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Scranton DPW Faces Discipline Over High Callouts During Snowstorm
City report cites record-high absences during January blizzard, raising concerns about staffing and response
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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A city report on Scranton's response to a major snowstorm in late January revealed that 40 Department of Public Works employees called out on the first day of the storm, the highest number of DPW callouts in a single day over the past six years. The administration is now considering disciplinary action and ways to ensure compliance with overtime calls to address the staffing shortages that hampered the city's plowing and snow removal efforts.
Why it matters
The high number of DPW callouts during the storm raised concerns about the city's ability to adequately respond to major weather events and maintain essential services for residents. The report suggests the staffing issues are an ongoing problem for the department, beyond just this particular storm, which could have significant implications for public safety and infrastructure maintenance going forward.
The details
The snowstorm on January 25-26 dumped 9.7 inches of snow on Scranton, with the city having to plow and clear 263 miles of roads. While the city had 18 plow trucks and 34 CDL-licensed DPW staff available, it was unable to fully staff all shifts due to the high number of callouts, with only two shifts being fully staffed. The city had to supplement its response by retaining outside vendors at an estimated cost of $400,000-$450,000.
- The snowstorm occurred from January 25 around 6 a.m. to January 26 at 12 a.m.
- January 26 saw the highest number of DPW absences at 40, far exceeding the typical 10-15 daily absences.
- January 27 also saw a high number of callouts at 34, the fourth highest since 2020.
The players
Paige Gebhardt Cognetti
The mayor of Scranton who issued an emergency declaration to ensure the city had sufficient resources for snow removal.
John Murray
The Scranton City Controller who issued an emergency declaration with the mayor.
Larry Wynne
The president of the DPW union who declined to comment on the report.
Sean McAndrew
A Scranton City Council member who called for a written report on the city's storm response.
What they’re saying
“I'll go through it and look into it. I appreciate them for finally coming together and putting that report together for us. We all want to learn and work together. I think this would be the best step forward for future storms.”
— Sean McAndrew, Scranton City Council member (Electric City Television)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
