Lehighton will spend almost $200,000 to knock down its old wastewater treatment plant.

Borough council unanimously agreed on Monday to award a contract to Lycoming Supply, Williamsport, Lycoming County, in the amount of $197,089.

Five companies bid on the project, with RGC Development LP turning in the next lowest bid of $256,203, $59,114 more that the winning amount.

In September 2017, the then council on a 4-3 vote agreed to advertise for bids for the demolition of the old sewer plant off Lehigh Drive.

Borough Manager Nicole Beckett said the borough previously received a letter from the Lehighton Sewer Authority, recommending the demolition of the building.

Beckett said at that time the borough had problems with trespassing, vandalism and thefts.

She noted at that time the sewer plant was no longer active, and as it stands, is a liability to the borough.

Beckett said that in 2012, the sewer authority had recommended the demolition of the building.

In 2017, she said both the sewer authority and the borough’s Public Works Department had recommended demolition.

Previously, the building had been used for storage for the borough’s police department and Public Works Department, Beckett said.

The fire department was also permitted to use the exterior of the buildings and grounds for training purposes.