Election Guide

At the December 17, 2024, East Stroudsburg Borough Council meeting, residents expressed outrage over a proposed 29% property tax increase. The meeting highlighted a striking financial disparity: non-taxable properties, including hospitals, East Stroudsburg University (ESU), and public schools, account for an estimated $3-$4 billion in property value, while taxable properties total only $400 million.

Zoning enforcement is an essential part of maintaining order and safety in our communities, but in Monroe County, there has been growing concern about the use of third-party contractors to handle these responsibilities. While municipalities are tasked with enforcing local zoning laws, some have opted to outsource the role of zoning enforcement officer to private companies. This decision has raised questions about the transparency, consistency, and fairness of zoning enforcement practices.

We have received a response (link to previous article) from Kelly Lewis, Borough Manager of East Stroudsburg Borough:

2025 Budget Question & Answers (Q&A):

Update: This letter has received a response from Borough Manager of East Stroudsburg Borough

The East Stroudsburg Borough Council has proposed a staggering 29% property tax increase for 2025, sparking outrage and concern among residents. This comes on the heels of a 15% tax hike in 2024, totaling nearly a 50% increase in property taxes over two years.

The Monroe County Commissioners awarded several bids during their meeting on Nov. 20. A couple of the bids drew comment from a resident.

Resident Anna Lanke questioned the cost of uniforms for the Sheriff’s Department. She said there are about 25 deputies and 10 bailiffs, and the county plans to spend nearly $100,000 for uniforms for them.

She wanted to know their uniforms cost so much more than the officers at the Monroe County Correctional Facility.

Results are OFFICIAL:
https://agencies2.monroecountypa.gov/elections/

From Pocono Township Facebook page 

We’ve heard the buzz and want to set the record straight—there is NOT a circle or roundabout proposed for the intersection of Route 611 & 715. Instead, the state plans to create a solution that goes through the mountain, improving traffic flow for our community.

In other updates, the current "Welcome to Pocono Township" sign will be coming down. New, updated signs will soon be installed in Bartonsville and Scotrun, bringing a fresh look to our township’s entrances!

EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. — The talk of every neighborhood in East Stroudsburg isn't about the weather or the upcoming holidays, it's about another tax hike.

The borough recently announced its proposed 2025 budget, which includes a 29% tax increase.

"That is a big increase for one year; last year, my bill went up from $2,100 to $2,600," said Jim Kelte of East Stroudsburg.

"Wow, that is a lot, that's disgusting," said long time borough resident George Kizer.

The regular board meeting will be held at the Pleasant Valley School District's Administration Building in the conference room, 2233 Route 115, Suite 100, Brodheadsville, PA 18322 beginning at 7:00 p.m. on 11/25/24. The meeting is being recorded and will be available within 48 hours on their website. 

Monroe County’s handling of the 2024 election has drawn significant attention, particularly regarding the controversial issue of undated mail-in ballots. On November 18, the County Commissioners reversed their earlier decision, announcing they would not count improperly dated or undated mail-in ballots, a move that aligns with Pennsylvania law and recent state Supreme Court rulings. Separately, the county conducted its 2% audit on Monday, November 20, an automatic procedure required by state law to verify machine accuracy through a hand recount of paper ballots.