[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6558718,"mediaKeyId","3233682-046bc31c325fa12eaa0d01f8d346810b","parentId",3233682,"title","545 Scranton Republican ballots misprinted; county says vendor error, public asks for investigation","audioSeconds",352,"startMs",3098000,"endMs",3450000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3233682-046bc31c325fa12eaa0d01f8d346810b&start=3098&end=3450","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3233682-046bc31c325fa12eaa0d01f8d346810b/thumbnail_3098000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6558718/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/545-Scranton-Republican-ballots-misprinted-county-says-vendor-error-public-asks-for-investigation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6558718-de9063282696ade7b50b4fd6eff57bd9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775220174&Signature=XYHDucRfr~WvYHgRZ8tRSewvAlDZF72Uy1DE4aNoiLSFK9p0YQep-bWpvBRYSbya16rxecJ0xmFMk1kG33oGMwK9~QTPhzt151lD4ZoyCG5okrtJ23dP2d3tRKkpqHJYnfrJtQg6jAE33fj1X9rirNF3plAmRXjFx7NIdlLrC0WB-ed3ZZ7ygV3Ho5ePWMWTmCqcV3mz0XfISvyCjvE4JJmy-3Vxb-Q72yyBuSZ188KRQOCcbII4AjOY79tszMgciC42aCj7rFSLvf5EC~dryNEegt294Anyek1v3rzRf6j1JtAXTSV5bkHmtlTm2DfQSzByd5WMQYGnCuewCG9KYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lackawanna County, PA","date","2025-05-08T18:25:33Z","article","A printing error affected 545 Republican mail‑in ballots in Scranton’s primary, officials and residents told the Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners during public comment on May 7. County officials and the vendor acknowledged the mistake, and commissioners said corrected ballots were printed and mailed; members of the public urged an investigation and clearer outreach to voters.

Commissioner Chris Chermack attributed the problem to the ballot vendor and described the county’s response: “This was not a conspiracy ... it was a printer error acknowledged and owned by the vendor, Election Systems and Software, who has taken full responsibility,” he said. Chermack said corrected ballots were couriered and mailed, the old ballots were deactivated, and the county will count corrected Scranton Republican mail‑in ballots separately for transparency.

Residents at the meeting pressed for further action. Care Francis, who has raised election‑administration concerns previously, said she is “against the drop boxes” and called for the county to restore public comment on the county’s social media channels and to answer two outstanding Right‑to‑Know requests she filed in November about ballots and related surveillance. “I am against the drop boxes, and now I’m even more passionate about my disdain for the no excuse mail in ballots after this past week’s debacle,” Francis said.

Suzanne Green, who reviewed reports from other jurisdictions with misprinted ballots, said the county’s problem resembles printing errors elsewhere and urged a public report explaining exactly how the error occurred and what procedural changes will prevent a recurrence. Another commenter, identified as “Jo,” urged a public forum and called for Tyler Technologies and county officials to answer questions about property reassessment work in the same session.

County elections staff and the commissioners said they had no reason to suspect fraud and defended the elections bureau’s response. Commissioners suggested voters worried about whether their mail‑in ballot was accepted could vote in person or submit provisional ballots at polling places.

What’s next: Commissioners said safeguards will be implemented and elections staff would review procedures with the vendor. Several public speakers asked the county to investigate whether similar printing errors have occurred in other jurisdictions and to publish a public accounting of the incident.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lackawanna County Board Of Commissioners 5 7 25","oneSentenceSummary","A printing error sent incorrect primary ballots to 545 Scranton Republican voters; county officials say the vendor accepted responsibility and corrected ballots were re‑mailed while residents urged an independent review and better public outreach.","taxTitle","Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania","taxId",2940,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6558721,"County hires forensic auditors for former prison health provider and approves PFM for phase 2 of financial recovery",219,753000,972000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3233682-046bc31c325fa12eaa0d01f8d346810b&start=753&end=972","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3233682-046bc31c325fa12eaa0d01f8d346810b/thumbnail_753000.jpg","/articles/6558721/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/County-hires-forensic-auditors-for-former-prison-health-provider-and-approves-PFM-for-phase-2-of-financial-recovery","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6558721-c8e65a5251fdbfeae28ad4a28ec33d7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775220174&Signature=YR4-1r4oDzUygRTnD2gNrgLrfJk7YtLbbPgRj1bIxlLIQIX8MD4V6sff49iVm9DyB8xNwNt83rwONLLW57NW55HuYl18S8sg4TET9rLGOqsrdhGn93JzsisOicE-u1S8l1HN5uEJVLCgbm2XrI3zrRYqi40sNF9KtdSEx72Osu1N7BHLfn7tM9NurUpVu80QuaWVGoycHFxLX-zctXrPZa2WJmIHif8DJDnpIgYVteitA0o4LVRGLh~fPrBU~5zxfhXG~hpI3FPnG~MWP18kGpebsDF8E1fCEHjxlEnl9CKSBx5btB2JqJL5TDtF6Xx-1kohJvMJbWcyzBJtHDHyhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lackawanna County commissioners on May 7 authorized a forensic and performance audit of services provided by the county prison’s former health-care contractor and approved a consulting contract to implement phase 2 of a county financial recovery plan.

The board awarded the audit to Boyer & Ritter LLC after a request-for-proposals process; county Chief Financial Officer David Bolzoni said five firms responded and the county does not expect the contract to exceed $100,000. The audit will focus on “billing and staffing slash performance,” Bolzoni said, and will examine recent billing that the county said was not satisfactorily explained by the prior contractor, Wellpath.

Why it matters: the audit and the PFM engagement are part of a broader effort to stabilize county finances after officials said they uncovered a multi‑year structural shortfall. The county’s financial review and the audit probe separate but related concerns: the audit examines the former provider’s billing and performance at the prison; the PFM contract funds implementation of operational and financial recommendations intended to restore long‑term fiscal balance.

Bolzoni told the board that Boyer & Ritter was recommended following review by revenue and finance and outside counsel. “Costs are based on an hourly scale. We do not expect the contractual costs to exceed $100,000,” he said.

Separately, the board approved an amended consulting agreement with PFM Group Consulting LLC to carry out phase 2 of a strategic management plan. Bolzoni said the work under phase 2 will implement recommendations from the firm’s earlier review of county finances and operations and will be supported by a $100,000 grant; he said the county’s cost will not exceed the grant amount.

Commissioner Bill Gaughan described the county’s fiscal situation that prompted the PFM engagement. “Rather than ignore the problem or kick the can down the road further ... I chose to face it head on,” Gaughan said, summarizing the commission’s view that the county was confronting a significant structural deficit and must implement difficult changes to restore stability.

Both measures passed on unanimous aye votes by those present.

Clarifying details: the audit award followed five proposals; Boyer & Ritter’s work will emphasize billing and staffing/performance questions tied to services the county says were provided by Wellpath. The PFM phase‑2 work is supported by a $100,000 grant and the county stated the contract cost will not exceed that grant.

What’s next: the county will proceed with the audit and PFM’s implementation work; officials said they will return with further updates as those reviews and projects develop.","Lackawanna County commissioners approved a forensic and performance audit of billing and staffing by the prison’s former health-care contractor and authorized PFM to begin phase 2 of a state-backed strategic management plan to address a multiyear fiscal shortfall.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6558708,"County proclaims Foster Care Awareness Month and approves aging‑services amendments to support new Older Adult Advocacy Center",977,463000,1440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3233682-046bc31c325fa12eaa0d01f8d346810b&start=463&end=1440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3233682-046bc31c325fa12eaa0d01f8d346810b/thumbnail_463000.jpg","/articles/6558708/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/County-proclaims-Foster-Care-Awareness-Month-and-approves-agingservices-amendments-to-support-new-Older-Adult-Advocacy-Center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6558708-ac82d179f66a5e74ec14a9de1f1257d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775220174&Signature=C-ITgtqQbIUG-xqGeILmK1Rlot-PqtdCJPfEYZ79mAO1C~hRBGikUqqvp3RYNto7vHdCe388nkVnh4iwEadUKbN-R6FjdgYXCaS-GrQuvGMJcS4clYD5TcaH9ljrcSI51e-kcFV2Pkrf~qstJ~W2OtdEVgKIoD9MGWQBS~mDf6OnfT45upnptcbbvIxj7y9Nftng9U78JtnP0eCMKcOFlMAOzKx-GITXI22UQxegxkBJi6dEpUJ7xvvULzGarqpir608qwCPDvNOzOK-a7iVPTDRONATtS8aPPGUbEbjI0tRw13wZGZl9HLGJZpabmy0PZ4fUagGLT3toxhzsiyp5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lackawanna County commissioners proclaimed May 2025 as Foster Care Awareness Month and approved amendments to Area Agency on Aging agreements designed to support services for older adults, including an Older Adult Advocacy Center that county officials described as the first of its kind in Pennsylvania.

The board recognized local foster parents and asked residents to consider fostering. Lisa Sohara, foster care and adoption supervisor, described the role of foster parents and introduced Amy Davatina, a foster parent with 21 years’ experience who the agency highlighted for her long service.

Separately, the board approved amendments to an assessment‑services agreement with Aging Well Pennsylvania LLC to correct per‑assessment and per‑hearing rates and an amendment with Telespan Senior Services Inc. to permit the Area Agency on Aging to provide emergency funding to support older adults engaged in protective services. County staff said the Older Adult Advocacy Center provides short‑term transitional stays, meals, laundry and case management for older adults who have experienced abuse or neglect; county and provider representatives described it as a four‑room, five‑bed facility meant to bridge emergencies and safer transitions to home.

Helen Schmidt, president and CEO of Telespan Senior Services, said the organization operates home care coordination, an adult day center and AmeriCorps senior programs and described the advocacy center’s role in “wrap‑around” services. Clifton Miller, director of the Older Adult Advocacy Center, said the center provides observation, documentation, transportation and support so protective services can stabilize the home and prevent repeat incidents.

Commissioners praised foster parents and the new advocacy center as filling gaps in local care and approved the amendments by voice vote.

Clarifying details: the amended assessment rate with Aging Well was corrected from $259.35 to $264.40 per assessment and the hearing preparation/attendance rate was corrected to $1,422.7 (as read on the record); the Older Adult Advocacy Center offers daily rates ranging from $75 to $325 depending on length of stay, and the center is described as a four‑room, five‑bed transitional unit.","Commissioners proclaimed May 2025 Foster Care Awareness Month and approved amendments to county aging‑services contracts that correct provider rates and allow emergency funding for an Older Adult Advocacy Center intended to serve older adults experiencing abuse or neglect.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":79,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6558713,"Commissioners approve payables, audits, contracts and appointments; vote summary",81,672000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3233682-046bc31c325fa12eaa0d01f8d346810b&start=672&end=753","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3233682-046bc31c325fa12eaa0d01f8d346810b/thumbnail_672000.jpg","/articles/6558713/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Commissioners-approve-payables-audits-contracts-and-appointments-vote-summary","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6558713-8a8733265f07c4dcbb6bd5fa3a40a336/orig.mp4?Expires=1775220175&Signature=AtnmBH51XHjSYbf9KD4AZPE3~RWy5OvlewIQI1XP~X2Vk-y~LeGlBCSjcHHM1cfaZKAK0WAIryKjrBTFo2V~FPLXeWixq87M4IKC6XMG2uEi6ELwVKeuZwRN6s~R7mxKi1WUbg7UHr-tclDFaNbAP7dcFRNHtjcduzPMhA80NdNrYuDUjHSaZDyIRfEOXKYc6Kj~Z7yyrH1WpErOJdlfzMIt6VxXj~O-mmqEJz9NfLvgNhm6iKPGY2j7pPq5KOvx9Vsg6L5FP4NatfB7YbNtEWyvAaLkI0LRaU6bPdvfR1GB3mdOJzm907zSLSTC0WMdxQfkBiHS5lQ7qSuDp~pY8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners approved multiple resolutions at its May 7 public meeting. The board adopted measures covering payment of county bills, a forensic audit of the prison’s former health provider, service and maintenance contracts for county facilities, an amended consulting agreement to implement a financial management plan, grant amendments, a local economic revitalization tax assistance designation for a Scranton property, and several appointments to county boards.

Votes at a glance (all items approved by voice vote at the May 7 meeting):

- Resolution 25‑00110 — Approving current payables. The resolution approved payables from the county general fund (numbers read into the record) and electronic fund transfers including payroll accounts; the payables roll and totals were adopted as presented.

- Resolution 25‑0100 — Award professional contract for forensic and performance auditing services to Boyer & Ritter LLC for a probe of services provided by the former prison health‑care provider (Wellpath). CFO David Bolzoni said five proposals were received and the county does not expect costs to exceed $100,000.

- Resolution 25‑0101 — Enter into an agreement with Siemens Industry Incorporated for preventative maintenance on the prison HVAC/controls system. County staff said Siemens controls are proprietary and the renewal runs from 04/01/2025 to 03/31/2026 at a renewal cost of $37,624 (an increase of 5.53% from the prior contract cost of $35,006.50, as stated by the CFO).

- Resolution 25‑0102 — Enter into an amended consulting agreement with PFM Group Consulting LLC to begin phase 2 of the strategic management planning program; county officials said the work is supported by a $100,000 grant and will implement PFM’s recommendations.

- Resolution 25‑0103 — Approve Area Agency on Aging contract amendments with Aging Well Pennsylvania LLC and Telespan Senior Services Inc.; amendments correct per‑assessment and hearing rates and authorize emergency funding to support older adults engaged in protective services.

- Resolution 25‑0104 — Approve a grant amendment with the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to extend the term of an existing five‑year agreement to 12/31/2025; county deputy director Robert DeMack said the change accommodates state and federal timing challenges.

- Resolution 25‑0108 — Retroactive approval of a three‑year service agreement with Beach Lake Sprinkler for inspections and maintenance of the Government Center’s sprinkler systems at a total cost of $16,975.

- Resolution 25‑0109 — Enter a five‑year service agreement with Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP for security cameras, software and badge‑reader support at county facilities.

- Resolution 25‑0111 — Approve a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERDA) designation for 116 North Fourth Way (PIN 144040200290) in Scranton; the exemption schedule read into the record provides a real estate tax abatement schedule tied to improvements and reassessment timelines.

- Resolution 25‑0107 — Appointments to the Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board (business sector representatives): William Bott (owner, Billy Bott Custom Building and Concrete & Tile), Marcelo D’Souza (regional operations manager, Fastenal Company), Patricia Laberante (co‑owner, Kelly’s Pub and Eatery), Kate Logan (quality systems manager, Noble Biomaterials); terms begin 05/07/2025 through 04/30/2028.

- Resolution 25‑0112 — Appointments to the Lackawanna County Industrial Development Authority: Kirk Bauman, Lisa Burns, Anthony Shamansky, Thomas Finley, Kevin Mitchell (terms and expirations were read into the record).

Each resolution was presented by the department or staff member responsible, briefly explained, and approved by voice vote. Where exact contract terms, rates, or PINs were mentioned in the record they are noted above as read aloud at the meeting.

Clarifying details and numbers were provided from county staff during the meeting and are recorded in the meeting transcript.","At the May 7 meeting the Lackawanna County commissioners approved a series of resolutions including payables, an audit award, maintenance and security contracts, a strategic management contract, grant amendments, a LERDA tax exemption for a Scranton property, and several board appointments. All recorded resolutions passed by voice vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

545 Scranton Republican ballots misprinted; county says vendor error, public asks for investigation

County hires forensic auditors for former prison health provider and approves PFM for phase 2 of financial recovery

County proclaims Foster Care Awareness Month and approves aging‑services amendments to support new Older Adult Advocacy Center

Commissioners approve payables, audits, contracts and appointments; vote summary