staff is monitoring compliance with federal and state grant projects. "I'm especially excited about the possibility of including a run-walk to highlight the recreational opportunities that we have in our park, with our county festival that will now be held in the spring." (Louise Moore Park has an excellent walking path on the western side of the park.
Sheriff's Department - currently conducting crisis intervention training for all in collaboration with the Northampton County Crisis Intervention Team. This training enhances deputy capacity to respond effectively to individuals in crises. Deputies are also completing their annual mandatory update training.
Court services - Register of Wills (that's where you get a marriage license) continues to have that uptick of seasonal marriage licenses ahead of Valentine's Day. There's also an increase a real ID requests as the Pennsylvania deadline years. Archives has experienced an increase in requests for historical research, and that may be due in part to the anticipation of the American 250 celebration. The criminal and civil departments are actively conducting interviews to fill vacant positions.
Administration. - The county's proposal redistricting plan, consolidating small precincts, and dividing larger ones for our upcoming elections, was approved by President Judge Craig Dally, and after approved by the Department of State, will be made available. The Pennsylvania Department of State has authorized updates for the county's Express Vote XL voting machines, which will be installed.
EMS - Director Todd Weaver has retired. Michael Leonard has been appointed acting director and the position has been posted for internal applications.
County Fire Chiefs Association - Administration has met with executive board to discuss the relationship between 911 and first responders, as well as the progress of the P 25 program.
Safety committee - has met to review county risk management policies, liability insurance, and will address building safe communities arising from the forthcoming parking deck.
Public Works - received a permit for the new parking garage. A contract has been awarded for the precast concrete, which will be presented to council in the 2nd meeting of February.
An emergency order was issued to authorize procurement and installation of a replacement rooftop HVA system at the juvenile detention center. Work is expected to start in two weeks is expected to begin within 2 weeks.
Parks and Recreation - responded rapidly to the recent snowstorm. "I'm sure we're all just loving the piles of snow and navigating through the streets of Easton and Bethlehem, and all throughout the Lehigh Valley. But keeping county operations on schedule and reopening facilities was a part of a rapid response, and we were able to open on Tuesday, although we did not open on Monday, and I think employees were grateful for that."
The parks division also secured a $150,000 DEP growing greener grant for streaming restoration projects at Wayne Grube Park
Farmland preservation - Zrinski commended Director Ryan Shaw (sp?) as well as Parks Director Bryan Cope for streamlining the process to allow for rolling applications throughout the year. This has enabled them to clear the list and add more properties.
Coroner - Zrinksi explained that the Coroner is unable to release the details of some of his work because it is confidential. She explained that, unlike most other counties, the corner is an appointed position under NorCo's Home Rule. In counties that elect their coroner, certification of the appointment is needed from the governor after election. [My opinion here: NorCo' Home Rule Charter eliminates most row offices as elected positions. Elected row offices tend to lead to the creation of petty fiefdoms. For example, in Washington County, the elected coroner insisted on charging the DA for autopsy reports, and he responded by serving a search warrant for them]/
Department of Human Services. - "God love those people in human services. They are working so hard to keep their heads above water. You know what I mean?" She noted that DHS continues providing essential services, in mental health, drug and alcohol, on children and youth family programs. Developmental programs is planning a celebration for its 20th anniversary at DeSales U on March 25. Area Agency on Aging will host its Outstanding Senior Award ceremony on April 23, 1 pm, at the Chrin Center. Drug and Alcohol Services completed 2 narcan trainings sessions in January. Upcoming training sessions will be held April 23rd, July 23rd, and October 22nd at DHS. Additional events are planned at Lehigh University and other community venues.
Zrinski is currently evaluating the previous administration's use of the opioid settlement funds and is including contracts for education outreach.
The DHS mobile unit has scheduled outreach visits throughout February and March at Bethlehem's homeless shelter, the Greater Shiloh Church and the Bethlehem Public Library.
Veterans Affairs is preparing to implement the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale in 2026.
Northampton County Jail - the new Corrections Academy begins February 16.
On January 16, inmates were placed directly into inpatient treatment facilities, saving the county both 580 bed days and approximately $18,000. in operating costs.
Director Lawrence is reviewing operations, morale, and procedures to enhance the efficiency and security within the prison. "We're certainly fortunate to have her on our team, and she is really hit the ground running."
There was a lockdown at the jail on February 4 at 4 p.m following the discovery of two makeshift weapons on unit B4. Searches were conducted, and the lockdown was lifted the following morning. Director Lawrence also personally toward the unit and continues to implement measures to ameliorate these situations and ensure timely reporting.
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