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Council approves $150,000 transfer to help Moravian host UNESCO site manager; one recusal, one vote against
Summary
Council approved a $150,000 transfer from a downtown-initiative fund to support a Moravian University‑hosted site manager for Bethlehem’s new UNESCO World Heritage designation; one council member abstained and one voted no after arguing downtown businesses needed the funds.
The City Council voted 5–1 (with one recusal) on Sept. 16 to transfer $150,000 from a downtown-initiative fund to support a World Heritage site manager position that Moravian University has agreed to host. The ordinance amending the 2025 general fund budget was sponsored by Councilmembers Wilhelm and Leon and drew heated discussion from members concerned about using downtown funds for a position Moravian had offered to host.
The vote: Kwiatak, Leon, Wilhelm, Callahan and Colon voted yes; Councilwoman Kramsey Smith voted no; Councilwoman Laird recused herself because she is employed by Moravian University. The measure passed with a 5–1 vote and 1 recusal.
What the transfer covers and why the city said yes City staff described the transfer…
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