Lansford Borough started 2025 off one council member down.

The previous year Jay Doyle had pleaded guilty to a 2023 felony assault that hospitalized a man for five weeks and began serving 42 to 84 months in state prison.

But Doyle, currently lodged in the state Correctional Facility in Waymart, Wayne County, refused to resign his seat on council.

Borough council asked Carbon County District Attorney Michael Greek to file a civil complaint to have Doyle removed from office.

Greek filed the complaint Jan. 15 but did not get before a county judge until June due to issues with serving Doyle in prison.

Carbon County President Judge Roger Nanovic ruled that Doyle, who served as council vice president, was unqualified to hold office and ordered his removal.

Council filed Doyle’s seat in July, appointing George Gilbert to finish out the unexpired term that ends with 2025.

Gilbert, whose name was already on the ballot, was elected to council. His full, four-year term will begin in January.