Lehighton hopes to add several full-time police officers.

On a 6-0 vote, borough council at a special meeting on Tuesday agreed to advertise for more officers.

After an executive session, council approved a request from the Police Civil Service Commission to dissolve the current list of applicants, and will advertise for new hires.

Borough Manager Dane DeWire said the borough is looking to fill two full-time officer positions, and possibly a third before the end of the year.

Borough police Chief Troy Abelovsky said applications, which are available at borough hall and/or the borough’s website page. are being accepted until the end of this month.

He said a full-time officer is retiring in May.

Abelovsky said the department has 11 full-time officers, including himself.

He said the salary for an officer in their first year is $60,185, an entry level officer with two or more years is $72,222, and a top full-time salary is $80,247.

Salary resolution

Also on Tuesday, council approved a 3% raise for all borough employees.

DeWire said that includes all except for himself and Abelovsky.

DeWire was hired in August to a one-year contract. His contract expires in September.

Abelovsky was hired in November to a one-year contract, which calls for a 4% raise this year.