Lehighton will save nearly $165,000 annually as part of an extended power contract.

On a unanimous vote, borough council on Monday approved a resolution to extend its power contract through 2022.The borough's existing power contract would have ended in 2017, according to borough Manager Nicole Beckett.Beckett said the power contract approved by council is presently in effect, and will continue through 2022.The contract will provide discounts now and through the term of the contract, said Beckett, who added the price offered is in effect, and will remain through the term of the contract at $73.51 megawatts per hour, compared to the existing cost of $76.96 megawatts per hour.Beckett said the borough will save $164,527 annually during the duration of the existing contract and next five-year term.She said the total savings from this month through December 2022 will be $1,261,429 for a load following contract with price stability on energy.Final savings will depend on actual consumption, Beckett said.Ladder truckAlso on Monday, council approved using the fire apparatus fund as a funding commitment for the FEMA grant application for the eventual replacement of the fire department's ladder truck.Council's action serves as part of the grant application.Borough Fire Chief Patrick Mriss said the cost of the firetruck would be $1 million.However, Mriss said the grant requires a 5 percent match.Public meetingBeckett also announced that a public meeting with Barry Isett & Associates will be held at 6:30 p.m. June 10 at the borough's municipal building.The meeting will be a public session to inform residents, contractors, and business owners of the borough's ordinances, zoning, building codes and quality of life ordinance enforcement, Beckett said.It will also serve as a question-and-answer session, she said.Other businessIn other business, council:• Approved option one of the Community Leasing Partners lease for the 2015 Police Interceptor SUV for one year. The borough had previously traded in the 2014 Police Interceptor for the 2015 Police Interceptor SUV. Council had approved the financing of the vehicle with the trade of the car, and will have one additional payment due on the SUV in 2016 in the amount of $13,436.• Granted final plan approval to ABZ Enterprise Inc. concerning the splitting of a double dwelling at 208/210 N. Third St.• Hired Johnny Villanueva as a part-time patrol officer, pending all pre-employment conditions.