This most laborious of winters has caused Lehighton to spend half of its public works department's overtime budget.

Borough Manager Nicole Beckett informed borough council on Monday that from December through February, over 900 hours of overtime has been accumulated, which translates to $30,000 more, or 50-percent of the department's overtime budget.Beckett said the borough's public works department consists of six maintenance operators, one supervisor, and one mechanic.In addition, Becket noted that $25,000 has been spent on winter maintenance supplies, including salt and antiskid. To date, the borough has gone through over 400 tons of salt, and over 100 tons of antiskid, she said.Beckett noted that the borough covers over 20 miles of roadways; two-plus miles of borough owned sidewalks; has seven buildings or properties to maintain; and four public parking lots.In other business, council:• Followed the borough Planning Commission's recommendation to grant a waiver request for sidewalk requirements, and grant a partial waiver for curbing, on the AutoZone project.• Granted permission to work with the solicitor to establish a policy for the time and attendance system with the ADP proposal.• Agreed to wait for the final design from the borough's engineers, as well as budget figures, for the light and power building construction.• Announced that the next meeting of the 150th anniversary committee will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 6 at the Annex building.