UPDATE: The Luzerne County Council has just approved a controversial budget plan that includes a new $98,000 job and a significant salary increase for the election director. During a heated meeting on December 5, 2023, council members voted 6-5 against a proposal to limit the election director’s pay hike to $1,612, opting instead for an increase of $12,500, boosting her salary from $64,500 to $77,000.
The clash, which took place in Wilkes-Barre, has ignited fierce debate among council members over budget priorities. County Manager Romilda Crocamo argued that the new division head position in infrastructure, community, and economic development is essential for the county’s growth, stating, “We need this particular division if we want to really develop Luzerne County the way it should be.”
The proposed budget for 2026, which will be finalized on December 9, includes a property tax increase of 1.9% and allocates $381 million. The increase in salary for Director of Elections Emily Cook is aimed at aligning her pay with comparable positions in other counties, as non-union employees will receive a standard 2.5% raise.
Councilman Harry Haas expressed concerns about fiscal responsibility, stating, “We have to balance the books that’s fair to all the stakeholders.” Meanwhile, Councilman Greg Wolovich criticized the push to reduce Cook’s pay increase, emphasizing, “You want good leaders. You need people who are going to have a reason to be a leader.”
The meeting saw a stark division among council members, with some advocating for increased pay for sheriff’s deputies rather than funding the new position. Councilman Kevin Lescavage highlighted the disparity, saying, “Before we start doling out $12,500 to anybody else we should take that into consideration.”
As tensions escalated, Crocamo defended Cook, noting the personal risks she faces in her role, stating, “You cannot demand professionalism without paying professional wages.” This statement drew mixed reactions, with Councilwoman Joanna Bryn Smith pushing back, suggesting that many county workers also deserve fair compensation.
The council’s vote reflected a deep divide, with some members arguing for a compromise that would see Cook’s salary increased by 8.5%, while others rejected any amendments aimed at curbing the proposed raises. The debate highlighted not just the financial implications but also the moral responsibility of the council to support all county employees.
Looking ahead, the newly elected council members taking office in January will have the opportunity to reassess the creation of the new division. As Crocamo emphasized the need for investment in county staff, the upcoming budget decisions are set to have lasting impacts on the workforce and services in Luzerne County.
The urgency surrounding these developments cannot be overstated, as the community watches closely to see how these budgetary decisions will affect local governance, services, and employee morale in the coming year.
