In an unexpected announcement, Lehighton Borough treasurer Ann Wilhelm has resigned effective Dec. 31.

The resignation occurred following an executive meeting of the council Monday night.Borough Manager John C. Wagner said the resignation was accepted by the council "with regret."Wilhelm has been the borough treasurer for approximately 10 years. She did not give a reason for her resignation.The council's next meeting is its reorganization session on Monday, Jan. 4.In other borough business conducted this past Monday:• The first public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant program was conducted by Phyllis Bolton of the Carbon County Office of Planning and Development. Bolton said the borough's allocation this year will be $114,489, with $20,680 designated for county administration of the program and $93,881 allocated for project activity. The second public hearing will be held Jan.25.• The council tabled action on the creation of a position of "Supervisor of Janitorial Services." Council President Grant Hunsicker said currently part-time workers can't work more than 19 1/2 hours per week. Creating a supervisory position allows the individual to work an additional 10 hours per week, which will be necessary when the police department moves into its new office.Hunsicker said the individual named to the position would be a person already employed. That individual would not receive a pay increase.Councilman Lee Getz said generally when an employee receives a title, a pay increase is anticipated."No rate of pay increase is anticipated," said Wagner.• The council took no action on a request by Chief of Police Matthew Bender to attend a four-day seminar in Hershey on investigation techniques. The cost of the seminar if $595.Bender said the speaker is nationally recognized and "this is one of the best schools and seminars you can attend.""Do you have money budgeted?" asked councilman Scott Rehrig.Rehrig added, "I'm all for the school as long as we have the funds to pay for it."Wilhelm said the borough has run out of money and will either need a tax anticipation loan or will have to borrow money from other accounts."We're going to have to run on a very tight budget," she said.Council member Melissa Ebbert voiced concern that delaying approval could deprive Bender of an excellent education opportunity."I know some of those conferences and workshops are really worthwhile,"she said.No action was taken on Bender's request.