EASTON, Pa. – Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure announced Thursday he will seek more proposals from companies to build a health clinic for county employees, bending to pressure from County Council.
- County Executive Lamont McClure told County Council on Thursday he will seek bids to build a county health clinic, reversing course
- Council originally was scheduled to consider a measure authorizing McClure to pursue a no-bid contract
- McClure argues an optional clinic for county employees will save money on health care costs
Council voted to table a motion on the agenda authorizing McClure to negotiate a contract with New Jersey-based Integrity Health without seeking other proposals.
Council members previously criticized McClure’s decision to pursue the contract without seeking bids from other companies.
McClure previously introduced plans for an optional clinic available to county employees and their families, built in partnership with Integrity Health.
Because Northampton County pays for its employees' health care directly, if its employees choose to use the county’s clinic over other traditional healthcare, McClure said, the county could save on healthcare costs.
McClure didn't offer further explanation for his decision Thursday.
