Council adopts 2026 budget amendment to 'true up' state grant timing including $550,700 DCNR award

Northampton County Council voted 7‑0 to adopt an amendment to the 2026 county budget that officials described as a "truing up" of the county calendar budget to reflect state fiscal allocations and newly signed grants.

Acting fiscal director explained that many of the line‑item changes are timing adjustments caused by the mismatch between the county’s calendar budget and the state fiscal year; revenues for some human‑services programs and grants shifted into the county’s current year when the state delayed its budget. The acting fiscal director said the county does not book grant revenue until awards are signed to avoid departments spending funds that might not be received.

Council members asked about a DCNR grant that increased parks revenue and corresponding capital expenditures by $550,700; the acting fiscal director said that grant was signed in January and therefore was not reflected in the numbers prepared last June. Members also asked for enrollment data supporting large HealthChoices adjustments and whether American Rescue Plan deadlines affect spending; staff said program deadlines and allocations differ by program and human services would provide more details in follow‑up.

The council called the roll; Miss Vargo Heffner, Mister Bellet, Miss Deegan, Mister Kayeum, Miss Warren, Mister Fadem and Mister Giovanni voted yes and the amendment was adopted by a vote of 7‑0.

Why it matters: The amendment adjusts county fiscal planning to match state grants and allocations, adding revenue and corresponding expenditures for programs spanning public safety, human services and parks. Council members requested further detail on contractor‑level impacts and HealthChoices enrollment data to gauge ongoing budget needs.

Staff indicated a follow‑up review with human services and that the fiscal process will continue with another true‑up in the fall.