[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6464426,"mediaKeyId","5783807-1ed7ec9482d3694d8cb8aec7a9a4eb04","parentId",5783807,"title","Lackawanna County commissioners approve routine contracts, payables and service agreements","audioSeconds",427,"startMs",785000,"endMs",1212000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5783807-1ed7ec9482d3694d8cb8aec7a9a4eb04&start=785&end=1212","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5783807-1ed7ec9482d3694d8cb8aec7a9a4eb04/thumbnail_785000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6464426/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Lackawanna-County-commissioners-approve-routine-contracts-payables-and-service-agreements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6464426-20d72c27e33069eb9f5dccf0cee273b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775869294&Signature=nxNyE3tr9kCjJUC23Sd1IENLgq3eei~2vK2G9~o4sPQplZVl8-W~7xGELXOPaPZzygVs5RX83zkg-kACDuuq6~PIs6v29btANabGbKEuZMt11ZCDkGJA9rubjRVZDIxUL33GFGKGMJmcObLrmnWk0MNIhM3sXqYG-jhGWfuR2z~b5Bw7Jr6drajZByEOLFzXQnDXJiOi~lsNrVwj0bsPU2E~RR3r1uPdxhsencyZEW7iePoVdalBlGVztS5hIeHWnwdVwd5U4kqTtgWHqz5DCKPw2SULukXvFcFiONmuCo7dpLFh1X8HAiHAlxjYg2G5JfNx7tNrdiv4onAM5cyG4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lackawanna County, PA","date","2025-09-17T19:39:15Z","article","The Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved multiple routine resolutions and procurement items during its Sept. 17 meeting, including approval of current payables and several service contracts and provider agreements.

The board approved resolution 25-0228 to accept the county's current payables, which the clerk read as including the general fund warrants 3907005391291 totaling $1,246,079.58 and electronic fund transfers, including payroll accounts, totaling $5,327,942.03. The board voted by voice and the chair declared the resolution approved.

Commissioners approved resolution 25-0223 to accept a five-year quote from Axon Enterprise Inc. for the Department of Adult Probation and Parole. The agreement is scheduled to commence Nov. 1, 2025, at a cost of $79,296. Alfredo Pisa, deputy chief of Lackawanna County Adult Probation and Parole, told the board the request was to \"reenter into a new 5 year contract with Axon Enterprises, for taser equipment for our department.\" The board approved the resolution by voice vote.

The board also approved resolution 25-0224 to authorize filing Local Share Account (LSA) applications with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development through the Monroe County Local Share Account program on behalf of various agencies; the resolution authorizes county officers to sign and accept awards. Kristen Magnotta, director of economic development, said the county initially submitted 12 applications with a projection that the total would rise to about 36, that the awards are three-year contracts, are no cost to the county, and that the county will receive a 5 percent administrative fee for administering awarded grants.

Resolution 25-0225 approved Department of Human Services Office of Youth and Family Services provider agreements for fiscal year 2025'026. Kathleen (Kathy) Schneider, administrative officer for the Office of Youth and Family Services, said renewals include foster-care contracts reimbursed about 80 percent by the state for certain providers, while several new residential-placement contracts (Bethany Christian Services, Child Safe Haven, and Taylor Diversion Programs) are reimbursed about 60 percent by the state.

The board approved resolution 25-0226 to enter a one-year HVAC service agreement with Siemens Industry Inc. for the Electric City Trolley Museum at a cost of $12,296. Christopher Calvi, director of the trolley museum, said Siemens would maintain heating and air-conditioning to ensure the museum's climate control for visitors; Calvi told the board the museum has had more than 2,000 visitors to date this year.

The board accepted a proposal from Urban Electrical Contractors Inc. to add a subpanel and additional receptacles in the government center basement at a cost of $10,620. Mark Dewar, county maintenance director, said three quotes were sought and Urban Electric submitted the low bid.

All motions on the listed items were approved by voice vote; no roll-call tallies were read into the public record for these items.

Less substantive agenda items and public-comment matters followed.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 25-0228 (approve current payables): adopted (voice vote). Payables cited in meeting: general fund $1,246,079.58; EFTs including payroll $5,327,942.03.
- Resolution 25-0223 (Axon Enterprise five-year agreement for Adult Probation and Parole equipment): adopted (voice vote). Contract begins 11/01/2025; cost $79,296.
- Resolution 25-0224 (authorize filing LSA applications via Monroe County Local Share Account program): adopted (voice vote). Director said 12 applications submitted to date; county expects ~36; 3-year contracts; no cost to county; county receives 5% admin fee.
- Resolution 25-0225 (Office of Youth and Family Services provider agreements FY25-26): adopted (voice vote). Some services reimbursed 80% by state; three new residential placements reimbursed 60% by state.
- Resolution 25-0226 (HVAC service agreement, Electric City Trolley Museum): adopted (voice vote). Cost $12,296; term to 08/31/2026.
- Acceptance of Urban Electrical Contractors proposal (government center basement subpanel): adopted (voice vote). Cost $10,620.

Ending

The board moved on to public comment and other business after completing the consent and procurement items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners 9 17 25","oneSentenceSummary","The Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 17 approved multiple routine payables and contracts, including a five-year equipment agreement for Adult Probation and Parole and several grant and service agreements.","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},6464407,"Commissioners clash over property reassessment, budget shortfall and delay filling third seat",771,2627000,3398000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5783807-1ed7ec9482d3694d8cb8aec7a9a4eb04&start=2627&end=3398","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5783807-1ed7ec9482d3694d8cb8aec7a9a4eb04/thumbnail_2627000.jpg","/articles/6464407/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Commissioners-clash-over-property-reassessment-budget-shortfall-and-delay-filling-third-seat","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6464407-ffe55edda1861792b3202d23ebad0eff/orig.mp4?Expires=1775869294&Signature=aKQPFUKWewzU2FbXVOyMNRjUjtBTZI-It5S4T3Vyjdqd6RVjqzDL5~Zs2mRLG9vaOReoMg76VEBRPP~5xD3bmf1x5acCq0YrMYV1J7P2LApypyZriUzgBiqECGh5CVMUdFIr5j74z4aZ0V9SCsjC1iWkF6L3HCOFCdTugHGH2ri7Wvy7JAYD3nBJgs7BJuHmJzYls4MsHAocIQrf8w-ksdjToEFCGLi8X03DGbFCoHzrX9-l4I-vl8RiGwLFhxlLPWnLj4vDDL-w8bLZM-n9CIPAjB2JDBTmEqrnVaoNDuUhyLpD1NxLp0DBQ3qkUE9iG-8dVt6NbnmVWlQqG5C1Cg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A lengthy exchange at the Sept. 17 Lackawanna County commissioners meeting focused on the county's property reassessment, a disputed seven-month delay in filling a vacant commission seat, and concerns about a looming budget shortfall.

Commissioner Chris Chermack criticized the reassessment process conducted by Tyler Technologies, saying valuations contained widespread errors and called for extending formal appeals by six months. Chermack said staff and hearing officers were reporting mistakes in hearings and raised examples of apparent valuation anomalies, including his contention that an appraisal for the Steamtown Mall was far lower than the assessor's newly reported assessment. Chermack said the reassessment could \"devastate seniors and those on fixed incomes\" and asked for safeguards, additional outreach, tax caps and protections for vulnerable residents. He also said he did not vote for the Tyler Technologies contract.

Commissioner Bill Gahan sharply rebutted Chermack's characterization, saying about 96 percent of property owners have not appealed and that only roughly 4,700 appeals have been filed to date out of more than 102,000 parcels. Gahan said a court order requires completion of reassessment by Jan. 1, 2026, and that pausing the process would likely reinstate the earlier lawsuit that prompted the reassessment and would cost the county to defend itself in court. Gahan said the reassessment corrects inequities dating to the county's last comprehensive reassessment in 1968 and urged residents to use the informal- and formal-appeal opportunities that are part of the process. He said appeals can proceed to the Court of Common Pleas if residents remain dissatisfied.

The dispute over filling the county's third commission seat also surfaced. Gahan described the delay since February 2025 in replacing former commissioner Matt McGloin as a result of ongoing court challenges to the selection process and said he supports resolving the vacancy quickly, either by upholding a judicial appointment or backing the special election scheduled for Nov. 4 to restore a full board. Chermack said the election board lacked authority to call a special election and that he would defer to judges' decisions on the matter.

Both commissioners discussed the county budget. Chermack said he leads a bipartisan budget study group and pledged to present a balanced budget by December that avoids further tax increases, while Gahan criticized Chermack's earlier alternative budget as unrealistic and defended the need for candid fiscal projections. Gahan said he has uncovered significant fiscal mismanagement since taking office and that difficult choices are necessary to close a multimillion-dollar gap.

Why it matters

The reassessment affects every property owner in the county, municipal and school district revenue allocations and the timing of local tax notices. The dispute between commissioners signals ongoing policy choices about whether to pause or proceed with implementation, outreach and appeal timelines. The delay in appointing or electing a third commissioner affects the board's quorum and its ability to finalize certain decisions.

Ending

No formal change to reassessment timelines was made at the Sept. 17 meeting. Commissioners debated next steps publicly and urged residents who disagree with new valuations to use the informal- and formal-appeal processes now underway.","Commissioners Chris Chermack and Bill Gahan exchanged competing views on the countywide property reassessment by Tyler Technologies, the county budget shortfall and a seven-month delay to replace the former commissioner; Gahan defended the reassessment timetable and warned that pausing it could reinstate litigation and create \"chaos.\"",{"_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},6464412,"Residents urge Lackawanna County to adopt nondiscrimination ordinance; solicitor says research ongoing",943,1269000,2212000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5783807-1ed7ec9482d3694d8cb8aec7a9a4eb04&start=1269&end=2212","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5783807-1ed7ec9482d3694d8cb8aec7a9a4eb04/thumbnail_1269000.jpg","/articles/6464412/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Residents-urge-Lackawanna-County-to-adopt-nondiscrimination-ordinance-solicitor-says-research-ongoing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6464412-be123db6afec491139028a70620fc412/orig.mp4?Expires=1775869294&Signature=LW3RRSDghiarWu-ilAgJqksk7sZsAIC2uaqCq7Cb6XUjQLsTi4WZ1NJJLQSWg4EJe0TZPV-sfm51D0uNoLR4GfyCiRBEUh83n6imNqBM8uTlRwGcuE33g-V~ckxF43Bb2z0GN2FjHPZT5n7ZytzJCDLJQzIqqHL5pKc9LOEPx13-KHtTHr~siwvnCLSEP9k1wb6lZdj2pR7XiZ-X1YBoXzCzj1JjAn0BnHlL-E3aThbxhDAnUIORy~hwDwNLi0wtdImWdZqiJPkGA~4WuLFcCtXztaaIJ2twB26iP7nzE4Uq~WkrjaEEPLDaZ1fPb-z1ZnYBc8ygDPxDiraTs4OszA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents used the Sept. 17 public-comment period at the Lackawanna County commissioners meeting to press the board to adopt a countywide nondiscrimination ordinance that would add protected classes, including sexual orientation, gender identity and housing status.

Speakers included members of the group \"NEPA stands up\" and individuals who identified themselves as residents of Scranton and surrounding townships. One speaker said that outside Scranton and Dickson City it remains lawful for employers, landlords and some social-service providers to discriminate on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation and urged the county to \"protect our queer neighbors in Lackawanna County.\" Frankie Malacario, who said he was speaking as a member of Pennsylvania Stands Up, highlighted that nondiscrimination policies can include other protected classes such as weight, height and housing status and cited incidents in which people who are unhoused were removed from commercial premises despite having money to spend.

Kristen Zayaktes, Carisius Clino (who identified himself as a transgender man), and Holly Ord also addressed the board, urging equal protections for housed and unhoused residents and for LGBTQ residents. Several commenters tied the issue to enforcement mechanisms and asked for a local human relations commission.

County solicitor Don Frederickson told the board he had researched the option and that, under Pennsylvania law, the county can enact such an ordinance but that \"there are a number of considerations.\" Frederickson said he has consulted with Lehigh County, which enacted a similar ordinance, and that the county must also consider potential costs of implementation. He told the board a memo would be prepared after the election when staff time is more available.

Why it matters

Speakers said a county ordinance would standardize protections across townships and boroughs and provide enforcement locally, rather than leaving protections dependent on municipal boundaries. The solicitor's response indicates the county is exploring legal authority and fiscal impacts but has not yet proposed draft ordinance language.

Ending

The board did not vote on an ordinance at the Sept. 17 meeting; the solicitor said a formal report and memorandum on options and costs will be provided after the election.","Multiple residents during public comment urged the board to enact a countywide nondiscrimination ordinance protecting LGBTQ residents and other groups, while the county solicitor said legal research is underway and a memo will be produced after the election.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6464417,"Lackawanna County proclaims World Alzheimer's Awareness Day; local volunteer urges prevention and caregiver supports",158,115000,273000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5783807-1ed7ec9482d3694d8cb8aec7a9a4eb04&start=115&end=273","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5783807-1ed7ec9482d3694d8cb8aec7a9a4eb04/thumbnail_115000.jpg","/articles/6464417/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Lackawanna-County-proclaims-World-Alzheimers-Awareness-Day-local-volunteer-urges-prevention-and-caregiver-supports","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6464417-3017c9c7c7e143b542a7c0cbafbfedd8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775869294&Signature=aMIA3kZqoj3a6pDx3oaQ8N238s8xk43tjMa4KYG8R-Kdv1085YGl7apLTm0V9BIJtXMzvAlkexvlGfzYT8gjuauP9ossVUda8q-TKEA6mgDlHw7AtytBfUl07MRuzvBX~cTAIaPLLVnXzvK5x5y0ZSZhYQDDVhNZjpGZRBxWvMkergL2NGxvFEv2ttlIBQkleg20IO8IigbulGUzP5l5v0yXsibUv2zD~Ic2UqJedSU7VViYpuImcQ~A~9x2urh9GfSUyrdCqB24TDp6~AuLewMIClldcN2j3sG7yIdptyK7v3geMCA28sXZTySL24KL0eOLtmGiiIzrp4AWITTlzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lackawanna County commissioners on Sept. 17 read a proclamation recognizing Sept. 21, 2025, as World Alzheimer's Awareness Day in the county and invited local advocates to speak.

Bill Gahan and Chris Chermack read the proclamation into the record, citing statewide statistics included in the proclamation: more than 282,000 Pennsylvanians age 65 and older living with Alzheimer's and other figures about caregiver hours and costs that were read aloud at the meeting. After the proclamation, Mark Entwistle, who identified himself as \"a volunteer with the association\" and an awareness champion, described his personal experience caring for family members with Alzheimer's and summarized advocacy priorities he has worked on in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C.

Entwistle highlighted several policy topics: the creation of a state office for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias through recent legislation he cited as \"SB 841, which is now Act 111,\" dementia-care training proposals for primary-care providers, and the \"ADAPT Act\" (\"accelerating access to dementia and Alzheimer's provider training\") to expand training for primary care clinicians. He also described outreach work, volunteer recruitment and public education on \"10 healthy habits for your brain,\" and said flyers and resource cards (including an alz.org hotline number he read aloud) were available after the presentation.

Why it matters

Speakers and the proclamation stressed that Alzheimer's is a growing public-health challenge with significant caregiving demands; the county's recognition does not create new services but signals local awareness and a willingness to highlight caregiver resources and state-level policy changes.

Ending

Commissioners presented the proclamation to Entwistle and photographs were taken at the dais. Entwistle stood at the meeting after his remarks to take questions and to distribute resources.","Commissioners Bill Gahan and Chris Chermack read a proclamation recognizing World Alzheimer's Awareness Day and volunteer Mark Entwistle summarized advocacy priorities including training for primary care providers and caregiver supports.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6464422,"Lackawanna County authorizes submission of Monroe County Local Share grant applications; director expects more requests",73,897000,970000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5783807-1ed7ec9482d3694d8cb8aec7a9a4eb04&start=897&end=970","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5783807-1ed7ec9482d3694d8cb8aec7a9a4eb04/thumbnail_897000.jpg","/articles/6464422/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Lackawanna-County-authorizes-submission-of-Monroe-County-Local-Share-grant-applications-director-expects-more-requests","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6464422-3c2192fce13765486f532b5e8c718064/orig.mp4?Expires=1775869294&Signature=SuXeLwDRs9Xu~JKMVPTcPNlnUJkx6h~fNFF8Dc44FEuXwnrOImDWGHSjDRp-0611cQJ-iQCB2uW~wp8WEefHsKH3YAXJ34xLvttYQxTKhtDYMTJMhDrqVGLy5~i9MSy5rC~qGsKSkdoXl7Qh~8OxvePeEfFM4hdkxRo5gXjRa99Id8CPJwq80kryDaQo94Mbe24718c0-yfTqT1Gvzs8nm3qn8FiXtPaDkrO~ZLCdwTxPxxgn72aDML5O9djKWdzyhGMJnEA0j5KSwIMbP8yGgK4ImMSHf1Wtyg6Q8vCxOb1fS5OakpjFNhDbTG2YWBuRBBsj1NrXh0RkrgbWNDwYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lackawanna County commissioners on Sept. 17 authorized the county to submit Local Share Account (LSA) grant applications through the Monroe County Local Share Account program on behalf of local agencies.

Kristen Magnotta, the county's director of economic development, told the board the county had submitted 12 applications at the time of the meeting and anticipated the final package would be nearer to 36 applications. She said the applications are three-year contracts, come at no direct cost to the county, and that the county receives a 5 percent administrative fee for administering awarded grants. Magnotta said the application window closes Sept. 30 and that awards are typically announced in the spring.

The resolution authorizes the Board of Commissioners and the chief of staff to sign application documents and accept awards on applicants' behalf. The commission approved the resolution by voice vote.

Why it matters

Local Share Account grants are a state-administered resource aimed at supporting economic development and revitalization projects. If awarded, the grants could fund projects proposed by local non-profits, municipalities or agencies; the county's acceptance of administrative responsibility means staff would manage awards and receive the stated administrative fee.

Ending

Magnotta said more applications were incoming and that the county will finalize its submissions before the Sept. 30 deadline.","The county authorized filing Local Share Account grant applications through Monroe County; director Kristen Magnotta said the county submitted 12 applications to date, expects about 36 and will receive a 5% administrative fee for awarded three-year contracts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lackawanna County commissioners approve routine contracts, payables and service agreements

Commissioners clash over property reassessment, budget shortfall and delay filling third seat

Residents urge Lackawanna County to adopt nondiscrimination ordinance; solicitor says research ongoing

Lackawanna County proclaims World Alzheimer's Awareness Day; local volunteer urges prevention and caregiver supports

Lackawanna County authorizes submission of Monroe County Local Share grant applications; director expects more requests