Lehighton Borough Council has updated the process of the committee to help local businesses.

Councilman Ryan Saunders told council last week that he and Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky researched many local boroughs in the commonwealth.

Abelovsky said they are checking as to how Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance would work best in Lehighton.

Ultimately, council agreed to have borough solicitor Jim Nanovic draw up an ordinance for a LERTA program.

That came after council last month remained noncommittal on a tax deferment program to assist Lehighton Ford in the upgrade of its facility for electric vehicles.

At that time, council revisited its discussion on an ordinance establishing the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance district for the borough.

Saunders said at that time he believes “there are a lot of benefits” to having a LERTA district.

Adam Brobst, Lehighton Ford general manager, explained that the old building will stay up, before they go ahead and build a new one, at which time the old building would be torn down.

Abelovsky said at that time she was in favor of adopting the ordinance.

In September, council on a 5-0 vote tabled the adoption of an ordinance establishing the LERTA district for the borough.

Lehighton Ford plans a $5 million upgrade to its facility on Route 443.

Brobst approached council in June, saying with high interest rates, a tax incentive program would help with their planned renovation/expansion.

The dealership plans to demolish its buildings and build new ones, though the dealership will remain open.

A LERTA District serves as a tax incentive program to entice businesses and new businesses to come into the area.

The tax incentive program encourages property owners to renovate or update a building.

Under the program, new commercial or industrial business ventures are eligible for a 10-year phase-in exemption schedule of property taxes.

The only member of the public who commented on the LERTA District was Lehighton Area School District Business Manager Ed Rarick, who was joined by district Superintendent Dr. Christina Fish and school board Director Brian Shaner.

Rarick suggested designating a 5-year instead of 10-year plan, with Route 443 as the LERTA zone, which could include the old KIA Dealership along 443, instead of the whole borough.