Lackawanna County Commissioners 7-15-26

The Lackawanna County Commissioners meeting held on July 15, 2026, included several key procurement and contracting decisions. The board approved a three-year contract with Cummings Insurance for health and benefits consulting services at a cost of $77,500 for the first year. They also authorized a five-year lease agreement for a district magistrate's office in Dixon City at $41,400 for the first year. Multiple professional service agreements related to youth and family services were renewed, with state reimbursement covering a significant portion of the costs. The commissioners approved a cooperation agreement with Clifton Township for a Keystone Road Improvement Project, awarding a construction contract to Waco of Wayart for $214,725 funded by a Community Development Block Grant. Additionally, the board ratified grant submissions for trail development and park improvements, including a $1.6 million contract awarded to Wood Construction for the Sernowski Park Improvement Project, which will modernize park facilities. A contentious discussion occurred regarding a temporary appointment to the joint board of managers for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, focusing on governance and conflict of interest concerns. Public comments highlighted environmental and health concerns related to proposed data center projects in the county, prompting the commissioners to support a countywide cumulative health impact assessment study. Overall, the meeting focused on contract awards, grant approvals, and policy discussions impacting county infrastructure and services.