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Wayne County commissioners adopt 9-1-1 surcharge resolution, approve leases and $500,000 support letter; proclaim Older Americans Month
Summary
At their May 28 meeting in Honesdale, the Wayne County Commissioners unanimously adopted Resolution No. 28-05-2026 urging a $2.20 9‑1‑1 surcharge, approved leases for a female sober living home and outpatient services, backed a $500,000 support letter for Settlers Cares Foundation, adopted two proclamations and approved bills totaling $2,173,379.48.
HONESDALE, Pa. — The Wayne County Commissioners on May 28 unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to raise the 9‑1‑1 surcharge to $2.20 to support statewide NextGen 9‑1‑1 operations, approved two county lease agreements and signed a letter supporting a $500,000 grant request for local worker housing.
The board, chaired by Commissioner Brian W. Smith, also adopted proclamations marking Older Americans Month and NEPA Gives Day, approved personnel hires and authorized payment of bills presented by the treasurer totaling $2,173,379.48.
The resolution, listed in the minutes as Resolution No. 28‑05‑2026, was moved by Commissioner James Shook and seconded by Commissioner Jocelyn Cramer; the motion carried unanimously. The resolution asks the state legislature to raise the 9‑1‑1 surcharge to $2.20 to meet operational needs of the NextGen 9‑1‑1 system.
The board approved a letter of support for the Settlers Cares Foundation’s Worker Housing project in Hawley Borough, endorsing an application for $500,000 through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Pennsylvania Neighborhood Assistance Program. Commissioner Cramer moved the support letter; Commissioner Shook seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Among the contracts authorized, commissioners approved a lease with Laurel House Recovery, LLC, for county property at 650½ Park Street in Honesdale to be used as a female sober living home, with the lease commencing June 1, 2026. The board also approved a lease with Little Creek Outpatient Services, LLC, for county office space at 306 10th Street in Honesdale, commencing July 1, 2026. Both motions passed unanimously.
Commissioners also authorized requesting a six‑month extension for the Wayne County Advanced Manufacturing Facility RACP Project No. 3060‑00 in Sterling Township. That motion was made by Commissioner Shook and carried without opposition.
On personnel, the board accepted the resignation of Barbara Kolatis, Drug and Alcohol Prevention Specialist Trainee, effective May 26, 2026; approved the hiring of Kathleen Fracassi as Social Services Aide I at the Area Agency on Aging (effective June 29, 2026); and approved hiring Amy Hammen as a part‑time van driver in the Transportation Department (effective June 15, 2026). The minutes record motions and seconds for these personnel actions and show each passed unanimously.
Area Agency on Aging Director Mary Ursich introduced Protective Services Supervisor Maggie Kielar for a 20‑year service recognition. Ursich noted the department’s 2026 theme, saying this year’s theme is “Champion Your Health.” Kielar responded, “I appreciate all the kind words and do love her job. She thinks about it 24/7 and always does the best she can.” Commissioners praised the agency and its programs; Commissioner Brian W. Smith said the Aging department’s services help ensure seniors are safe and supported.
Wayne County Community Foundation President and CEO Ryanne Jennings, joined by Crystal Satriano, noted the impact of NEPA Gives Day, saying that “since NEPA Gives started, $6.5 million has been raised in the region,” and that 25 nonprofits in Wayne County participate this year. The board adopted the NEPA Gives Day proclamation unanimously.
The meeting included routine finance business: the commissioners received the Treasurer’s Report dated May 27, 2026 and moved to approve the bills presented (Checks No. 140390 through 140433, plus additional Human Services and Behavioral/Developmental Programs/EI checks). The minutes list a total of $2,173,379.48 in approved payments for items presented that day.
In other business, Commissioner James Shook said the board is preparing a statement on data centers and that the governor had issued a related statement the previous day. The meeting adjourned by unanimous vote.
Votes at a glance
- Approval of minutes (May 21, 2026): motion by Commissioner Jocelyn Cramer; unanimous. - Older Americans Month proclamation: motion by Commissioner Brian W. Smith; unanimous. - NEPA Gives Day proclamation: motion by Commissioner Brian W. Smith; unanimous. - Resolution No. 28‑05‑2026 (urge 9‑1‑1 surcharge increase to $2.20): motion by Commissioner James Shook; unanimous. - Letter of support for Settlers Cares Foundation ($500,000 request): motion by Commissioner Jocelyn Cramer; unanimous. - Lease to Laurel House Recovery, LLC (650½ Park St., female sober living): motion by Commissioner James Shook; unanimous. - Lease to Little Creek Outpatient Services, LLC (306 10th St.): motion by Commissioner Jocelyn Cramer; unanimous. - Request six‑month extension for RACP Project No. 3060‑00: motion by Commissioner James Shook; unanimous. - Hiring approvals (Kathleen Fracassi; Amy Hammen): motions recorded; unanimous. - Approval of bills for payment (checks listed in minutes): motion by Commissioner Brian W. Smith; unanimous.
What’s next
The minutes record no public comment and show the board recessed twice to hold Salary Board sessions during the meeting. The record indicates the commissioners will continue work on a statement about data centers; no specific follow‑up date is listed in the minutes.
