URGENT UPDATE: Luzerne County Council meetings are officially moving online, as the council has voted 5-4 to discontinue broadcasts on Service Electric Cable TV. This decision, made on November 10, 2023, means residents will no longer access council meetings through traditional cable but can still participate via the county’s website and Zoom.
The change comes as the council determined that in-house staff from the information technology department can effectively manage all video needs for the council meetings. Service Electric had been broadcasting these meetings since 2012, initially stepping in when the county lacked the capability to record them.
A statement from the Luzerne County Community Channel on YouTube confirmed, “County Council voted to not renew our contract for broadcasting the Luzerne County Council meetings, so we will no longer be broadcasting, live streaming, or posting the recordings on this channel. We are sorry for the inconvenience.”
Residents can now watch the meetings live on the county’s official website, www.luzernecounty.org. Additionally, they can participate remotely using a Zoom link accessible through a web browser or the Zoom application on their mobile devices. For those who prefer to join by phone, a dedicated phone number will also be provided.
“This is critical for residents to engage in public meetings where decisions impacting their lives are made,” stated Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo. She emphasized the importance of giving residents a voice regarding how their tax dollars are spent and other significant project approvals.
The council is currently exploring additional broadcasting options, including the potential for simultaneous streaming of live Zoom sessions on YouTube. The original contract proposal aimed to grant Service Electric exclusive rights for these broadcasts, but an amendment from Councilman Harry Haas removed that exclusivity before the council ultimately voted against the agreement.
The next council meeting is set for November 25, 2023, at 6 PM. This pivotal meeting will mark the first under the new online-only format. For further details on County Council meetings and to access the Zoom link, visit https://www.luzernecounty.org/calendar.aspx?view=list&year=2025&month=11&day=25.
As Luzerne County adapts to this new format, residents are encouraged to stay engaged and informed about local governance. Share this news with your community to ensure everyone knows how to participate in shaping their county’s future.
