Montgomery County appoints interim solicitor

NORRISTOWN — Officials appointed a new solicitor to oversee legal matters in Montgomery County.

Solicitor Josh Stein resigned from his post as county solicitor on June 30 after four years, according to Montgomery County Salary Board documents. County sources say Stein plans to “pursue other opportunities.”

Raymond McGarry, a partner at Brown McGarry Nimeroff, was tapped to fill Stein’s shoes on a temporary basis. He’s expected to serve as interim solicitor through the end of the year, according to Montgomery County Chief Operating Officer Lee Soltysiak, who added a permanent candidate will be chosen under the upcoming administration of county commissioners.

County commissioners also authorized a four-year agreement with in a 2-1 vote to lease a space for the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library to operate out of while the old facility undergoes renovations. Construction is expected to wrap up in 2027, according to officials.

The roughly 50,889-square-foot facility, owned by Norristown Centre A, L.P., is located at the Logan Square Shopping Center in Norristown. Rent for the first year will be listed, according to the resolution, and is slated to increase incrementally each year from $1,009,128.87 to $1,039,153.38 to $1,070,195.67.

Two one-year optional extensions were also included in the lease agreement, costing “$1,102,255.74 for the first extension year and $1,135,333.59 for the second extension year.”

Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairman Ken Lawrence Jr. and Vice Chairwoman Jamila Winder were in favor of the action, while Commissioner Joe Gale opposed it.

In remarks leading up to the vote, Gale clarified he’s in “support (of) the renovation of the library,” but in opposition to the expenses associated with previously proposed contracts.

“I’m surprised at how high the cost is from this project already while nothing has begun on site,” Gale said.

In other business, Montgomery County is seeking more information about health and wellness services for those experiencing homelessness. Deputy Chief Operating Officer Barbara O’Malley introduced a “request for information” on behalf of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services during Thursday’s meeting.

“Montgomery County is requesting letters of interest to support and assist with the most complex cases of opioid users who are in active overdose to create or enhance a hospital based or provider agency mobile services unit that will support and address the overdose issues within Montgomery County Communities,” read a post on the county’s purchasing department website.

Interested firms have until Aug. 14 to ask any questions related to the request for information and until 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 16 to submit a letter of interest.

Additionally, county officials acknowledged Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week, which took place from July 16 to July 22 and August as Immunization Awareness Month.

The next Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Aug. 17 on the eighth floor of One Montgomery Plaza, 425 Swede St., Norristown. Those interested in attending can also do so virtually. Visit montgomerycountypa.gov for more information.