Luzerne County, PA

Community Planning and Economic Development Committee

Zoning Hearing Board

The Luzerne County Zoning Hearing Board will hold a public meeting on September 1, 2026, to consider a use variance application from Yalick CCJ LLC. The applicant seeks to convert an intermediate school into 25 rental apartment units at 20 Sunset Lake Road, Hunlock Township, in an Agricultural District. The board will hear the appeal and decide whether to grant the variance.

• Use variance to convert intermediate school into 25 rental apartments at 20 Sunset Lake Road, Hunlock Township
• Property located in Agricultural (AG) District
• Applicant: Yalick CCJ LLC, represented by Attorney Angelo Terrana
• Public hearing scheduled for September 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM in County Courthouse, Wilkes-Barre

Forty Fort Airport Advisory Board

Mental Health & Developmental Services Board

The Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services Advisory Board is meeting to approve prior minutes, hear agency and administrator reports on mental health, developmental, and fiscal services, and discuss board appointments and vacancies. The agenda is largely routine, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approval of May 21, 2026 meeting minutes
• Advisory board member appointments/reappointments and vacancies
• Administrator's report on Mental Health services
• Administrator's report on Developmental Services
• Fiscal services report

Luzerne County Operational Services Committee

The Operational Services Committee will hear a presentation from CMTA ICS on the countywide facilities assessment, including a 10-year capital needs estimate of $78.5 million and a progress update on the correctional facility feasibility study. The committee will also vote to approve the minutes from the July 22, 2026 meeting. No other action items are listed.

• 10-year facility needs estimated at $78,503,148
• Proposed 2026-2028 capital projects totaling $4,833,743 funded by county bond funds
• Correctional facility feasibility analysis in progress
• Presentation includes trade secrets and proprietary information
• Public comment limited to 3 minutes per speaker

Luzerne County Operational Services Committee

The Operational Services Committee is reviewing a facility assessment prepared by ICS/CMTA, Inc. The presentation outlines a proposed 2026-2028 capital plan totaling $4,833,743, funded by County Bond Funds, and provides 10-year condition estimates for 15 county buildings. The document notes that the assessment is a starting point for planning, not a final adopted plan, and identifies next steps including prioritizing projects and evaluating funding options before bringing recommendations to the full Council.

• Proposed 2026-2028 capital projects include $1.5M for Brominski Courtroom Renovations and $1M for Courthouse Sewer repairs.
• 10-year facility condition estimates range from $160,626 for the Veterans Affairs Office to $17.6M for the Luzerne County Courthouse.
• The assessment covers 15 facilities, including the 911 Communications Center, Prison (LCCF), and five maintenance garage districts.
• Next steps involve analyzing needs with Administration, selecting project delivery methods (e.g., Design-Build, GESA), and seeking Council approval.
• The presentation is marked as containing trade secrets and proprietary information protected by the Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Act.

COMMISSION ON OPIOID MISUSE and ADDICTION ABATEMENT (OMAAC)

The Luzerne County Commission on Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement (OMAAC) will consider five new applications totaling about $1.08 million and revisit a tabled $130,000 request from Dallas Township Police for a narcotics detection K-9 program. The commission will vote on whether to refer these applications to the County Council for final approval. The meeting also includes approval of the July 22, 2026 minutes and public comment.

• Dallas Township Police Department - $130,000 for narcotics detection K-9 program (tabled from July meeting)
• Restorative Roots - $605,500 to add 24 DDAP-licensed transitional housing beds, including 8-12 for women
• Berwick Area Transitional Services - $40,000 for housing and transportation support for those in recovery
• Dress for Success Luzerne County - $126,112 for workforce development program for women in recovery
• XT Enterprises (RecoverU) - $147,121 to renovate and open a second men's recovery house

COMMISSION ON OPIOID MISUSE and ADDICTION ABATEMENT (OMAAC)

The Commission on Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement (OMAAC) is reviewing a proposal from Berwick Area Transitional Services (B.A.T.S.) to establish a Recovery Stability & Reentry Program. The initiative aims to assist individuals transitioning from substance-use-disorder treatment into independent living by addressing barriers such as housing instability, lack of transportation, and unemployment. B.A.T.S. plans to partner with treatment providers like Gaudenzia and ClearVision to provide case management, housing assistance, and transportation support.

• Proposal for a Recovery Housing Stabilization Fund to cover security deposits and first month's rent
• Proposal for a Recovery Transportation Assistance Fund including bus passes, vouchers, and vehicle repairs
• Partnership agreements with Gaudenzia (MOU established) and ClearVision (MOU under review)
• Case management services to connect participants with employment, benefits, and recovery resources
• Target population is individuals in Lower Luzerne County transitioning from residential treatment or sober living

COMMISSION ON OPIOID MISUSE and ADDICTION ABATEMENT (OMAAC)

The Luzerne County Commission on Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement is reviewing a grant application from Restorative Roots Wilkes-Barre, LLC. The request seeks $605,500 in opioid settlement funds to operate 30 recovery housing beds and expand capacity by 24 additional DDAP-licensed beds. The agenda includes a fiscal impact report comparing the cost of the program to the estimated public costs of untreated opioid use disorder.

• Grant request for $605,500 from Luzerne County Opioid Settlement Funds
• Funding covers 30 beds for 365 days at a $55 per diem rate
• Proposed expansion of 24 additional DDAP-licensed transitional housing beds
• Allocation of 8 to 12 beds specifically for female transitional housing
• Review of a 2026 Community Impact Report estimating annual cost avoidance

County Council

This is a presentation by Wellpath, the county's jail healthcare provider, to the Luzerne County Council. It covers staffing, services, and performance data for medical, mental health, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility. The council is reviewing the contractor's performance and future plans, including cost trends and proposed improvements.

• Wellpath staffing matrix shows 17.875 total FTEs for jail healthcare
• Medication costs rose from $457,462 (2022) to $966,149 (2025); 2026 partial year $608,842
• MAT costs increased from $6,425 (2022) to $401,863 (2025)
• Luzerne County estimated overdose death rate 50 per 100,000, 'very high'
• Proposed innovations: Awell, Onspring, ERMA enhancement, Ambient Scribe, Metriport

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will hold a voting session with two public hearings before the meeting: one on the 2027 Long-Range Operational, Fiscal and Capital Plan and one on a budget amendment for the Probation Department. The Council will vote on adopting the 2027 Capital Plan, amending the 2026 budget to accept a $260,482 Justice Reinvestment Initiative 2 grant for Probation, and authorizing a contract with eCollect for hotel room tax collection. They will also consider a resolution requesting a state grant for the Huntsville Extension and a resolution urging the state to increase the 911 surcharge.

• Adopt 2027 Long-Range Operational, Fiscal and Capital Plan
• Amend 2026 budget: increase Probation revenue/expense by $260,482 (PCCD JRI2 grant)
• Resolution requesting Statewide Local Share Account Grant for Huntsville Extension
• Authorize contract with eCollect for hotel room tax collection
• Resolution urging PA to reauthorize 911 surcharge increase for Next Generation 911

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding a public hearing to consider an ordinance adopting the 2027 Long-Range Operational, Fiscal and Capital Plan. The plan includes the Long-Range Financial Plan with spending and revenue projections through 2029, and the Capital Project Planning section ranking capital projects by need. Public comment is limited to three minutes per speaker.

• Public hearing on ordinance adopting the 2027 Long-Range Operational, Fiscal and Capital Plan
• Plan includes Long-Range Financial Plan with projections through 2029
• Plan includes Luzerne County Capital Project Planning with ranked projects
• Ordinance effective 15 days after enactment

County Council

The Luzerne County Council work session will receive a presentation from Wellpath, review the fiscal year-to-date budget performance report as of July 31, 2026, and discuss a resolution requesting the Board of Elections examine potential locations for additional ballot drop boxes for the 2026 General Election. Public comment is also scheduled.

• Wellpath presentation (handout)
• Budget performance report for fiscal year to date 07/31/26 (pages 1-72)
• Resolution requesting Board of Elections examine potential locations for additional ballot drop boxes for 2026 General Election (pages 73-74)

County Council

Luzerne County Council will hold a public hearing and consider an ordinance to amend the 2026 budget, increasing both revenue and expenses by $260,482 for the Probation Department. The funds come from a $412,581 PCCD Justice Reinvestment Initiative 2 grant, covering raises for 14 positions, three new probation officer positions, and operating costs in 2026. The ordinance requires a majority-plus-one vote after the hearing.

• Budget amendment increases revenue and expense line items by $260,482 each for PCCD JRI2 Grant
• Grant total $412,581, covering April 2026 through March 2028
• Funds cover raises for 14 positions and 3 new Probation Officer positions in 2026
• New positions and raises may require General Fund funding after grant ends, with approx. $83k in taxes and pension costs
• Public hearing on August 25, 2026, at 5:55 PM in Council Meeting Room, Luzerne County Courthouse

Correctional Services Committee

The Luzerne County Correctional Services Committee will meet to discuss a facilities assessment presentation from ICS/CMTA, including a feasibility analysis for a new prison and a proposed multi-year capital plan. The committee will also consider approving minutes from the May 5, 2026 meeting and address immediate maintenance needs for the prison building.

• Discussion of ICS presentation on facility assessment and prison feasibility
• Gathering information on locations for a new prison
• Immediate building maintenance needs overview
• Proposed 2026-2028 capital projects totaling $4,833,743, including prison roof ($175,000), security entrance ($175,000), and camera upgrades ($125,000)
• 10-year facility condition assessment grand total of $78,503,148 for county buildings

Board of Elections & Registration

The Luzerne County Board of Elections will vote on motions to place five specific questions on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot. These questions involve changes to the City of Hazleton's government form and the size of the Boards of Supervisors in Sugarloaf and Jenkins Townships. The Board will also review a report on the May 2026 Primary Election ballot drop boxes and approve minutes from previous meetings.

• Motion to place City of Hazleton Home Rule Charter question on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot
• Motion to place question adding two supervisors to Sugarloaf Township Board on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot
• Motion to place question adding two supervisors to Jenkins Township Board on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot
• Motion to place Luzerne County Home Rule Charter amendment regarding stock trades on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot
• Review of Ballot Drop Box findings from the May 2026 General Primary Election

Arts Advisory Board

This agenda is a 2007 cultural plan document, not a current meeting agenda. It proposes creating a dedicated arts funding stream of at least $750,000 annually, with the Cultural Council of Luzerne County (CCLC) administering re-grants. The plan includes specific allocations to local arts organizations and outlines a re-granting process. No current decisions or discussions are listed.

• Proposed $750,000 annual county funding for arts and culture
• CCLC to retain 25% ($187,500) for administration
• Allocations: Kirby Center $50,000, Northeast Philharmonic $35,000, Little Theater of Wilkes-Barre $26,500, Hazleton Art League $25,000, Hazleton Center for Performing Arts $25,000
• Remaining $400,000 to be re-granted to artists and arts organizations
• Luzerne Foundation to serve as fiscal agent

Arts Advisory Board

The Luzerne County Arts Advisory Board is discussing a proposal to create a countywide arts funding initiative, including a regranting program administered by a local nonprofit and a possible local option tax. The agenda outlines a two-year flat funding plan from the general fund, followed by a move to a local option tax, with a minimum of $500,000 in annual funding. It also recommends commissioning a county cultural plan and establishing cultural districts. No formal decisions are recorded in this agenda.

• Proposed $500,000 annual allocation to a local arts agency (LAA)
• LAA would retain up to 25% for administrative costs, with 75% regranted
• Initial grants capped at $3,000 per organization or artist
• County to contract for a cultural plan, retaining up to 10% of funds for it
• Possible local option tax, with preference for a 'percentage for the arts' millage

Arts Advisory Board

This document is a 2007 Cultural Plan and Feasibility Analysis prepared for Luzerne County, not a 2026 meeting agenda. It outlines seven recommendations to strengthen the local arts sector, including establishing a dedicated funding source similar to the 1-mill Education & Culture Fee used by neighboring Lackawanna County. The plan also assesses the feasibility of reusing the Sterling Annex building in Wilkes-Barre as a shared exhibition facility for local arts organizations.

• Proposal to establish a dedicated county funding source for arts and culture, modeled after Lackawanna County's 1-mill fee which generates $1.2 million annually
• Recommendation to strengthen the Cultural Council of Luzerne County to serve as the lead implementation body
• Feasibility analysis of reusing the Sterling Annex building in downtown Wilkes-Barre as a shared exhibition facility
• Assessment of space needs for the Luzerne County Historical Society, Wyoming Valley Art League, Cider Painters of America, and Sordoni Art Gallery
• Recommendation to pursue an education initiative to improve arts education and leverage higher education resources

Arts Advisory Board

The Luzerne County Arts Advisory Board will discuss a survey created by the Arts Alliance Board and a 'Visit Luzerne County' document, focusing on perceived gaps in the arts. The board will also plan its next meeting, which will address these gaps and follow up with a letter of recommendations to the County Council. The agenda includes draft findings from interviews with 29 participants, highlighting issues like lack of coordination, venue accessibility, and the need to engage younger audiences.

• Discussion of survey by Arts Alliance Board (Brian Gill)
• Review of 'Visit Luzerne County' document by Alan Stout
• Plan for next meeting to address gaps and send recommendations to County Council
• Draft findings from 29 interviews on arts gaps
• Public comment period with 3-minute speaking limit

Planning Commission

The Luzerne County Planning Commission meeting scheduled for August 13, 2026, has been cancelled with the concurrence of Chairperson Sal Marsico. No business will be conducted at this meeting.

• Meeting cancelled with Chairperson Sal Marsico's concurrence

County Council

Luzerne County Council is voting on a resolution to apply for a $300,000 Statewide Local Share Account grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The funds would pay for improvements to Huntsville Road Extension in Jackson and Lehman Townships. The resolution also designates County Manager Romilda P. Crocamo to handle the grant paperwork.

• Resolution authorizing $300,000 LSA grant application for Huntsville Road Extension
• Project located in Jackson and Lehman Townships
• County Manager Romilda P. Crocamo designated to execute grant documents

Accountability, Conduct & Ethics Commission

The Luzerne County Accountability, Conduct & Ethics Commission will vote on approving invoices from three law firms (West Group Law, Johnson Duffie, and Lehman Law) for services since June 2026, and approve minutes from its June 2, 2026 meeting. The agenda also includes old business items from December 2025 and a solicitor's report.

• Approval of invoices from West Group Law for June 3, 2026 to date
• Approval of invoices from Lehman Law for June 3, 2026 to date
• Approval of invoices from Johnson Duffie Law Offices for June 3, 2026 to date
• Approval of minutes from June 2, 2026 ACE Commission meeting
• Old business: review of invoices and minutes from December 2025 meeting

The Luzerne County Accountability, Conduct, and Ethics Commission voted unanimously to table old business items, including solicitor review of invoices and minutes, due to the solicitor's absence. They approved the June 2, 2026 meeting minutes and a $175 invoice from Johnson Duffie Law Offices. The commission also tabled a discussion on removing 'Privileged and Confidential' language from a memorandum, pending an executive session with the ACE Solicitor. Public comment raised concerns about complaint handling delays and lack of case numbers in response letters.

• Tabled old business items (solicitor invoice review, December 2025 minutes, memorandum discussion) due to solicitor absence (unanimous)
• Approved June 2, 2026 ACE Commission meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved payment of $175 invoice from Johnson Duffie Law Offices dated July 17, 2026 (unanimous)
• Tabled discussion and decision to remove 'Privileged and Confidential' language from memorandum (unanimous)

County Council

Luzerne County Council will hold a work session to discuss the 2026 mid-year budget and finance report, division reports, and several proposed ordinances and resolutions. Key items include amending the 2026 budget to accept a $260,482 PCCD grant for the Probation Department, authorizing a $300,000 grant application for Huntsville Road Extension improvements, and a contract with eCollect for hotel room tax collection. The council will also discuss a resolution urging the state to increase the 911 surcharge and an ordinance establishing a Human Relations Commission.

• Budget amendment: Increase Probation Dept. revenue and expense by $260,482 for PCCD JRI2 grant
• Resolution to apply for $300,000 Statewide Local Share Account grant for Huntsville Road Extension (total project $524,300)
• Resolution to authorize contract with eCollect for hotel room tax collection
• Resolution urging PA General Assembly to reauthorize Chapter 53 with increased 911 surcharge
• Ordinance establishing a Human Relations Commission

County Council

Luzerne County Council will consider a budget amendment to increase the Probation Department's 2026 budget by $260,482 to account for a recently awarded PCCD Justice Reinvestment Initiative 2 Grant. The grant funds will cover raises for 14 positions, three new Probation Officer positions, and operating expenses. The amendment is recommended by Courts Administration; if not approved, the department would exceed its budget.

• Increase Probation Dept. budget by $260,482 for PCCD JRI2 Grant revenue and expense
• Grant total: $412,581 (April 2026–March 2028); 2026 portion: $260,482
• Funds cover raises for 14 positions and 3 new Probation Officer positions for Central Court expansion
• Approx. $83k in taxes and pension costs will be charged to General Fund over grant life
• New positions and raises would need General Fund funding after grant ends

County Council

Luzerne County Council will consider a budget amendment to increase the Probation Department's 2026 budget by $260,482 to account for a state Justice Reinvestment Initiative 2 grant. The funds cover raises for 14 positions, three new probation officer positions, and operating expenses. If approved, the county will later need to fund these costs from the General Fund when the grant ends.

• Increase Probation Dept. budget by $260,482 for PCCD JRI2 Grant
• Grant total $412,581 for April 2026–March 2028
• Funds cover raises for 14 positions and 3 new Probation Officer positions
• Approx. $83k in taxes and pension costs to be charged to General Fund
• New positions and raises would require General Fund support after grant ends

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will hold public hearings and vote on two budget amendments, several modifications to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funded projects, and a one-year contract extension with WellPath for inmate medical services. The agenda also includes an update on the Wilkes-Barre Wyoming Valley Airport project and appointments to the Area Agency on Aging. The meeting includes two public hearings and a voting session.

• Public hearing and vote on budget amendment for Broad Street Exchange
• Public hearing and vote on budget amendment for Planning/Zoning
• Vote on ordinance amending 2026 budget for Probation (introduction)
• Vote on one-year contract extension with WellPath for inmate medical services
• Vote on ARPA fund modifications for Larksville, Harveys Lake, Road & Bridge, Lower Demunds Road, and Wyoming Valley Airport projects

County Council

Luzerne County Council is considering an ordinance to amend the 2026 fiscal year budget to account for funds from a Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) grant for the Probation Services Department. The amendment increases both revenue and expenses by $260,482 for the PCCD JRI2 Grant. A public hearing is required before adoption.

• Amends 2026 budget line items for PCCD JRI2 Grant
• Increases revenue by $260,482
• Increases expenses by $260,482
• Grant originally awarded in amount of $412,581
• Requires public hearing before Council vote

County Council

Luzerne County Council is holding a public hearing and will consider an ordinance to amend the 2026 budget for the Broad Street Exchange building in Hazleton, which has not sold as anticipated. The amendment would add $228,225 in rental revenue and $228,225 in expenses to cover 12 months of operating costs. The public can comment in person or via Zoom before the vote.

• Increase rental revenue by $228,225 for Broad St Exchange (Fund 149)
• Add $70,000 for contractual services
• Add $70,928 for building repairs and maintenance
• Add $44,250 for electricity, $23,697 for gas, $7,200 each for sewer and water
• Add $4,950 for cleaning supplies

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is reviewing a $412,883 grant award from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) for the JRI-2 Grant. The funds are restricted to Adult Probation and Pretrial Services and will be used over a 24-month period (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2028) for merit/retention adjustments, three pretrial officers, a case management system upgrade, and training costs/equipment. The council is deciding whether to accept the grant and its planned allocations.

• $412,883 JRI-2 grant from PCCD for Adult Probation and Pretrial Services
• $256,500 for three pretrial officers (salary costs: $126,000 year 1, $130,500 year 2)
• $50,400 for case management system module upgrade
• $56,483 for training costs and equipment (first aid, control tactics, firearms training)
• $49,500 for merit/retention adjustments

County Council

Luzerne County Council is considering an ordinance to amend the 2026 fiscal year budget to account for a Justice Reinvestment Initiative 2 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for the Probation Services Department. The amendment increases both revenue and expenses by $260,482. A public hearing is required before adoption.

• Amends 2026 budget to increase PCCD JRI2 Grant revenue by $260,482
• Increases Probation Services expenses by $260,482
• Grant total awarded: $412,581.00
• Public hearing required before Council vote

County Council

Luzerne County Council will hold a public hearing and consider an ordinance to amend the 2026 fiscal year budget for the GIS, Planning & Zoning Department. The amendment increases both revenue and expense line items by $325,000 to account for higher engineering fees and corresponding subdivision/land development fee revenue. Public comment will be taken before the vote.

• Public hearing on ordinance amending 2026 budget
• Increase Subdivision/Land Development Fees revenue by $325,000
• Increase Engineering/Architectural expenses by $325,000
• Amendment supports engineering reviews of subdivision and land development plans

Convention Center Authority

The Luzerne County Convention Center Authority will meet to approve bills and receive updates on facility projects. The body will discuss insurance renewals and engineering proposals for building maintenance.

• Payment of bills totaling $332,064.46, including $329,147.46 to CMTA, Inc.
• Approval of Benesch proposal for engineering work
• Review of 2026-2027 Property Package insurance renewal from Assured Partners
• Update on air handler coils project and energy contracts
• Update on CFA Multimodal grant application

Zoning Hearing Board

The Luzerne County Zoning Hearing Board will review applications for variances and special exceptions. The board is considering requests for residential construction, short-term rentals, and commercial use changes.

• Use variance for a solid waste transfer station at 108 Garden Drive, Hunlock Township
• Use variance for a cidery/meadery and parking exception at 288 Main St., Dupont Borough
• Special exception for a Bed & Breakfast at 55 Spencers Rd., Fairmount Township
• Special exceptions for short-term rentals at 102 Lakeview Drive and 192 Lakeview Drive, Ross Township
• Variances for yard setbacks to reconstruct and add to a dwelling at 65 Reynolds St., Hughestown Borough