Carbon County shifted gear in providing a solicitor for the county’s Children and Youth Services department.

On Thursday, the county salary board voted on multiple actions that created two part-time solicitor positions for the department and abolished the full-time position.

The two part-time positions are paid $25,000 a year each for their work. These positions are now filled by attorneys Christie E. Bower of Stroudsburg and Cynthia Dyrda-Hatton of Lehighton.

The previous full-time position, which has been vacant, carried a $79,978 per year salary.

The board said the move saves the county money while also providing more flexibility and coverage for the department.

County solicitor Robert Frycklund explained that when there is one solicitor, that person typically has a private practice as well, meaning that the department may not have coverage at all times.

Commissioner Rocky Ahner added that with two solicitors, they can provide more coverage when needed.

Commissioner Mike Sofranko also commended Frycklund for working on this change.

“He worked very hard getting with the commissioners to try and get where we are,” Sofranko said.

Other actions

The salary board also acted on the following items:

• Approved changing the rate of one secretary II in the Magisterial District Justice in Lansford office from $16.45 per hour to $15.66 per hour, effective June 5.

• Approved changing the rate of one administrative assistant from $15.67 per hour to $17.27 per hour, effective May 1, 2025.