It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Lamport Hall in Northampton, PA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Northampton, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always treated with respect and they showed care for my mother. Everyone was pleasant when”
“Always Best Care Senior Services provided very professional services that resulted in finding the best”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of”
“I am a current client of this provider Always best care cared for my mother. They”
“Ken Good was so helpful and knowledgable when my elderly father needed in-home care. He”
“Ken and Rebecca have been extremely helpful during the process of finding in-home care for”
“Ken is a fantastic provider of in-home care in Doylestown. I highly recommend his team.”
“Ken was the first person I really talked to when I found out my father”
“Excellent in every respect.”
“The support provided by Ken and Rebecca Good (and all of their team) has been”
“Very few businesses or even people come from a place of compassion and a good”
“I am a current client of this provider Ken and Rebecca go above and beyond”
“Ken and Rebecca were a godsend in our search for care for our elderly father.”
“Very good, prompt attention to an unexpected need for day care in home for Mother-in-law.”
“Ken & Rebecca were very helpful & knowledgeable with resources in helping me care for”
“Both Rebecca and Ken were very easy to talk with and were very interested in”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care provides extremely caring, compassionate help”
“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Greater Bethlehem.”
“Always treated with respect and they showed care for my mother. Everyone was pleasant when I would call about different circumstances.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services provided very professional services that resulted in finding the best personal care facility fit for my mother. They have a passion for helping seniors and prioritize the health and well-being of their clients over everything else. I would highly recommend them when you are in a position of finding senior care services for your loved ones.”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of Bethlehem. Wonderful staff and excellent caregivers that go above and beyond what is expected of them!”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of Bethlehem. Wonderful staff and excellent caregivers that go above and beyond what is expected of them!”
“I am a current client of this provider Always best care cared for my mother. They have been amazing. My mother really likes her caregiver.”
“Ken Good was so helpful and knowledgable when my elderly father needed in-home care. He actually came to the rehab center to meet us where my father was getting physical therapy after a fall. This way he was able to accurately access how much care my father would need and which caregivers would be the right fit. We were afraid we'd have to move him to a nursing home but fortunately we were able to set up in-home care. It's been four months now and we have been very happy with the caregivers who have been assigned to my father. Always Best Care is very responsive and flexible in adjusting hours as needed, somehow managing to keep the caregivers my parents have bonded with even though the hours have been reduced. We are happy our parents are able to age in place with care as they need it.”
“Ken and Rebecca have been extremely helpful during the process of finding in-home care for my in-laws. They have been sensitive to our needs, diligent in their efforts to provide the best possible care, and consistent in their follow-up to see if things are satisfactory. We have been executing this process from out-of-state and the process has been very smooth. Through phone calls and face-to-face meetings when possible, both Ken and Rebecca have been professional, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“Ken is a fantastic provider of in-home care in Doylestown. I highly recommend his team.”
“Ken was the first person I really talked to when I found out my father was given a year to live. Instead of immediately looking at me like a business opportunity, he treated me like a close friend. He listened and treated me with complete kindness.. I have gotten to know Ken and his wife Rebecca and I can easily say that they are two of the most wonderful people I have ever met. There is nothing in this world I wouldn't trust them with. Especially the care of a loved one.”
“Excellent in every respect.”
“The support provided by Ken and Rebecca Good (and all of their team) has been invaluable as the family navigates through dealing with the impact of our sister's illness to all of us. The structure with using ABC's online portal to evidence our sister's care is extremely beneficial in ensuring strong and coordinated communication. It is truly appreciative this technology is available and utilized by ABC. For those dealing with identifying care for a loved one, you would be smart to contact Always Best Care of Upper Buxmont.”
“Very few businesses or even people come from a place of compassion and a good heart. Always Best Care does. The client always comes first as does their health and well-being, and the family seeking the best for their loved ones. Thank you Ken for all you did for my parents!”
“I am a current client of this provider Ken and Rebecca go above and beyond for their clients, as do their staff. They handled emergent situations for my grandmother when we were on vacation - staying with her the entire time at the hospital. Ken also did significant research for our decision to put her in an assisted living community. I highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Ken and Rebecca were a godsend in our search for care for our elderly father. Both Ken and Rebecca were incredibly compassionate, empathetic and caring. In addition, they were knowledgeable and had a wonderful process for determining the needs of the family, the needs of the specific individual and finding an appropriate match for a caregiver to meet those needs. I can't say enough about the services provided by Always Best Care. Ken always went above and beyond, he knew the questions to ask, and how to navigate all the red tape of various organizations (Veterans Administration, etc.) AND he diligently does site visits to the facilities he references so he is able to speak from experience about the quality of care at the facilities under consideration. If you are in need of advice and assistance in caring for a family member I recommend Ken and Rebecca and Always Best Care with no reservations.”
“Very good, prompt attention to an unexpected need for day care in home for Mother-in-law. Ken is very well versed in available providers and other services needed at this time.The day care providers dealt well with her memory problems.”
“Ken & Rebecca were very helpful & knowledgeable with resources in helping me care for my Mom during an extremely difficult time. It was great finding two people who cared & listened to my situation. I never felt alone in my difficult decision making process.”
“Both Rebecca and Ken were very easy to talk with and were very interested in getting to know my father. They went out of their way to help us as our plans changed from in home care to personal care. They explained the process and were with us every step of the way to answer questions and provide support. I would use them again in a minute.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care provides extremely caring, compassionate help for my mom, I live out of town, and can't be there myself very often. But this business goes all-out to take care of my mom. I don't know what we would do without them.”
“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Greater Bethlehem.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Wayne A Grube Memorial Park in Northampton, PA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Homestead or visit Queen Eleanor Cross, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Northampton, PA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Northampton, PA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Northampton, PA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The leaders of the Northampton Township PBA welcomed two new businesses to the community with ribbon-cutting ceremonies.RICHBORO, PA — Two new businesses - Cigar HQ and Nailtopia - have opened their doors at the Richboro Center on Bustleton Pike.The leaders of the Northampton Township Business and Professional Association were on hand to officially cut the ribbon on the two new additions and to welcome them to town.“There’s nothing more exciting than having new businesses come into an existing space,&...
RICHBORO, PA — Two new businesses - Cigar HQ and Nailtopia - have opened their doors at the Richboro Center on Bustleton Pike.
The leaders of the Northampton Township Business and Professional Association were on hand to officially cut the ribbon on the two new additions and to welcome them to town.
“There’s nothing more exciting than having new businesses come into an existing space,” said NTBPA President Mick Petrucci. “To have these two businesses with experienced operators with other locations is a win-win for our community. They are both set up for success. And they’re in a great location with a great mixture of tenants.”
The Richboro Center is anchored on one end by Jake’s Eatery and the other end by the Richboro branch of the U.S. Postal Service.
Cigar HQ is part of a 10 store chain in the Philadelphia area that also has locations in New Hope, Oxford Valley, Quakertown, Horsham, and Peddler’s Village.
The Richboro store recently relocated to the center from the Richboro Plaza just down the road.
“We have a large selection of all the leading cigars and manufacturers,” said John Pizzigoni, who owns the cigar store chain, formerly branded as Cigar Cigars. “We have the lowest prices in the area. We also run a special. If you buy five cigars you get the sixth free.
John Pizzigoni cuts the ribbon on Cigar HQ's new store at the Richboro Center. (Jeff Werner/Patch)
“When you are shopping at Cigar HQ you can find the best deals on premium cigars as well as inexpensive cigars, humidors, and all the best cigar accessories,” he said.
And he adds, “Anything that you don’t see here we have access to.
“We also have a lounge with great smoke filtration sand soon we will be providing 24 hour access for our members,” he said.
Pizzigoni points to the camaraderie as what sets apart Cigar HQ from its competitors.
“We have a great group of guys who come in here to enjoy a good cigar and watch a game,” he said. “It feels like a family. When you light up a cigar, you could sit next to a guy you never met before and spend the next two or three hours talking about everything.”
This is Nailtopia’s second location. It also has a store on Red Lion Road in Northeast Philadelphia, which has been doing business for 13 years.
Both stores are owned by Council Rock parent Katherine Nguyen of Holland. She grew up in the industry, helping out her mom at her nail salon at the age of 10. Her professional career began five years later when she went to work for her uncle. She has now been in the business 25 years.
“Nailtopia literally means a world of nails,” said Nguyen. “So anything that you can find on social media and the internet we can do. We offer facial waxing. We also do tinting and laminating. We also do head spa facials and all sorts of manicures and pedicures.”
Katherine Nguyen cuts the ribbon on her new nail salon at the Richboro Center. (Jeff Werner/Patch)
Nguyen said her specialty is retention. “I can make your nails look really good but they also last really well.”
Nailtopia is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The salon takes walk-ins when there’s availability but appointments are strongly suggested. For information, call 215-494-0284 or email [email protected]
EASTON, Pa. - The 2026 General Election is less than a month away and Ballot on-Demand voting is now available in most of Pennsylvania's 67 counties.In Northampton County, officials said on-demand voting gives voters more options leading up to Election Day on November 3rd.It's basically a "one-stop shop" for voters."It gives you the opportunity to come into the office and do the process right here in person," said Chris Commini, Northampton County Registrar.Election officials have tallied more ...
EASTON, Pa. - The 2026 General Election is less than a month away and Ballot on-Demand voting is now available in most of Pennsylvania's 67 counties.
In Northampton County, officials said on-demand voting gives voters more options leading up to Election Day on November 3rd.
It's basically a "one-stop shop" for voters.
"It gives you the opportunity to come into the office and do the process right here in person," said Chris Commini, Northampton County Registrar.
Election officials have tallied more than a dozen voters who made the trip to the county's Election Office on the first day of Ballot-on-Demand voting on Monday, October 5th.
Voters can fill out an application and complete and return their ballots in one visit to the government center on Washington Street.
They may fill out the ballot in the office and return it the same day or take it home and mail it back.
Commini said voters can also use one of the county's ten drop boxes or the drop boxes at the county's six upcoming voter pop-up events.
"People tend to equate this as early voting in Pennsylvania. There is no early voting. It's basically an on-demand process," said Commini.
It's a pretty simple one, according to Commini.
Voters have several days and times leading up to Tuesday, October 27th, to take advantage of on-demand voting opportunities.
"I think it gives the voters some different options," Commini said.
And there is one important thing to bring:
"An ID, because what we'll do is we will check your ID before we hand you your official ballot," said Commini. "We want to make sure that the person is who they say they are when we hand them their ballot."
Residents can register to vote through October 19th.
Those voters who are not registered can do so online or at the county's upcoming six voter pop-up events.
Commini said that registered voters who have already applied for a mail-in ballot are not eligible for on-demand voting. They must wait to receive their ballot in the mail.
Northampton County Ballot Drop-Box Locations:
Northampton County Pop-Up Voter Services Locations:
Northampton County property owners could face a 43.5% tax hike in 2027 under a proposed $566 million budget that was unveiled Friday by county Executive Tara Zrinski.The budget proposes raising the millage rate from 10.8 mills to 15.5 mills, which would mean the tax bill for the average residential property assessed at $62,000 would go from $669 per year to $961, or about $292 more per year.Zrinski said that would amount to $24.19 more per month.In her budget presentation before about 25 county employees at the county&rs...
Northampton County property owners could face a 43.5% tax hike in 2027 under a proposed $566 million budget that was unveiled Friday by county Executive Tara Zrinski.
The budget proposes raising the millage rate from 10.8 mills to 15.5 mills, which would mean the tax bill for the average residential property assessed at $62,000 would go from $669 per year to $961, or about $292 more per year.
Zrinski said that would amount to $24.19 more per month.
In her budget presentation before about 25 county employees at the county’s Department of Human Services building in Bethlehem Township, Zrinski said the rate increase would bring in about $44.5 million in much-needed additional revenue.
The executive described the increase as “not a welcome thing and I understand that,” but said county taxes have remained unchanged for eight years. Within that time, costs have risen and the county needs to keep pace to continue provide a variety of services.
“Since I took office we feel like we’re putting out fires. We are on the defensive and not getting ahead. We need to get ahead,” she said.
In 2008 the county spending plan was $404 million; in 2026 it was $546 million.
Shortfalls in funding programs or departments in those years were often paid for using budget surplus or the fund balance, Zrinski said.
“We can’t rely on fund balances year after year. … It’s just becoming harder and harder to balance the budget,” she said.
Another factor in rising expenses is a rise in the county’s population. Census data shows the county was home to 297,735 people in 2010 and 324,411 in 2025. Northampton, which is nearly 370 square miles, is the 13th largest county in the state.
Among the highlights of the spending plan is bringing county workers to a minimum hourly wage of $18 and by 2029 to $22 per hour; improvements and maintenance projects to the county courthouse and prison; protecting public lands; boosting the county employees pension fund; and continued support for Gracedale, the county nursing home.
The employee pension fund is proposed to get an additional $12.2 million, a significant increase from the $1.2 million allocated in 2026.
Healthcare costs for retired county workers would also see a boost of $3 million compared with zero in 2026.
“The biggest moral obligation is Gracedale,” Zrinski said.
Previously, Zrinski unveiled plans to expand the Gracedale campus with a mixed-use development that would help support the nursing home. Outside funding would be needed to make those plans a reality.
She described the county prison as “like ‘The Green Mile,’ ” referencing the movie that stared Tom Hanks based on the Stephen King novel centered on death row inmates in a Depression-era prison.
As for state and federal funds, she said the county can no longer rely on them. “State and federal funds are no longer predictable.”
Zrinski’s spending plan is only a proposal and something she said she expects to be scrutinized by County Council, which will review the spending plan and vote on a final budget.
A husband-and-wife team has closed on a commercial property in Northampton County that will become home to a family-owned butcher shop rooted in generations of meat-cutting tradition.Jeremy and Allison Scavazzo purchased 5751 Nor-Bath Blvd. in East Allen Township and will convert the three-tenant property into Scavazzo’s Gilded Cleaver, a butcher shop and provisions market.Commercial financing for the acquisition was arranged by Jeff Barber of Lehigh Financial Group, with funding provided by 44 Business Capital, according...
A husband-and-wife team has closed on a commercial property in Northampton County that will become home to a family-owned butcher shop rooted in generations of meat-cutting tradition.
Jeremy and Allison Scavazzo purchased 5751 Nor-Bath Blvd. in East Allen Township and will convert the three-tenant property into Scavazzo’s Gilded Cleaver, a butcher shop and provisions market.
Commercial financing for the acquisition was arranged by Jeff Barber of Lehigh Financial Group, with funding provided by 44 Business Capital, according to a news release from Lehigh Financial Group.
For Jeremy Scavazzo, the venture represents a return to his family’s trade, which traces back to the early 1960s. He learned meat cutting from his grandfather at Dottie Lou Meats & Catering in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania.
“I grew up in the business,” Scavazzo said. “I learned everything from my grandfather at a very young age ... The dream was to always own my own shop one day. Everything is just starting to come to fruition. Getting back into the business is exciting. I always said if I was going to get back into the business, I wanted to do it for myself—be my own boss—and that’s what’s happening.”
Demolition and interior buildouts are scheduled to begin immediately, with a two-month construction timeline to merge two units into a unified shop. The facility will include a temperature-controlled prep room, existing walk-in cooler and freezer infrastructure, and two custom smokehouses.
The shop will initially feature house-made smoked meats, kielbasa and jerky. Future offerings will expand to include deli lunch meats, charcuterie boards, gourmet cheeses and full-service deer processing. The business will showcase classic family recipes and methods passed down through generations.
Jeremy Scavazzo will oversee daily retail operations and meat manufacturing, while Allison Scavazzo, a senior corporate finance leader, will manage financial oversight, back-office administration and long-term business planning.
The real estate transaction was brokered by Nick D’Egidio and Mario D’Egidio of Coletta Commercial Realty, who represented both buyers and seller. Legal counsel was provided by Rob Jacobs of Easton.
The owners are targeting a fall grand opening featuring a community pig roast. Additional information is available at ScavazzosGildedCleaver.com.
This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by LehighValleyLive.com staff.
NORTHAMPTON CO., Pa. - The money in Northampton County's proposed budget could help first responders buy new ambulances and equipment.Mark Lehman, Operational Supervisor, Northampton Regional EMS said, "People need help, we have to be there for them."Friday, County Executive Tara Zrinski released a proposed budget that would help county employees like first responders.Mark Lehman has been with the Northampton Regional EMS for nine years, he says he's noticed a huge drop off of providers while call volumes conti...
NORTHAMPTON CO., Pa. - The money in Northampton County's proposed budget could help first responders buy new ambulances and equipment.
Mark Lehman, Operational Supervisor, Northampton Regional EMS said, "People need help, we have to be there for them."
Friday, County Executive Tara Zrinski released a proposed budget that would help county employees like first responders.
Mark Lehman has been with the Northampton Regional EMS for nine years, he says he's noticed a huge drop off of providers while call volumes continue to go up.
"Every year since I've been here our call volume has increased by at least 200 to 300 calls every year," says Lehman.
"Any grant that we get is beneficial for us, it helps us buy new ambulances, new equipment.... so that we can do our jobs better."
EMS crews say they need to keep up with the demand, as Lehman expects call volumes to rise to 8,000 in time, they're responding to at least one call almost every hour.
Lehman says, "One day you could be delivering a baby in someone's home and the next day you could be treating someone's family that passed away."
But not everyone is as happy with the proposed budget, which also includes a potential 43.5% property tax increase.
According to County Executive Tara Zrinski, the increase means of the nearly 325,000 people that live in Northampton County, the owner of a home with a $100,000 assessed value would pay an extra $470 in taxes every year.
"That's the last thing that we need," explains David Hutchens, Northampton County Resident.
Some residents tell us they have enough to worry about economically.
Hutchens went on to say, "A lot of us are now having to pay $4.65 for gas right now, mean, what else is next?"
Other residents are upset too, like 20 year resident of Moore Township Josephine Brudnicki, "They have to consider their constituents, who they represent."
But officials say the county hasn't seen a property tax increase in nearly a decade.
Zrinski says, "It's a really difficult decision to make, no politician wants to raise taxes, no taxpayer wants their taxes raised."
The budget still needs to be approved by county council. They will host several meetings before making a final decision. That first public meeting will be held October 21 in the county council room, a proposed 2027 budget hearing schedule is shown below.
Proposed 2027 Budget Hearing Schedule
All meetings except the budget amendment hearing will be held at 4:30 p.m. in the County Council Meeting Room.
October 21, 2026 (Wednesday) - General Government (excluding DCED); Public Works and Capital Improvement Projects
October 28, 2026 (Wednesday) – Dept of Community and Economic Development; Human Services
November 4, 2026 (Wednesday) – Court System and Corrections
November 12, 2026 (Thursday) – Noon Deadline for Budget Amendment Submissions to Council Staff
November 18, 2026 (Wednesday) – Budget Amendment Hearing - Review and Discussion of Budget Amendment Submissions and Personnel Requests Immediately following Personnel and Finance Committees meeting
December 3, 2026 @ 6:30pm (Thursday) – Potential vote on 2027 Budget and Budget related items
December 10, 2026 @ 4:30pm (Thursday) – Potential (if necessary) vote on 2027 Budget and Budget related items and/or any veto overrides
484-896-8867
