EASTON, Pa. – Northampton County Council blocked a proposed free health center for employees and their dependents last year.
County Executive Lamont G. McClure brought his proposal back to council on Wednesday, but five of the "no" votes from last year remain on board.
Council's three Republicans — John Brown, John Goffredo and Thomas Giovanni — along with Democrats Lori Vargo Heffner, council president, voted against having a center on July 20, 2023.
There are new members on council — Jeff Corpora, Kelly Keegan, Ken Kraft and Jeff Warren. Council Vice President Ron Heckman voted for the center last year.
If they remain opposed, the plan will not pass. There are four new members on council — Democrats Jeff Corpora, Kelly Keegan, Ken Kraft and Jeff Warren — but not enough to sway a vote.
Warren and Keegan spoke in favor of the plan Wednesday during a meeting of council's Personnel Committee.
McClure said the county spends $28 million on health care annually and has to find ways to cut costs. He said Wednesday a health center could cover former employees, too.
"It would absolutely be my intention to make it available to the retirees," he said, but, "We'd first like to get it established with employees."
McClure contends that the county would save $5 million to $10 million with a five-year contract with Integrity Health, his preferred provider. A health center would provide a cheaper option, saving money on some emergency-room visits and other services.
Integrity Chairman Douglas Forrester, the Republican nominee in New Jersey for the U.S. Senate in 2002 and governor in 2005, also addressed the committee Wednesday. New Jersey-based Integrity Health operates what it calls "partnership health centers" for school districts and county governments.
Stephen J. Barron Jr., the county's director of fiscal affairs, said the McClure administration has cut $6 million in health costs with a "telemedicine" service and other moves.
A health center would not replace the employees' health insurance, but supplement it, according to the administration.
When the plan failed last year, councilmembers cited concerns about start-up costs and whether a center would pay off in the long run.
"There are legitimate concerns that came up last year," Heckman said.
When it comes up again is a question. Vargo Heffner said the center is not on the agenda for the full council meeting on Thursday. Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the government center in Easton. The meeting agenda and a link to a webcast are posted on the county website.
In a previous version of this story WFMZ incorrectly reported Ron Heckman voted against the center.
