A cooling tower at the Pfc. Clyde R. Houser Jr. Building/Borough Annex in Lehighton is in dire need of replacement.

Borough council unanimously agreed on Monday to advertise the replacement of the cooling tower after it heard from Annex building manager Tom Evans.

Evans deemed the problem “a major issue,” and told council that the top of the cooling tower should be replaced.

“The frame is starting to rust out,” Evans said.

Evans said doing so could cost about $115,000. He said the cost to replace the cooling tower last year would have been about $96,000.

Councilman Joe Flickinger noted that while the cost isn’t getting any cheaper, council needs to be careful.

“We just can’t keep taking out of reserves,” Flickinger said.

It was decided that finance and administration would meet to look at potential funding options.

In November, council agreed to spend $13,979 Lehighton to fix water issues at the building at 110 N. Third St.

Evans said at that time they have been having water problems for some time.