Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues with low priority
Vacancies on Housing and Industrial Development Authorities
Council declared vacancies on both the Housing Authority and the Industrial Development Authority, setting up future appointments that influence affordable housing and economic development decisions.
Honoring the life of Rev. Joseph F. DeVizia
Council honored Deacon Joe DeVizia, who led the Children's Service Center of Wilkes-Barre for 26 years and passed away September 23 at age 83.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month proclamation
Council proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, honoring the Domestic Violence Service Center's work.
Italian American Heritage Month proclamation
Council proclaimed October as Italian American Heritage Month, recognizing UNICO Wilkes-Barre's community service.
Other public concerns: burn pit, flock cameras, LERTA ordinance
During non-agenda comment, residents raised a burn pit issue, flock surveillance cameras, the recalled-chair effort, removal of the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance from the agenda, and the LERTA tax abatement ordinance.
Surety bond limits for 2027
The county's insurance consultant recommends keeping essentially the same security bond limits for 2027 to protect the county against risk of loss. Premiums are expected to rise modestly, and costs were already baked into the budget.
Huntsville Extension Grant Request
Council unanimously applied for a state Local Share Account grant from gaming revenue for the Huntsville Extension project.
Hotel Room Tax Enforcement Contract
The county is hiring eCollect to hunt down hotels, Airbnbs and B&Bs that aren't paying the lodging tax. The company keeps 25% of what it recovers as a one-time fee over a three-year contract — officials argued the county loses nothing on deals it never knew existed.
Huntsville Road Extension Grant Request
The county will seek a $300,000 state Local Share Account grant to finish the rough Huntsville Road extension, after getting only $222,000 last year.