Lehighton continues to work on a rental inspection ordinance.

Craig Kovacs, owner of Victory Estates Apartments and Townhomes, told borough council last week that he supports the ordinance.

Kovacs said his main question was how the ordinance would be rolled out “just so that it’s manageable.”

Councilman Ryan Saunders told Kovacs they are “still working on the process.”

It was noted that the ordinance will likely be instituted through the borough’s code enforcement officer.

“We did take into consideration the costs,” Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky said

Kovacs said he understood, but added, “I just don’t want to get stuck behind the 8-ball.”

Borough solicitor Jim Nanovic told Kovacs there has to be a fee schedule.

“The exact timing of it, we don’t know yet,” Nanovic said.

Saunders told Kovacs that council appreciated his input.

Last month, council adopted the ordinance, which Nanovic said at that time probably wouldn’t be implemented for several months.

At that time, Kovacs expressed that his biggest concern is the cost because they have 63 units that are occupied by mostly senior citizen tenants.

The inspections will be on a yearly basis, with a discount to larger apartment buildings/complexes such as Victory Estates, the Lehighton Elderly Apartments and the Gardens of Gypsy Hill.

Abelovsky said the cost would be $150, while the reduced cost would be $100 per unit.

In February, Abelovsky said she would like to see the municipality consider rental property inspections to fight blight.

It was stated at that time there are just under 1,200 rental properties in the borough, and Abelovsky added the inspections would ensure that minimum safety requirements are in place.