Lehighton has hired a consultant to aid in its search for a borough manager.

After a brief executive session, borough council on Monday unanimously agreed to hire Stonehill Ratliff LLC as a consultant.

Council heard from two consultants.

Jeffrey Stonehill, Stonehill Ratliff, told council, “You already have an extremely competent interim (borough) manager.”

“We’re offering a contract where you can use us on an a la carte basis,” Stonehill said. “It is entirely your decision as to what you want to use us for.”

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.

Later in the meeting, interim borough Manager Brooke Lichtenwalter thanked her team, including borough secretary Martina Hill and treasurer Tara Takerer.

“I’m just very glad that I have both of them,” said Lichtenwalter, who added that she was looking forward to keeping everything running smoothly in the borough.

After the meeting, Lichtenwalter said she was pleased to announce the selection of Stonehill Ratliff LLC, as the borough’s new consulting partner, and added, “Borough council and staff look forward to working with the experienced team at Stonehill Ratliff to help move the borough forward, strengthen our operations, and identify opportunities for continued growth and improvement.”

“This partnership represents an important investment in the future of Lehighton Borough and our community,” Lichtenwalter said. “We are excited about the knowledge, guidance, and a very fresh perspective Stonehill Ratliff will bring to the borough, and we look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have for our residents and our organization.”

Last month, 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.

Councilman Joe 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, borough 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.

In February, council on a 5-1 vote approved a $2,500 bonus to both the assistant borough manager, as well as treasurer. Flickinger was opposed.

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