Over the past few months, there's been friction between Northampton County and the county conservation district. The source is money. The conservation district wants to handle the funds, but the county is wary of entrusting money over which it has no control. The conservation district has voted to get its funding directly from the state, and has opened up its own accounts.
Executive Lamont McClure advised County Council last night that the conservation district has violated its contract with the county. Rather than purse this breach in the courts, McClure has instead decided to allow it to go its separate way. Basically, he's filing for a no-fault divorce on the basis of irreconcilable differences. He said he will give the district 15 months.
Council member John Goffredo told McClure his action is "immature," and that Council has the authority to amend its contract with the conservation district. They do, but it is the Executive who negotiates and signs the amendment.
"I appreciate your lecture on maturity," responded McClure.
"If we're being audited, we need to have some controls," said Council member Ron Heckman. But he's concerned about the employees.
"Independence is independence," responded McClure. He said there are nine county employees.
"I don't want them to become collateral damage," said Heckman. McClure said that any legacy costs owed to employees will be borne by the county. He indicated that since the conservation district thinks employees should be paid more, perhaps they will pay these higher salaries.
