Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monroe County, Pennsylvania public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
34 issues with medium priority
Strong turnout in November 3 election
Seven election office employees will work five extra hours a week through November 3 for election training and workload. The county also submitted its Election Integrity grant closeout report for nearly $593,000.
2027 Budget Season Begins
The board set special meetings for the 2027 budget presentation and adoption, and commissioners noted budget work is ramping up quickly.
Rally against sexual violence
Safe Monroe will hold its Take Back the Night Rally on Courthouse Square on April 2 from 4:30 to 6 p.m., supporting survivors of sexual violence.
Jail drug and alcohol counseling contract
The county picked Recovery Revolution to provide counseling at the county jail at up to $99,840, after opening bids from three providers.
School bus safety — Operation Safe Stop
It's National School Bus Safety Week, and PennDOT is reminding drivers to stop at least 10 feet from buses with red lights flashing. Drivers illegally passing stopped buses is a growing problem nationwide.
New SEIU Local 668 labor agreement
The county approved a four-year contract with its social services union, running through the end of 2029.
Courthouse Square parking lot plans move forward
A Stroudsburg resident pressed the county on plans for a gravel lot across from a restaurant and on opening the county parking deck to the public on weekends. Commissioners said they're getting engineering estimates on converting the lot but may need it for future courthouse expansion, and cited vandalism, security, and 16 weeks of deck repairs as reasons weekend public parking is difficult.
Shared Ride Program rate changes
Rides to medical appointments for eligible county residents — the county fronts the money and the state reimburses it quarterly. A resident asked who it serves; officials confirmed it's need-based, medical appointments only, sign-up through the Transportation Authority.
Liability insurance cost increase
The county's liability insurance came in 16 percent higher than the 12 percent increase it budgeted, requiring a $47,500 budget adjustment.
CodeRed emergency alert system renewal
The county renewed its CodeRed emergency notification service for a year at zero cost through the regional counter-terrorism task force. Residents stay reachable during emergencies without it costing taxpayers.
Student survey privacy concerns
Theresa Pesce pressed the county on where high-school students' survey data went — she says neither the DA's office, commissioners nor PCCD have records from third-party vendor the Kerry Group, which built, analyzed and stores the surveys.
Bond arbitrage liabilities to U.S. Treasury
The county acknowledged owing the U.S. Treasury $789,023.71 in arbitrage on its 2021 bonds and $8,860.19 plus $292.90 interest on its 2022 bonds — a federal requirement when bond earnings exceed allowed levels.
Pocono Family YMCA project funding
The county approved $3.75 million in RACP funding for the Pocono Family YMCA project. This supports a major community recreation facility improvement.
Courthouse security upgrade
The Old Jail is getting a $312,500 roof and gutter replacement, the courthouse parking deck needs another $166,050 in third-floor concrete repairs, and $57,813 in new courthouse security equipment was ratified.
Byrne JAG re-entry grant for Cornerstone Community Initiative
The county certified its support for Cornerstone's state grant application, which funds pre-entry services for people leaving incarceration in Monroe County — aimed at reducing repeat offenses.
Commodity flow survey for emergency preparedness
The county is paying $10,950 (grant-funded) to map all hazardous freight moving through Monroe County by rail and road, so emergency crews are better prepared if something goes wrong.
Great Wolf Lodge expansion state grant
The county signed off as pass-through on a $2.5 million state RACP grant for the Great Wolf densification project. A resident questioned why a profitable resort gets state money; the chairman said the state invests to grow hospitality, a key county industry.
Courthouse construction completion
The county added $22,296 to its Lobar Construction contract for extra drywall, framing locks, and soffits on the ongoing courthouse project.
Bridge #12 replacement change order
The county hired Verdantas for $47,000 to inspect its bridges over the 2025-2027 cycle and recommend which ones need construction work in 2026-2028. It's routine infrastructure upkeep that helps catch problems before they become closures.
Flock camera locations and surveillance contracts
A resident asked who holds information on Flock camera locations and contracts in the county, citing privacy concerns. Commissioners explained there's no central clearinghouse — each municipality manages its own contracts — though Vice-Chairman Parker noted a public website shows Flock camera locations.
Veterans Affairs office recognition
The commissioners publicly thanked the Veterans Affairs office for the first time in 14 years. Deputy Director Eric Morin dug through records and discovered a Vietnam veteran had earned a Purple Heart that a clerical error never recorded — unlocking benefits he'd been denied for decades.
West Nile virus detected in Monroe County
The county's mosquito coordinator confirmed West Nile virus has been found locally, but stressed it's low-risk except for infants and the elderly. The main fix is on homeowners: dump standing water in buckets, tires and barrels, and change bird bath water weekly.
Transit local match for 2026-27
The county committed $253,128 as its local match to unlock state operating assistance for the Transportation Authority. This helps keep Pocono transit service running for riders who depend on buses to get to work, appointments, and services.
Youth emergency preparedness club
4-H is teaming up with the Office of Emergency Management and first responder groups to launch a youth emergency preparedness club, aiming to funnel more young people into volunteer firefighter and EMS careers — a real need as volunteer ranks shrink.
Fixed-price natural gas and phone contracts
The county locked in natural gas at $5.59 per MCF for three years (lowest of three quotes) and switched to T-Mobile for Governments, which Vice-Chairman Parker said saves substantial money. A Starlink kit keeps county communications alive when cell networks jam up at the racetrack.
Parking garage maintenance contract
The county finally picked a contractor to fix up the parking garage, choosing the lowest of seven bids. Good news for anyone who parks downtown for work, court, or events.
Farmland preservation — Field farm easement
The county is spending $213,800 to permanently preserve about 22 acres of the Field family farm in Hamilton Township — the 129th preserved farm. The family has farmed the land since the 1730s.
CSBG aid to Pike County human service agencies
Ten community organizations — from Meals on Wheels to Safe Monroe to the Salvation Army — will share $380,840 in community services block grant money this year.
Emergency shelter funding shift
The county moved $45,090 of federal ESG homelessness funds from prevention and rapid rehousing into the emergency shelter line for 2024-2026.
$40,000 for Smithfield Township blighted property demolition
Act 152 demolition dollars are going to Smithfield Township to tear down the problem property at 274 Marshalls Creek Road.
Coolbaugh Township environmental study funding
A Coolbaugh Township resident wants county help paying for an environmental impact study to shield sensitive land from a large proposed development. Commissioners said land development is a township responsibility, hotel tax money legally must support tourism, and suggested grant options.
New Tobyhanna Township magisterial district judge office
The county took its first formal step toward turning a building at 2642 PA-940 into the Tobyhanna Township MDJ office, accepting a $22,300 architect proposal to scope the renovations. Actual construction costs will come later.
Food assistance funding for local pantries
The county executed $279,220 in State Food Purchase Program contracts with nine local food pantries and outreach groups, from Bushkill Outreach to the Salvation Army soup kitchen.
Human trafficking awareness
January was proclaimed Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and Safe Monroe is holding a Red Sand Project at the courthouse square January 14 to raise awareness.