Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in development
2027 Capital Plan and Courthouse Facade Priority
The county owns roughly 300 bridges and structures; inspections of smaller ones had lapsed for 20 years and are now ~70% caught up. Ten unfunded bridges are in poor or serious condition, many built with a faulty 'box beam' design that rotted from the inside. Council wants a heat map, priority schedules, and a funded maintenance plan.
Duryea Borough demolition fund request
Duryea spent over $60,000 tearing down a fire-gutted, blighted Main Street building and wants Act 152 demolition funds back. Staff confirmed the fund is suited for exactly this and has $78,005 on hand; expect a council vote soon.
Sale of county-owned rail holdings to RJ Corman
More than 20 residents — and dozens of emailed comments — pushed council to object to the proposed sale of the county's railroad holdings, including concerns about Rocky Glen abandoned land. Council voted unanimously to formally object.
Landlord contact information list (Act 29)
Under a new state law, counties must keep a contact list for real properties, and council had to pass an ordinance to set the $500 fine for false or outdated info. Owner-occupied homes are exempt, so this mostly affects out-of-area landlords, LLCs and trusts.
Primary election canvassing, cure, and adjudication schedule
Council Member Chris Belles requested extra time to challenge petitions that weren't included on the USB drive used for prior challenges. The Board's decision could affect which petitions face further scrutiny before certification.
Election readiness: poll workers and voting machines
Bureau reports were scheduled on poll worker staffing and voting machine status. With new equipment requiring mandatory training for all poll workers this year, adequate staffing and preparation matter for how smoothly Election Day runs.
2026 General Primary ballot approval
The board was scheduled to approve the official Democratic and Republican ballots for the May 19, 2026 primary. Ballot approval is the step that lets the county print and distribute ballots to voters.
Polling place changes in Plains Township and Swoyersville
Two polling places would move if the motions were approved: Plains Township Ward 3 voters would go to St. Peter and Paul Parish's Bernadine Hall, and Swoyersville Ward 1 voters to Maltby Volunteer Fire Co. Voters in those wards should confirm their polling location before Primary Day.