County Government & Offices

Monroe County Court of Common Pleas of the 43rd Judicial District is a state trial court with jurisdiction in serious criminal and civil cases of more than $7,000. It hears appeals from lower (magistrate) courts and appeals of decisions of state and government agencies. The President Judge supervises magisterial justices and their administration. There are 6 judges, including the P.J., elected to 10-year terms.

Magisterial District Courts have jurisdiction over civil claims where the disputed amount is less than $12,000, landlord/tenant disputes, Summary Offenses, and minor criminal matters. All Misdemeanor and Felony criminal cases are initially filed in the Magisterial District Courts. There are 9 Magisterial District judges in Monroe County, each elected to a 6-year term.

Constables in PA are local elected officials and serve six-year terms in service to the PA Magisterial courts. Constables are peace officers and assist in serving the Common Pleas Court when requested by the Sheriff.

Public Defender (Chief Public Defender) is appointed by the County Commissioners; the office represents individuals who are charged with state crimes and cannot afford an attorney. Services are paid for by the taxpayers of Monroe County, and eligibility for representation is based upon the gross income level of the applicant, applying the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Judge of Elections holds a four-year term, specifically elected for the purpose of working the elections. The Judge of Elections has direct control of the polling site and is assisted by inspectors, clerks, machine operators and a Constable. Each precinct has its own Judge of Election who is in charge of the polling place on election day.

Inspector of Elections holds a four-year term, specifically elected for the purpose of working the elections. There are two Inspectors of Elections per polling place (precinct) who are each elected to a four year term. The Inspectors assist the Judge of Elections in the conduct of the Election on election day.

Boroughs are self-governing. The four boroughs in Monroe County (Mount Pocono, Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg and Delaware Water Gap) each has its own elected government consisting of a Council, a Mayor, and an appointed town manager or administrator. Borough councils in Monroe County each have 7 members with four- year overlapping terms.

Townships are usually the first stop for residents who seek information or action on their issues. First-class townships have five commissioners, three elected for terms of four years each, and two for terms of two years each. Second-class townships may have three or five supervisors and they are elected to six-year terms.

Township Supervisors are responsible for health and safety of residents. Duties include zoning, planning and land use, land acquisition, police and fire protection, roads and bridges, snow removal, parks and recreation, storm water management, and libraries.

Tax Collectors serve a four-year term and, through municipal authority, collect all real estate taxes (County, municipal and school) for all properties within the boroughs and townships.

Auditors are elected to four-to six-year terms. They are responsible for reviewing the revenues and expenses of the townships.

School Districts 
East Stroudsburg School Board
Pleasant Valley School Board
Pocono Mountain School Board
Stroudsburg School Board
Each district is administered by a School Board consisting of nine members elected to 4-year terms, with staggered terms every two years.