Jan. 3, 2025 -- The Lackawanna County commissioners invite members of the public to apply for 45 seats on county boards, authorities or commissions that are vacant or held by members with expired terms.

Incumbents with expired terms will be asked to submit letters of interest if they wish to retain their seats. New applicants may submit a resume and a letter of interest. In both cases, the deadline is Jan. 21. Materials may be submitted to Traci Harte, Deputy Chief of Staff, Lackawanna County Government Center, 6^th Floor, 123 Wyoming Ave., Scranton 18503. Visit the Boards & Authorities page of our website for an application.

“There is a lot of talent in Lackawanna County and a lot of people with expertise in the boards’ subject areas,” Commissioner Bill Gaughan said. “We want to ensure that board members are well-qualified and engaged.”

“This is a great opportunity for people to be involved directly in important government decisions that affect innumerable areas of local life, from literacy to economic development,” Commissioner Matt McGloin added.

In a few cases, board seats are assigned to particular interests. For example, three of four available positions on the Agricultural Land Preservation Board must go to two farmers and one developer. The fourth is an at-large position. Likewise, two of the available seats on the advisory board for the Lackawanna County Conservation District – a state-related agency responsible for elements of environmental stewardship within the county borders – are reserved for farmers.

The boards, authorities and commissions, and the number of open seats for each, follow:

Agricultural Land Preservation Board, 4; Lackawanna-Susquehanna Behavioral Health, Intellectual Disability, and Early Intervention Advisory Board, 3; County of Lackawanna Transit System Authority (COLTS), 1; Lackawanna Country Conservation District, 3; County Fair & Recreation Authority, 4; Lackawanna Co. Disability Action Committee, 5.

Also, the Scranton/Lackawanna Health & Welfare Authority, 1; Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, 3; Lackawanna County Housing Authority, 1; Lackawanna Industrial Development Authority, 6; Lackawanna County Land Bank Board of Directors, 3; Lackawanna County Literacy Committee, 3; Lackawanna County Regional Planning Commission, 4; Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority, 1; Lackawanna County Redevelopment Authority, 1; and Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority of Lackawanna County, 2.