Lehighton hopes an agreement with a neighboring municipality will halt its street sweeping issues for the time being.

On a 6-1 vote, council approved a resolution for an equipment rental agreement between the borough and the Borough of Palmerton.

Before the vote, borough Manager Dane DeWire said that Palmerton is willing to allow Lehighton to rent their street sweeper and one of their employees.

DeWire said the cost is $160 an hour for Palmerton to send an employee and the machine, though it could be more if sweeping services go over eight hours in one day.

Council President Grant Hunsicker said he didn’t agree with paying “a lot of money out” when Lehighton could be putting it toward a sweeper.

But, DeWire said a new sweeper would cost about $360,000, or $35,000 to repair the one it currently has.

Regardless, Hunsicker maintained his stance.

“I just think we’re wasting money,” Hunsicker said.

Councilman Ryan Saunders took the other approach.

“I think it needs to be done,” Saunders said. “I think it’s in the best interests of our residents.”