Chris Chermak

Lackawanna County has made great progress in the 35 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act became law. And the region still has work to do to make the region more accessible for all, leaders, advocates and community members said Thursday.

The lawyer for Lackawanna County and Commissioner Bill Gaughan says Supreme Court should settle the way to replace ex-commissioner Matt McGloin.

The appeal could delay the replacement of resigned Commissioner Matt McGloin for several more weeks

The ruling clears the way for other county common pleas court judges to replace resigned Commissioner Matt McGloin, but it's unclear if they'll do that before a 30-day period for appealing the ruling passes.

Taxpayers say Schuylkill County's notice of new property values includes a future tax estimate, but Lackawanna's doesn't. Lackawanna's assessment director says county fears estimates will turn out wrong, angering taxpayers.

Matt McGloin resigned as a commissioner almost two months ago. A three-judge panel listed to arguments Tuesday on how to replace him by lawyers for the county, commissioners Bill Gaughan and Chris Chermak and the county Democratic Party. The judges did not immediately decide.

County chief financial officer David Bulzoni said the borrowing will raise annual debate payments by about $1.1 million, but won't require another tax hike next year. The county raised property taxes 33% this year.

Six weeks after Commissioner Matt McGloin resigned, county judges still haven't picked a replacement. Unhappy his suggested replacement was ignored, Commissioner Bill Gaughan wants the judges to start a new selection process that would upend the traditional way of filling commissioner vacancies.

WVIA tried to get answers about the county's resassessment, especially whether taxes will rise.

County common pleas court judges will decide from among Brenda Sacco, James Baldan and Bob Casey