The Lehighton mayor’s office is officially open for appointments.

Mayor Clark Ritter comfortably settled into his new digs on Thursday.

It marked Ritter’s first day inside his office located next to borough Manager Nicole Beckett.

Previously Ritter had been meeting with visitors in the borough’s police station.

Ritter encouraged residents to schedule appointments to meet with him in his office.

“I want to be available to the people,” Ritter said. “I have an open-door policy; I want them to see me.”

Ritter said his office is open from 2-4 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday and Friday of each month, and others by appointment. To set an appointment, call 610-849-3137.

In January, borough council on a 4-3 vote agreed to allow Ritter to use the office next to Beckett. Council members Ryan Saunders, Darryl Arner, Autumn Abelovsky and Lisa Perry were in favor. Donald Rehrig, Joe Flickinger and council President Grant Hunsicker were opposed.

Abelovsky asked at November’s meeting for Ritter to be able to use an empty office next to Beckett during discussion on the use of space in borough hall.

However, Flickinger said at that time he was against the idea.

He argued that most wear many hats and perform many duties without their own office space, felt it wasn’t necessary, and planned to vote against it.

Abelovsky said historically, the borough mayor has had an office, though it’s been some time.

It’s believed the last time that was the case was when the police department was still located in the borough building.

Borough police Chief Brian Biechy noted the office where Ritter has met with people gets used by police from time to time for interviewing.