Lackawanna County approves 10-year MOU with district attorney to reinstate community service program

The Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 20 approved a memorandum of understanding with the office of District Attorney Brian Gallagher to reestablish a county-run community service program. The MOU, presented by Gallagher, is effective immediately and remains in effect for 10 years.

Brian Gallagher, Lackawanna County district attorney, told the board the program operated for many years before the COVID-19 pandemic and that it saved taxpayers “hundreds of thousands of dollars” through unpaid labor used for routine maintenance and community projects. Gallagher said program records show that in February 2017, 27,000 hours of community service were performed by 528 defendants for 849 organizations, producing what he described as “over $652,000 worth of services.”

Gallagher described the program as providing courts, magistrates and probation officers with the option to assign community service hours to individuals charged with low-level nonviolent offenses, either as part of probation, plea agreements, ARD participation, or in lieu of fines. He told commissioners his office has capacity to rebuild the program and that participation would be open to townships, boroughs, municipalities, nonprofits, churches and youth leagues across the county.

Commissioners supported the measure in the meeting, with one commissioner saying it is “a win win” because it helps communities while offering rehabilitative opportunities that can reduce recidivism. Commissioners and public commenters, including Michelle Tierney, a former CASA volunteer, expressed support for the program’s return and noted past benefits such as assistance for large public events and volunteer pride.

The board approved the MOU by resolution. County officials said there is no additional cost to the county to reestablish the program and that the district attorney’s office will coordinate implementation and details with county partners.