Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues
Online Sheriff Sales via RealAuction.com
The tax claim bureau will run 2026 tax sales through GovEase's online auction platform at no cost to the county, ending in-person registration lines, 12-hour sale days, and 80 manual refund checks. Bidders pay a $35 registration fee and a 3% premium on winning bids.
Four Tax-Delinquent Parcels Return to Tax Rolls
The annual judicial sale of tax-delinquent properties goes online April 23 with 203 properties left on the list — down from 206 after three owners paid up. Bidders register April 6-10.
Tax Claim Bureau Fee Increases
Delinquent-property fees the Tax Claim Bureau charges will rise January 1, 2027 — the first update in over 20 years. Property owners more than two years behind can still avoid the biggest fee by paying by June 30.
Stavich Bike Trail Rehabilitation Grant
The county is applying for $661,458 from the state's Local Share Account program to rehab its county-owned bike trail, which draws visitors from Ohio and Pittsburgh who patronize local restaurants and businesses. This is the third straight year the planning office has applied; the first year was successful, last year was not.
Leadership transition in Emergency Management/Public Safety
Rich Hoover, a 22-year county employee and interim director since Chad Strobel left last month, is now the permanent Director of EMA/Department of Public Safety at $65,000 a year — the office that runs 911 and never shuts down.
Sheriff's Association Union Contract
The commissioners ratified a three-year deal with the union representing sheriff's office employees, running 2027 through 2029. Negotiations reportedly went smoothly, with the union already approving it.
Regional transportation plan input
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission is updating its long-range transportation plan and wants more Lawrence County input — a public meeting is set for November 16 and an online survey runs through October 31.
Fixed-rate electricity for county facilities
The county locked in a fixed electricity price for a year to protect Public Safety buildings and radio sites from price spikes.
Public Safety non-emergency phone system replacement
Verizon is discontinuing the line service the county's non-emergency phones run on, so the county is switching to fiber-based ZITO equipment housed at the Public Safety department with a redundant line to keep things running 24/7.
Humphrey Center construction
The county officially named the former St. Joe's school as the future Children and Youth Services home. State funding could cover up to 80% of renovations, and officials aim to keep the taxpayer cost near zero.
Rejected repository property bid
Eight $500 bids on tax-delinquent parcels were up for the commissioners' sign-off. Seven were approved, returning vacant lots to the tax rolls; one West Avenue bid was rejected because the city and school district voted no.
Countywide recycling program contract
The Big Blue Bin recycling contract is up for rebid after five years, jointly with Mercer County. Bids are due October 19 and some aging bins will be replaced or repainted.
HUD Healthy Homes Production Grant application
A $5.75 million federal grant will remove lead paint hazards from 120 homes across seven counties over four years, with about 62 units in Lawrence County. Families with children under six and low-income homeowners are the focus.
Rosecroft Center tax assessment settlement
The Leitner Green facility in Shannock Township appealed its tax assessment, was denied, and has taken the case to court. The county is paying an appraiser as part of its defense.
Blue Bin and Glass Recycling Program contract
Lawrence County is finally bringing permanent glass recycling to residents, with a drop-off site at the Wayne Township VFD on Route 65 and another at the courthouse. It's true glass-to-glass recycling — containers get cleaned and sent back to market. Bins should be in place by the end of the month, with cameras to monitor misuse.
District Attorney DEA-funded overtime
The DA's office got $20,000 in DEA money and will spend it on overtime — funding prosecution work without touching general tax dollars.
Marcellus Legacy Fund increase
The county received $30,617 more in Marcellus Legacy revenue than expected and earmarked it for legacy-related expenses. It's extra money from natural gas activity that will support the programs it's designated for.