Northampton County Council adopts CCAP priorities, authorizes AAA donations and introduces budget amendment

Northampton County Council on Feb. 5 unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania's (CCAP) three priorities for 2026 and approved a separate resolution permitting the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to accept donations for special events.

The CCAP priorities adopted by the council call for an increase and statutory updates to 911 funding (with a referenced proposed surcharge of $2.20), increased funding for county mental‑health services, and timely property reassessments to promote fair taxation across counties. Council members noted the priorities were selected through CCAP committee work and a statewide vote; as one member put it, "These were the 3 that were voted on by the entire body across the state." The CCAP priorities resolution passed by a 7–0 vote.

Earlier in the meeting the council considered and adopted a resolution authorizing the Department of Human Services' AAA division to accept small donations (flowers, candy and similar items) on an ongoing basis to be used at events such as the outstanding senior awards and centenarian luncheons. That resolution passed 7–0.

The council also introduced — and had a council member sponsor — an ordinance to amend the 2025 Northampton County budget to account for human services, Gracedale and district attorney opioid funding; the ordinance was scheduled for public hearing, debate and possible vote at the Feb. 19 meeting.

Votes at a glance: the AAA donations resolution and the CCAP priorities resolution were each adopted by recorded voice vote of seven in favor, none opposed. The budget amendment ordinance was introduced and set for a Feb. 19 public hearing.