Greg Strubinger will again lead Jim Thorpe Borough Council as its president in 2018 following a split vote at Tuesday night’s reorganization meeting.

With Thomas Highland absent from the vote, council split 3-3 between Strubinger, who has served as president for over two years, and John McGuire.

Votes for Strubinger included himself, Joanne Klitsch and Jay Miller. McGuire also voted for himself, joining Edith Lukasevich and Kyle Sheckler. Mayor Michael Sofranko broke the tie after McGuire asked for his nomination to be withdrawn.

“It’s been a privilege and honor to serve on council and to represent our fellow residents,” Strubinger said. “In my 12 years on council, I really think this is by far the best group we have had. We’re all single-minded in that we want to get things done.”

Council has come under fire in the past year after creating a municipal fire department for greater oversight over the individual companies, and considering a move of borough office staff to a back portion of Memorial Hall’s top floor.

Strubinger said he’s puzzled at the notion council isn’t acting in the best interest of the residents.

“I’m not quite sure there is proof anyone on council has a crazy agenda or wants bad things for community,” he said.

He went on to state his disappointment over recent social media postings from borough employees, who allegedly made statements critical of council.

“I’m not sure what we can do, but I think it’s worth taking a look to make sure this isn’t happening on borough time,” Strubinger said. “It’s disappointing that there are allegations of certain agendas by council. I respect the First Amendment, but if you have a gripe, bring it to us. There are certain ways to address issues and I don’t feel social media is that proper forum.”

Police Chief Joe Schatz said there are social media guidelines within his department.

“We stress that on and off duty, we represent Jim Thorpe and our standards are held higher because of that,” he said.

Miller was once again unanimously selected to serve as council vice president.

The borough also appointed the leadership roles for the municipal fire department in 2018 with the chief and deputy chief switching positions.

Vince Yaich Sr. will be the chief, while Bill Diehm serves as deputy chief.

Sheckler said Diehm informed the borough’s emergency services committee in December that he preferred to step away from his role as chief.

“(Bill) told us he wanted to voluntarily step down if someone else would step up to be chief, and Vince was willing to do that,” Sheckler said.

Diehm will continue to play a pivotal role in filing the required state and federal paperwork, according to council.

Other fire department positions filled Tuesday include Vince Yaich Jr., Diligent Hose Company captain; Thomas Polischak, Diligent first lieutenant; Robert Valusek, Fairview Hose Company captain; Greg Steward, Fairview first lieutenant; and Michael Quigley, Fairview second lieutenant.