URGENT UPDATE: Luzerne County Council meetings will no longer be broadcast on Service Electric Cable TV following a narrow 5-4 vote on November 10, 2023. Instead, residents can now watch these crucial meetings online or via Zoom, a significant shift aimed at enhancing public accessibility.
This major decision means that council meetings, previously aired on Service Electric since 2012, will now be directly streamed to the county’s official website at www.luzernecounty.org. Residents can also participate remotely through Zoom on their computers or smartphones, ensuring they have a voice in discussions that impact their lives. A dedicated phone line will also be available for those wishing to call in.
“We are sorry for the inconvenience,” stated Scott Cannon of Video Innovations, who managed the broadcasts for Service Electric. “County Council voted to not renew our contract for broadcasting the Luzerne County Council meetings.” This move was made as in-house staff from the county’s information technology department will now handle all video-related work for council sessions.
The decision to reject the broadcasting contract with Service Electric was influenced by an amendment from Councilman Harry Haas, which aimed to remove the exclusivity clause from the proposal. Ultimately, the council decided against continuing the partnership, prioritizing a more accessible and cost-effective solution.
Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo emphasized the importance of public participation: “It’s important that residents have an opportunity to take part in public meetings where decisions that impact them are being made.” She highlighted that residents deserve a platform to voice their concerns about budget allocations, project approvals, and local governance issues.
As part of ongoing efforts to improve accessibility, the county’s information technology department is exploring additional broadcasting options, including the possibility of live streaming Zoom sessions on YouTube.
The next Luzerne County Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2023, at 6 PM. For further information on upcoming meetings, residents can visit https://www.luzernecounty.org/calendar.aspx?view=list&year=2025&month=11&day=25.
This shift reflects a broader trend toward digital engagement in local governance, ensuring that all county residents can stay informed and involved in the decision-making processes that affect their community. As developments unfold, residents are encouraged to stay tuned to the county’s official channels for updates and new features.
