Jennifer Learn Andes

6 days ago | hazletontimes.com | Jennifer Learn-Andes |Jennifer Learn Andes

Luzerne County Council further discussed the proposed expansion of a property tax exemption program for military veterans during last week’s work session. The exemption is available only to honorably discharged veterans disabled during a period of war, but the county is considering following the example of several other neighboring counties by expanding the program to non-wartime veterans.

1 week ago | hazletontimes.com | Jennifer Learn-Andes |Jennifer Learn Andes

Luzerne County Council is debating the pros and cons of setting county real estate tax break guidelines by category to provide realistic expectations for prospective developers. Councilman Jimmy Sabatino, who chairs council’s infrastructure committee, had proposed the idea to his council colleagues during discussion about a tax break in March, saying council should decide in advance what fees and discounts it deems acceptable for warehousing and logistic, manufacturing and tech-based development.

1 week ago | hazletontimes.com | Jennifer Learn-Andes |Jennifer Learn Andes

Luzerne County Court Administrator Paul Hindmarsh made a fervent plea for county council to approve a 15-year property lease needed to house family court under one roof. “Please do not make this decision lightly because this decision will have a lasting impact on the families of Luzerne County,” Hindmarsh told council during its Tuesday work session. Several council members asked questions and expressed concerns but left it unclear if the request would be approved at their next meeting on June 10.

1 week ago | hazletontimes.com | Jennifer Learn-Andes |Jennifer Learn Andes

A Luzerne County Government Study Commission majority approved a recommendation Wednesday that would give county council authority to determine if the five-person county election board should remain composed of five citizen volunteers. The commission is drafting a revised charter that will come before voters for possible adoption in November.

1 week ago | hazletontimes.com | Jennifer Learn-Andes |Jennifer Learn Andes

A Luzerne County Council majority voted Tuesday to purchase the historic train station property in downtown Wilkes-Barre for $615,000 and initiate litigation against the county Redevelopment Authority over an outstanding debt related to its rail line. The county wants to acquire the 154-year-old former train station on Wilkes-Barre Boulevard because it is listed for sale and has housed the county tourism office, Visit Luzerne County, since February 2022.