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Public commenters and council debate Luzerne County airport law‑enforcement staffing and contract clarity
Summary
Public commenters, the county controller and council members debated funding, contract authority and staffing levels for law‑enforcement officers at the Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton airport, urging clearer agreements and potential alternate funding while some council members defended security needs.
Public comment at Luzerne County Council’s meeting focused for an extended period on law‑enforcement staffing at the Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton International Airport, centering on contract authority, cost to taxpayers and whether the county’s existing arrangements match formal approvals.
Controller Griffith raised fiscal concerns, saying the airport operation cost the county "$118,000 in salaries" last year and that a pay increase to $25 per hour for some officers had been implemented without an enforceable contract in place. He urged the council and airport board to “step up” and produce a valid agreement that clarifies pay, staffing levels and retirement obligations for officers working under county or district‑attorney arrangements.
County Manager Crocomo and several council members responded that airport safety and law enforcement are critical. County Manager Crocomo said staff would bring the contract back to council for review and emphasized the county’s obligation to public safety; other council members noted that the airport draws federal attention and that inadequate security exposure could create legal liability for the county.
Council members and public speakers also discussed potential alternative revenue sources to support airport law enforcement, including a parking fee or a ticket surcharge. Council members said efforts to seek federal funding have been made to offset airport costs; they also noted that Lackawanna County does not currently contribute to the program and that seeking shared funding remains part of the ongoing discussions.
Why it matters: The debate links public‑safety responsibilities to county budget choices. The controller and several council members agreed on the need for a written, enforceable agreement and clarity on whether county or DA authority applies to staffing decisions. Several speakers urged the airport board and council appointees to press for a fiscally accountable approach that maintains security.
Key points from the discussion - Controller Griffith said the county must restore a written contract to define hourly pay and retirement contributions for officers assigned to the airport, and he warned the county faces repeated overtime and salary obligations without a signed agreement. - County Manager Crocomo said legal and budget staff are reviewing the arrangement and that a contract will be brought to council. - Council members suggested revenue options such as parking fees and ticket surcharges and said they have sought federal funding; several urged combined action with Lackawanna County to share costs. - The public exchange included a motion briefly offered to remand the controller’s concerns to the county’s airport authority representatives; the motion was later withdrawn.
Ending: County staff committed to returning a contract or written recommendation to council for review. Council members said they expect further discussion with the airport board and the district attorney’s office to reconcile operational authority, staffing levels and funding responsibilities.
