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1. Do I have to vote by mail?

No, every voter has a choice whether to vote by mail – via mail-in or absentee ballot – or to vote in person at the polls on Election Day.

2. What is the difference between an Absentee Ballot and a Mail-in Ballot?

An absentee ballot is requested for a specific reason such as working outside of the community where you vote, illness or handicap, etc. Mail-in ballot applications do not require the voter the present a reason for receiving a ballot. You can request a mail-in or absentee ballot at vote.pa.gov.

3. Can I still request a Mail-in or Absentee Ballot?

The Wayne County Election office will receive mail-in and absentee ballot applications until Tuesday, Nov. 1.. Keep in mind that the General Election will be held one week later on Nov. 8.

4. Once I fill out my ballot, do I have to return it by mail?

No. Mail-in and absentee ballots can be delivered in person to the Wayne County Courthouse by 8 pm on Election night. The Elections Office has made a secure drop box available, just inside the front entrance to the Courthouse, which can be accessed, without going through security, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. The box is in full view of the Sheriff’s Deputy and under video surveillance.

5. When should I mail back my ballot?

Mail-in and Absentee Ballots can be sent to the Wayne County Bureau of Elections through the US Postal Service, which is urging customers to send them out at least seven days prior to the election. All ballots must be received in the County Elections Office by 8 pm on Election Night.

6. I received a mail-in ballot application in the mail that I did not request. What should I do?

The applications sent out by different organizations, such as the Center for Voter Information, are legitimate applications that can be submitted to the Wayne County Bureau of Elections to receive a mail-in ballot for the Nov. 8 General Election IF you want one. Every voter has a choice to vote at the polls on Election Day or to vote by mail.

7. Where did they get my information?

They did not receive your information from Wayne County. Where these organizations got the information to send, and in some cases populate, the applications is unknown, but it did not come from county government. The Wayne County Bureau of Elections will only mail you a ballot application if you request one by calling the office at 570-253-5970 ext. 4003, or requesting one on the county website or at vote.pa.gov.

8. If I get a mail-in ballot, can I go to the polls on Election Day?

If you voted the ballot and returned it, this is identified in the sign-in process at the polls and you WILL NOT be able to cast a vote in person on election day.

The mail-in ballot you received includes a bar code, so if you do not fill out the ballot and decide to vote at the polls, you must bring the ENTIRE MAIL-IN PACKET, which means ALL associated envelopes and papers, to your polling station. Your mail-in ballot can then be properly invalidated and you can vote at the polls.

If you do NOT have the ENTIRE MAIL-IN PACKET when you go to your polling location, you will be asked to complete a Provisional Ballot.

9. What is a provisional ballot?

A provisional ballot records your vote, while the County Board of Elections determines whether it can be counted. In the case of mail-in ballots, the board will determine if a properly completed mail-in ballot was returned. Previously, these were most often used when someone’s name did not appear on the voting rolls at the polling location. The Board of Elections conducts individual reviews of each provisional ballot, while still sealed, to determine if it should be counted. Wayne County Commissioner and Chair of the Board of Elections Jocelyn Cramer said the system is designed to give every voter the benefit of the doubt.

10. Who is on the County Board of Elections?

The Wayne County Board of Elections is made up of the three County Commissioners, Chairman Cramer and Commissioner Brian Smith and Judge Matthew Meagher. In elections when the commissioners are running for office, an independent board of elections is appointed before the Election cycles begins. The board is assisted by the county’s veteran Director of Elections, Cindy Furman, who has served as director for more than 15 years and worked in the department for more than 25 years.

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1. Will I be subpoenaed to Testify?

If the defendant pleads NOT GUILTY, his/her case will be scheduled for Trial. You will receive a subpoena from the officer handling your case.

2. How long will this process take?

From the time the suspect is arrested to the time he/she would go to trial or plead guilty could take up to a year depending on the Courts schedule and case load. PLEASE BE PATIENT.

3. Do I need to hire an attorney?

No. It is not necessary for you to hire an attorney. The District Attorney’s Office will represent your interests during all criminal proceedings.

4. Will I be paid for my time and mileage?

If you are subpoenaed to testify you will be paid $5.00/day and .7¢/mile for all mileage out of the Borough of Honesdale. You will not be reimbursed for any time or mileage for meetings with the District Attorney or Victim/Witness Coordinators.

5. Where can I park?

Where can I park? Metered parking is available around Central Park. Metered parking is available on adjacent side streets.

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1. What children are eligible?

Children from birth to age 5 who have special needs due to developmental delays and disabilities are eligible to receive Early Intervention services.

2. What services are provided to meet the developmental needs of a child?

The services provided to children and their families differ based upon the individual needs and strengths of each child and the child’s family. Services such as parent education, support services, developmental therapies and other family-centered services that assist in child development and may be included in a family’s Early Intervention program.

Early Intervention promotes collaboration among parents, service providers and other important people in the child’s life to enhance the child’s development and support the needs of the family.

3. Where do children and families receive services?

Services may be provided in the child’s home, child care center, nursery school, play group, Head Start program, early childhood special education classroom or other settings familiar to the family.

Early Intervention provides supports and services in a variety of settings. Early Intervention supports and services are embedded in typical routines and activities, within the family, community and/or early care and education settings. This approach provides frequent, meaningful practice and skill building opportunities.

4. What is the cost for services?

Early Intervention services are provided at no cost to families.

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1. Why is the County reassessing?

A reassessment does not increase or decrease tax revenues. It only redistributes the total tax burden more fairly. A resident’s county, municipal, and school taxes are all based on the assessed value of a property. Past practice from reassessment shows that about one third of properties will see lower taxes, one third will see little to no change and one third will see a tax increase. The reassessment will be revenue neutral for the county. As per state law, the point of a reassessment is to make things fair and equitable for all taxpayers using the most accurate property values as a basis. By state law, total countywide tax revenues collected from Wayne County tax parcels cannot be more in the year following a general county reassessment than they were in the previous year. Millage rates will be readjusted to take into account the new assessed values.

2. Will the County, School, or Municipalities collect more taxes as a result of the reassessment?

A reassessment does not increase or decrease tax revenues. It only redistributes the total tax burden more fairly. A resident’s county, municipal, and school taxes are all based on the assessed value of a property. Past practice from reassessment shows that about one third of properties will see lower taxes, one third will see little to no change and one third will see a tax increase. The reassessment will be revenue neutral for the county. As per state law, the point of a reassessment is to make things fair and equitable for all taxpayers using the most accurate property values as a basis. By state law, total countywide tax revenues collected from Wayne County tax parcels cannot be more in the year following a general county reassessment than they were in the previous year. Millage rates will be readjusted to take into account the new assessed values.

3. When will the new assessed value take effect?

January

4. How is my property’s value determined?

The market value of your property is determined by using the property data that was collected earlier in the project.   Digital photos will be taken of all improved properties (parcels with structures), and then data mailers will be sent to ask you to verify that the collected data is correct.  Tyler Technologies Inc., the company hired by the county to work in conjunction with the county’s own Tax Assessment Office, will analyze recent sales of similar properties, and consider construction costs and income and expense information, when appropriate.

5. What is market value?

There are several long explanations of market value, but simply put, it is the most probable price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller for a property on the open market if neither party is under pressure to buy or sell.  

6. How can I tell if my new value is correct?

You should ask yourself, could I or would I sell my property for the amount listed as my new assessment.  You can check this against sales of similar properties in your neighborhood.  To help you compare, listings of preliminary values and other data for almost all properties in the County will be available for comparison on the internet at the County’s website. Properties currently for sale can be found on the internet at sites like Realtor.com, Trulia, and Zillow.

7. Should the preliminary assessed value be the same as the purchase price for my property?

The goal of the assessment equity project is to determine the fair market value of every property in Wayne County.  If you purchased your house within the past year and if the purchase was on the open market and had no unusual conditions, the assessed value on your notice should be reasonably close to the sale price, but probably will not be the exact amount. Just because one person is willing to pay a certain amount for a property doesn’t mean that the majority of buyers would be willing to pay the same price. During the valuation process, each property is compared to up to five similar properties to determine the most probable selling price.  While sale prices may vary slightly, even for identical properties, the assessor must be equitable in their valuations. Therefore, similar properties should have the same assessed value, even if they might have differing sale prices, with adjustments made to account for differences between property characteristics.

Along the same lines, even if you appealed your value (assessment) in a prior year to the Assessor’s Office, or to the Board of Assessment Appeals, and the value was adjusted, the revaluation appraises each property as if it had not been valued before. Any prior changes are not considered since those changes were based on the 2004 countywide reassessment. The new value you receive should be a reasonable estimate of market value and equitable with surrounding properties of a similar type.

8. Are exemptions included in this preliminary value?

Any existing exemptions are not included in your preliminary value, but will be in the taxable value you receive from the County after the reassessment. (Taxable value equals the assessed value less any exemptions that may be applicable). Questions concerning exemptions should be directed to the local assessment hotline: 570-251-8985, ext. 1152.

9. What if I feel the preliminary value is not close to my property’s value?

If you feel that the value is not reasonably close, make an appointment for an informal review to go over the data and value. Data compiled during the revaluation will be available for inspection at the informal review.  

10. When will I learn the results of the informal review?

No value changes will be made at the informal review, but all information you supply will be reviewed. You will be notified of the results of the review by mail.

11. What if I am still not satisfied with my assessment?

If you disagree with the results of the informal review, your next step would be to file a formal appeal with the Board of Assessment Appeals.

12. If I don’t schedule an informal review, do I lose my right to file a formal appeal?

No.  You are not required to attend an informal review in order to file a formal appeal with the Board of Assessment Appeals, even if you chose not to schedule an informal review, further legal review is available if you have filed an appeal with the Board of Assessment Appeals.

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1. What are the hours of the recorder of deeds office?

The office is open to the public on week-days from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., however no papers will be accepted for recording after 4 p.m.

2. How far back do the records go?

Our records go back to the 1800s.

3. What are the recording fees?

Please contact our office for applicable fees at 570-253-5970, ext. 4040.

4. May I do recording by mail?

Yes, but you should make sure the documents meet all legal requirements and that your check is made payable for the correct amount.

5. Can I get information over the phone?

General information can be obtained by phone but for more detailed information you should come into the office or retain a Title Searcher or Attorney. Office employees are not permitted to make searches.

6. How long does it take to get papers back?

The Recorder’s office is the only one in the Courthouse to return the original papers. It takes about two to three weeks. The papers are sent back to the person who records them in most cases a Title Company or Attorney. We require a self-addressed stamped envelope if they are to be returned by mail.

7. How do I get a copy of my deed or mortgage?

You can get a copy by sending a request to the Recorder of Deeds Office. The charge is $0.50 per page. If you want the copy certified there is an additional fee of $1.50. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.

8. Can I prepare my own deed?

Yes, but it usually is a good idea to have someone with a certain expertise in the field such as a Real Estate Agent, Attorney or Title Company prepare it for you to make sure it is correct. Employees of the Recorder’s office may not do this for you.

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1. What is required to obtain a concealed weapons permit?

• The applicant must be at least 21 years of age and reside full time in Wayne County, proof of age and residency must be furnished when the application is submitted. A post office box will not be accepted as legal residence.
• $5 due at application time (Nonrefundable) $15 upon receiving the license, which is good for 5 years. The total charge is $20.
• Two references (Non family members) include name, address and phone number of persons given. Our office will send out a letter to both references. Applicant is responsible for proving their name, full mailing address and phone number. Please obtain permission before using person as a reference.
• Following an investigation, the applicant will be notified, as to whether the application has been approved or rejected.

2. What are some of the civil process procedures through the Sheriff’s Office?

• Summons, Complaints, Orders, Subpoenas, and etc. 1 copy for each defendant to be served. $200 Deposit required
• Real Estate Sheriff sale, $1,500 Deposit required (Original Writ of Execution)
• Legible description of real estate
• Affidavit pursuant to rule 3129.1
• Attorney to notify all lien holders, other than defendant
• Personal Property Sheriff Sale, $350 Deposit (Original Writ of Execution)
• Listing of Property to be levied
• Special instruction if required

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1. Where and when are the Sheriff Sales held?

The Sheriff Sales are held on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in the 3rd floor Commissioner’s Meeting Room located at:

925 Court Street
Honesdale, PA 18431

2. Where are the Sheriff Sales advertised?

The Sheriff sales are advertised in the Tri-County Independent.

3. What methods of payment are accepted?

The Sheriff’s office accepts cashier checks and money orders. The money orders must be made out to the Wayne County Sheriff.

4. How much money is required at the time of sale?

At the time of sale you must have 10% of the bid price, the remainder is due in 30 days from the date of sale.

5. Is there any property research required before the sale?

The Sheriff’s Office strongly recommends doing a complete title search for the property before placing a bid.

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1. HOW DO I BOOK A RIDE?

Reservationists are available daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays) to book, schedule, and confirm your travel plans and “Ready Times”. Our reservationists will work with you and make every effort to serve your needs.

Please remember that we take requests during these hours, prior to 3:00 PM, two business days before your appointment.

2. WHEN SHOULD I CALL TO BOOK A RIDE?

Reservations are accepted months ahead or by 3:00 PM two business days before your appointment. We do not provide same-day emergency service. Remember we need your address and destination addresses, appointment time and phone numbers. Please have that information ready before calling us.

3. WHAT ARE YOUR DAYS AND HOURS OF SERVICE?

Paratransit trips are available five days a week, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. You will be picked up within one hour after the Ready Time negotiated. You must board the bus within five minutes of arrival at your pick-up location. If you aren’t ready, the driver must leave without you and your trip status will be recorded as a “no show.”

4. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

We require exact change each time you board. Fares within our service area are listed below:

If you are between the ages of 60-64 years old you pay $1.00 per one way trip & $1.75 per one way trip for out-of-county destinations.

If you are over the age of 65 you pay $1.00 per one way trip & $1.75 per one way trip for out-of-county destinations.

If you are eligible for medical assistance and only going to a covered medical service you do not pay.

If you are a person with a disability and between the ages of 18 and 64 the following mileage based fare schedule applies to trips within the county and out of the county.

Persons With Disabilities Rates (Ages 18-64)
One Way Trip Miles	Fare
0-1.9	$2.00
2-3.9	$2.35
4-6.9	$2.65
7-8.9	$3.00
9-10.9	$3.50
11-12.9	$4.00
13-15.9	$4.50
16-18.9	$4.95
19-24.9	$5.80
25-29.9	$6.60
30-39.9	$7.95
40-49.9	$9.60
50-59.9	$11.25
60-69.9	$12.90
Over 70	$14.55

5. WHAT IS THE SERVICE AREA?

All areas within Wayne County and certain out of county destinations in Lackawanna County, Luzerne County. Monroe County, Susquehanna County and Pike County.

6. HOW DO I CANCEL A RIDE?

The Cancel Line is open 24 hours. We must be notified before the driver departs to pick you up. The minimum notice required is two hours; anything less may be cause for denial of future service.

Cancel Line: (570) 253-4280

7. WHAT IF MY BUS IS LATE?

Call us at (570) 253-4280. A dispatcher will update you on the status of your ride.

8. MORE HELP?

To place a ride request, you must provide:

Your name

Your address

Your telephone number

The destination address and telephone number

Your preferred pick-up time (Ready Time)