Lackawanna County Commissioners

Former Lackawanna County official Brenda Sacco is scheduled to take the oath of office as former Commissioner Matt McGloin's replacement Wednesday at 10 a.m., despite being allowed to serve only until a replacement is elected. A special election is set for Nov. 4 to replace McGloin.

It looks like the upcoming special election for Lackawanna County commissioner will decide who permanently replaces former commissioner Matt McGloin. A court ruling Monday says former county employee Brenda Sacco can temporarily replace McGloin.

One year after a 33% property tax hike that they vehmently disagreed about, Lackawanna County commissioners Bill Gaughan and Chris Chermak joined in introducing a 2026 budget that doesn't require higher taxes.

Early October is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, a Christian saint known for his love of nature and animals. Some churches invite pets to Mass to honor him. And, Lackawanna County Commissioners say they don't expect a dramatic tax hike next year.

After raising property taxes 33% in 2025, Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan said he expects the commissioners to present a 2026 budget that keeps taxes the same.

A state appeals court ruled Friday that a special election to replace ex-Lackawanna County Commissioner Matt McGloin can go on as planned Nov. 4. McGloin resigned seven months ago and the county is still trying to replace him.

The state Commonwealth Court has rejected a Lackawanna County Democratic Party appeal of a county court ruling that said voters can decide on a replacement for ex-Commissioner Matt McGloin at a special election Nov. 4.

Ryan Runco, a maintenance man for Lackawanna County, withdrew his candidacy among a court challenge to him being on the Nov. 4 special election ballot.

Ryan Runco is an independent candidate for Lackawanna County commissioner in a Nov. 4 special election, but two voters say he filled flawed nominating papers and should be removed from the ballot.

Underlying tension between Lackawanna County commissioners Chris Chermak and Bill Gaughan broke into the open Thursday at a public commissioners meeting.