Weissport Borough Council President Arland Moyer Sr. reported that Lehighton Mayor Ryan Saunders contacted him about Lehighton policing Weissport.

Weissport is once again without a police chief following the resignation earlier this month of Matthew Wentz, whose last day was Friday.

Saunders wants to set up a meeting of officials from the two boroughs, including Saunders, Moyer, Weissport Mayor Jodi Sonon and probably Lehighton’s police Chief Troy Abelovsky.

“It’s to see if there is any way they could possibly give us a hand with their police department to patrol Weissport, until we figure out what we’re doing,” Moyer said.

Council members approved of the meeting.

In related news, Jodi Sonon reported that she received three applications for the position of police chief, while secretary/treasurer Cheryl Miller said that she had received one more. The borough is hoping to move quickly to fill the part-time position.

Wentz accepted a full-time position with the West Mahanoy Township Police Department.

Garbage, taxes

It was reported that $29,268.08 in garbage payments had been collected so far in January.

Also, 25 civil complaints for delinquent payments totaling $35,884.45 have been turned over to Gregory Mousseau, borough solicitor, for filing with the district judge.

There was no tax report for January yet. Miller advised that past due tax payments will be turned over to Berkheimer’s for collection for occupational privilege tax and the capital tax. Delinquent real estate taxes will be sent to Carbon County.

Borough workers

Councilman Bill Hartzell proposed a wage structure and progression plan for borough workers, which council approved.

The purpose is to establish a structured, competitive wage scale that attracts and retains workers; rewards skill acquisition and responsibility; provides transparency and predictable progression; and reflects operational demands including off-hour work.

For example, a skilled worker would start at $13 per hour, with an increase to $15 per hour. High school student or entry level laborers would start at $12 per hour and increase to $14 per hour.

There are also proposed wages for mechanic/technical specialist; supervisor/lead worker; and plow truck operators.