URGENT UPDATE: Luzerne County Council meetings will no longer be available on Service Electric Cable TV, following a 5-4 vote on November 10, 2025. Instead, residents can now watch all council meetings online and participate via Zoom. This decision marks a significant shift in how local governance is communicated to the public.
In a move that emphasizes digital accessibility, the council rejected a proposed contract with Service Electric that would have allowed them to continue broadcasting without charge. Council members cited the capability of the county’s in-house information technology team to manage video work for the meetings.
Service Electric began broadcasting these meetings in 2012, initially stepping in when the county could not record meetings. However, the council has now decided to take full control over the streaming process. A statement on the Luzerne County Community Channel’s YouTube page confirmed the end of the collaboration, stating, “County Council voted to not renew our contract… We are sorry for the inconvenience.”
Residents can now access council meetings live on the county’s website at www.luzernecounty.org. They can also join remotely through Zoom on their computers or smartphones. A link and phone number will be provided for those wishing to participate via phone.
“It’s important that residents have an opportunity to take part in public meetings where decisions that impact them are being made,” said Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo. She emphasized the importance of transparency regarding tax expenditures, project approvals, and other key issues affecting the community.
The county’s information technology department is exploring additional broadcasting options, including the possibility of streaming Zoom sessions live on YouTube. This indicates a commitment to maintaining accessibility for all residents.
The contract with Service Electric initially included a clause for exclusive broadcasting rights, which was amended by Councilman Harry Haas to remove that exclusivity. Ultimately, the council chose not to renew the agreement.
The next Luzerne County Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 6 PM. For more information on upcoming meetings, residents can visit the county’s calendar at https://www.luzernecounty.org/calendar.aspx?view=list&year=2025&month=11&day=25.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and be sure to share this information with your neighbors to keep everyone informed about changes in local governance access!
