Lehighton has welcomed a new borough secretary into the fold.

After about a 30-minute executive session, borough council on a 3-2 vote Monday hired Martina Hill to the position, at a salary of $23.55 per hour.

Councilwoman Becky Worthy, Councilman Dave Arndt and council President Dave Zimmerman were in favor, with councilmen Joe Flickinger and Grant Hunsicker opposed.

Council members Steve Hawk and Jordyn Miller were absent.

Just prior to the motion to hire Hill, borough council on a 5-0 vote agreed to appoint borough Manager Dane DeWire as acting secretary until the position was filled.

Hill most recently served as the borough’s part-time police department administration clerk from January to July.

Earlier in the meeting, borough council on a 5-0 vote agreed to discharge employee No. 328.

At a special meeting in May 2024, borough council hired Jessica Ahner as borough secretary on a one-year contract at a salary of $50,000.