Luzerne County tax break vote delayed until new council members take office
Developer
Chief Solicitor
Four new council members will take office
Under the law, decisions should be deferred if they involve matters that are not statutorily required "essential government functions," Crocamo said.
For example, Crocamo said the sitting council must approve a budget. Delays are not warranted for several other upcoming votes on a tax-claim operator, manager-recommended paper-trail voting system or 911 emergency radio upgrade because the county is statutorily required to collect back taxes, conduct elections and provide 911 service, she said.
Using this same interpretation, Crocamo determined the sitting council also can decide whether to grant
Also added to Tuesday's agenda was a proposed new contract for prison health care services. Crocamo said that decision won't have to wait because the county must ensure inmates have medical treatment.
The lame duck issue has come up in county government before, including prior to the county's 2012 switch to home rule, as outgoing elected officials made decisions on job creations, outside board appointments and other matters, according to past reports.
Although they won't be voting on the
Morelli also questioned why a tax break is being provided if the developer already has a tenant. Typically developers argue such breaks are needed to competitively attract tenants.
Council members
Even if county council rejects the request, the developer can still receive breaks already approved by
Prison health care
The county administration has proposed switching to a new inmate health care provider --
Wellpath receives around
The new request for proposals seeking vendors beefed up requirements for inmate mental health coverage, largely in response to the death of four female inmates from
In addition to Wellpath and Wexford, two companies submitted proposals to handle the work --
The administration concluded Wexford best serves county correctional services division requirements.
"After a very thorough review of the written proposals, observation of the in-person presentations and responses of questions asked, the committee believed Wexford is the clear choice to provide inmate health services to
If approved, the switch to Wexford would start
The company would be paid
Payments would be
Correctional Services Division Head
Wexford also has an impressive suicide prevention model, Rockovich said, noting the new contract will provide additional weekend coverage and increased psychiatric services.
Votes would be required at a future meeting for the prison health care contract and
State prison
Council on Tuesday also discussed a proposed resolution opposing closure of the
Councilman
Reach
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