Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monroe County, Pennsylvania public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues with low priority
Correctional facility safety equipment
The jail is getting 150 leather radio cases and 17 ballistic helmets to outfit staff.
2026 Water Quality and Stream Monitoring Contracts
The county hired Microbac for its 2026 water quality testing ($15,141.75) and Michael Bilger to sub-sample 39 aquatic insect samples ($13,962) — routine environmental monitoring of county waterways.
America250PA Keystone art installations
Keystone-shaped art pieces celebrating America's 250th anniversary are going up across Monroe County townships, created largely by Pocono Mountain School District art students. One was even gifted to Wyoming County after being made for the Tunkhannock Viaduct.
Pride flag not displayed at administration building
A resident praised the recent Pocono Pride Festival's success but expressed disappointment the Pride flag wasn't flown at the county administration building as in prior years, citing neighboring counties' nondiscrimination ordinances.
Archives digitization grant application
The county is applying for a $349,994 grant to digitize roughly 75% of its historic archive collection, making old county records easier for the public to access online and better preserved for the future.
Lower inmate phone rates
The new Securus amendment complies with FCC rules that slashed incarcerated people's call fees — meaning cheaper calls home for jail inmates' families.
National Library Week and library support
Commissioners proclaimed National Library Week and heard from library directors about the tech services, programs, and community spaces libraries provide beyond books.
Hotel tax grants for community events
Seven local events and groups got hotel-tax money, from $150 for Founders' Day to $15,000 for the Blue Ridge Hook and Ladder West End Fireman's Festival and $10,000 for Stroudsburg's America 250 events.
New parking area at Sixth and Quaker Alley
Reilly Associates will design a county parking area on the Sixth and Quaker Alley lot in Stroudsburg for $29,500.
Old County Jail roof grant pursuit
The county will apply for a $100,000 Keystone Historic Preservation grant to replace the Old County Jail's roof.
Pennsylvania 4-H Week recognition
Commissioners proclaimed March 15-21 as 4-H Week, celebrating the roughly 400 Monroe County youth and 3,700+ adult volunteers in the program.
Hotel tax funds community celebrations
Hotel tax dollars are flowing to local events: $15,000 for the Eastburg All-American Picnic and $5,000 for Barrett Township's Patriotic Recognition Day. Since the money comes from visitors' lodging taxes, it doesn't touch residents' property taxes.