The future of parking meters in downtown Lehighton remains a hot topic of conversation.

Borough Manager Nicole Beckett this week shared information with borough council on cost data for updating the parking meters.

Beckett told council she received proposals from CivicSmart, Butts Tickets and IPS.

For coin/credit card meters, Beckett said prices ranged from $275 per meter to $450 per meter, while kiosks ranged from $6,050 to $8,700.

Beckett said it is estimated that seven to 10 kiosks would be needed if the borough were to go that route.

She said they estimated 75 meters based on the existing meters in the downtown.

Beckett said the borough’s existing meters are 30 minutes for each quarter from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday excluding holidays.

Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky then weighed in on the situation.

“I’m all for the parking meters,” said Abelovsky, who added that there needs to be adequate parking available.

Beckett told council her recommendation was to come up with a small committee of council to handle the matter.

At that, council members Ryan Saunders and Lisa Perry volunteered to serve on the committee.

After the meeting, Beckett said they would serve on a committee “to discuss the parking meters and many options available, along with determining the costs associated with the project.”

In February, Jennifer Solt-Cerato, owner of Jenny’s Sweets & More at 114 S. First St., discussed the parking situation on First Street.

Solt-Cerato singled out business owners and employees parking on First Street instead of public lots, businesses with patrons who are there for a longer stay, and people parking in front of their residences.

Solt-Cerato said at that time she’s in favor of having parking meters because people have no place to park.

In 2011, the borough purchased 25 meter mechanisms, and they were about $160 at that time.

Beckett said the parking meters had previously been removed from sections of North First Street before her time.

She said the borough had removed meters around the lower park during the construction project to allow for free parking, and because of costs associated with replacing the existing meters.

Kris Kunkle, public works supervisor, said there are many parking meters stored.