Lehighton has approved a contract with a consultant hired to assist in its quest for a borough manager.

After a near three-hour executive session, Lehighton Borough Council on a 4-3 vote on Monday approved ratification of council president signature on the Stonehill/Ratliff contract at an amount not to exceed $150,000 over the next six months.

Council members Becky Worthy, Steve Hawk, Jordyn Miller, and council President Dave Zimmerman were in favor. Councilmen Dave Arndt, Joe Flickinger and Grant Hunsicker were opposed.

Borough council’s decision came after it heard earlier in the meeting from Eden Ratliff, manager of Stonehill Ratliff.

The matter was tabled until after it was discussed in executive session.

Ratliff told council that his firm’s approach is that it likes to get things done.

He also noted there are fiscal management and budgeting opportunities to streamline finances.

After the meeting, interim borough Manager Brooke Lichtenwalter elaborated.

“I believe bringing on Stonehill Ratliff as consultants for Lehighton Borough is the best possible scenario for our community,” Lichtenwalter said. Council made a very positive decision that demonstrates a commitment to moving Lehighton forward.

“This is an opportunity to bring in fresh perspectives, identify improvements, and make decisions that will benefit our residents and taxpayers. I fully support this decision and believe it is a great step toward a stronger future for Lehighton Borough.”

Last month, after a brief executive session, council unanimously agreed to hire Stonehill Ratliff LLC as a consultant to aid in its search for a borough manager.

That came after council heard from two consultants, including Jeffrey Stonehill of Stonehill Ratliff, who said at that time his firm was offering a contract in which the borough can use them on an a la carte basis.

Stonehill added that his firm is there to help the borough get through this interim period.

As a result of hiring Stonehill Ratliff, council did not act on advertising for the borough manager position, which was listed on its meeting agenda.

After that meeting, Lichtenwalter said she was pleased to announce the selection of Stonehill Ratliff LLC, as the borough’s new consulting partner.

In September, after a near two-hour executive session, borough council on a 5-1 vote named Lichtenwalter as interim borough manager, with a monthly stipend of $1,850 above her regular assistant borough manager salary.

Flickinger, who voted against that measure, after that meeting declined to comment why he was against the move.

As interim borough manager, Lichtenwalter’s salary will be about $80,000.

In September 2025, council made separate motions to hire the top candidate for the newly created assistant borough manager position, as well as a treasurer position.

Lichtenwalter accepted the newly created assistant borough manager position at the rate of $58,000.

Before accepting that position, Lichtenwalter had served as secretary/treasurer in Washington Township.

Former borough Manager Dane DeWire resigned, effective Sept. 5.