Luzerne County officials and Luzerne County Community College representatives described a proposed program to make college classes more affordable for county employees.

Erin Herman, vice president of finance at Luzerne County Community College, said the college would discount courses by 25% and Luzerne County would match that 25% so a county employee would pay approximately 50% of tuition and fees. For a typical three‑credit class Herman said the county’s share would be about $112.50 and the employee’s share about $225 plus any course fees or materials.

County Manager Ramelda Crocomo and department heads said most county departments already budget for employee education and training and that department line items would be used first for payments. Crocomo told council the program could be used for targeted workforce development including tailored courses for specific county divisions and for recruitment and retention.

Council members asked operational questions about eligibility and administration. Herman said the full LCCC course catalog — including online and satellite campus offerings — would be available to county employees, and the college could create custom training programs for county needs. Crocomo said classes would require manager approval for tuition support and that the county already has repayment policies for education assistance when employees leave before an agreed service period.

Several council members expressed support. Councilmember Haas called the program “a great deal,” and other members praised its potential to improve staff skills, assist recruitment and provide certificates or degrees while employees work. No final vote was recorded in the work session; council members asked staff to prepare the formal sponsorship agreements and a payment policy for the voting agenda.