Tamaqua borough will pay half of the cost to replace a roof on a borough playground pavilion.

During a meeting held earlier this week, members voted to accept a bid of $7,800 for the project at the South Ward Playground.

The South Ward Playground Association would be responsible for half the cost, and would have six months to repay the borough.

Tom Schlorf, the association member who brought the matter to council’s attention, said South Ward officials would meet Monday to discuss the offer.

“It’s a start. We can try from there,” Schlorf said. “It’s better than nothing.”

He approached council for its help in August because the borough owns and insures the pavilion.

“My main concern is that no one gets hurt,” said Schlorf, who almost fell through the roof while tending to a chimney this summer.

Councilman Ron Bowman said the borough “doesn’t have the money up front really to do this project.”

Bowman, however, agreed that the roof needs to be fixed.

“It’s no secret and we are trying to do what needs to be done,” he said.

The motion was made by Councilwoman Kathy Kunkel and seconded by Councilwoman Mary Linkevich. The vote was unanimous.

In other business, council:

• Approved the transfer of Austin Fogel to a vacant water treatment plant operator position effective Oct. 17.

• Hired Eric Nelson as a full-time water distribution worker at a rate of $24 per hour.

• Hired Joe Behun as a work leader at the water treatment plant.

• Approved certificates of appropriateness for signage at 116 E. Broad St. and 32 W. Broad St.