Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Grant topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lehigh Township authorizes application for county grant to help buy digital radios
Summary
Supervisors authorized Manager Alice Rehrig to apply for a Northampton County Public Safety Grant to buy six digital portable radios and chargers, a $32,231.28 project with a potential $20,000 county award and a $12,231.28 township match. Board and residents said county timing and costs remain a concern.
Lehigh Township supervisors voted Aug. 26 to authorize the township manager to apply for a Northampton County Public Safety Grant to buy six digital portable radios and accompanying desk and vehicle chargers, a project Rehrig estimated at $32,231.28.
The proposal, presented by Township Manager Alice Rehrig, would use a 2-to-1 grant match. If the county awards the maximum $20,000, the township’s required contribution would be $12,231.28. Supervisor Cindy Miller made the motion to authorize the application; Janet Sheats seconded and the Board voted unanimously.
The request drew public comment and further discussion from supervisors about the broader, countywide transition to digital radio systems. Resident John Knobloch and others asked whether Northampton County would delay migration dates or provide broader financial help to municipalities. "Everyone is applying for these grants because it will be expensive to replace all the radios when the digital switch over takes place," Supervisor Janet Sheats said, urging coordinated planning. She added that some fire companies could face large bills; "It could cost fire companies $200,000 to get new radios," Sheats said.
Manager Rehrig also noted the township will plan increases to its radio replacement contribution in the capital plan. The Board did not set a migration deadline or commit additional funds beyond authorizing the grant application; supervisors encouraged continued outreach to county officials. Cindy Miller said she would contact county council members and County Executive Lamont McClure to ask for clearer migration timelines and support.
The authorization lets the manager complete the application and pursue the county grant; the Board retains authority to approve any required match or contract once a grant award is confirmed. The Board also reviewed the township’s broader capital plan later in the meeting, where radio replacement funding was listed for future increases.
