Luzerne County Council approves four-year employment agreement for County Manager despite vocal objections

Luzerne County Council approved a four-year employment agreement for County Manager Ramilda Crocamo on a 7-4 roll-call vote following more than two hours of public comment and council debate about whether the contract violates the county Home Rule Charter.

Council adopted the resolution after a motion, with seven members voting to approve and four voting no. Supporters said Crocamo has produced budgetary savings and steady leadership; opponents said the contract unduly constrains future councils, could carry a large severance cost and may conflict with the charter’s requirement that the manager “serve at the pleasure of county council.”

The public comment period drew multiple speakers. County Controller Matthew Griffith urged council to postpone the vote until after the 2026 budget is released, saying he supported Crocamo personally but that the public lacked full transparency on the contract’s attachments and potential costs. Resident Robert Schnee and others praised Crocamo’s leadership and accomplishments. Opponents, including resident Mark Raybo, referenced Pennsylvania Supreme Court precedent and the charter’s removal language to argue the contract improperly binds future councils.

Council members split along familiar lines. Chairman Lombardo and Councilmen Thornton, Liskavige, Sabatino, Krznarowski, Perry and Wilovich voted in favor. Council members Haas, McDermott, Smith and Stevenson voted no, saying the contract either violated the charter or imposed a deterrent severance that would hamper future councils.

Council debate focused on whether a contract of this length and with severance provisions would create an unlawful restraint on future councils’ authority to remove a county manager. Attorney remarks during the meeting noted the Office of Law had reviewed the question; at least one council member cited reading a state Supreme Court decision that he said supported his position that the contract would be improper. Other council members said the solicitor’s review did not find a violation and emphasized Crocamo’s track record of saving the county money and stabilizing operations.

Chairman Lombardo and several supporters described the vote as a recognition of Crocamo’s work, including steps to reduce debt service and move key capital projects forward. Opponents stressed process and precedent, asking for the contract to be delayed, amended, or discussed further in executive session.

Manager Crocamo addressed the council after the vote. She thanked staff and council members, said she aims to continue decisions in the county’s interest and acknowledged mistakes she has made in the past.

Action on the employment agreement will be reflected in the formal resolution language and the attached “extension of employment offer letter,” which was made available to the public at the meeting as described by a council member.