Luzerne County Council discussed a draft resolution to extend county real‑estate tax exemptions to certain non‑wartime active‑duty retired service members and their unmarried surviving spouses.

Councilmember McDermott introduced the topic after a constituent inquiry and cited neighboring counties that have adopted similar policies. She referenced Pennsylvania Title 51, Chapter 89 while urging council to consider the measure. A Veterans Affairs representative explained the county already supports veterans through a claims process and said the county serves about 21,000 veterans through its Water Street office.

Council members discussed budgetary impacts and eligibility details. One member estimated that roughly 30 currently eligible veterans could represent about $30,000 in lost county tax revenue under the proposed exemption, while noting the figure could rise as more veterans qualify. Councilmember Laskavage and others clarified that the county can authorize county tax exemptions but cannot unilaterally forgive school district taxes; any school tax relief would require school district action.

Members pressed the draft resolution’s language. Thornton and others requested explicit mention of the statutory authority — “pursuant to Pennsylvania Title 51, Chapter 89” — and to specify that the exemption applies to non‑wartime active duty retired service members and their unmarried surviving spouses. The Veterans Affairs representative described administrative safeguards: the department verifies documents (marriage, death certificates, VA disability ratings) and the county reviews exemptions periodically to catch changes to eligibility.

Council members asked about income thresholds; the Veterans Affairs representative noted income and disability thresholds are part of the state law and the county follows a checklist that includes those limits. No final vote was recorded in the work session; council asked staff and the office of law to refine the draft language and confirm fiscal estimates for the voting session.