Lansford Borough Council appointed a new tax collector Tuesday after a brief executive session to interview applicants.

Council appointed Joe Pavlis to fill the vacancy left by the death of Terrance P. McCall on June 2.

McCall had served as the borough’s tax collector since 2015.

Council began searching for applicants to fill the position in mid-June. Applicants needed to be a resident of the borough for one year and have valid Act 48 Certification.

Two people applied by the July 1 deadline that council set. The other applicant was Chrissy Zimmerman, Council President Bruce Markovich said before the meeting.

Council did not discuss the appointment during its special meeting. Council Vice President Jay Doyle moved to appoint Pavlis and Councilwoman Michele Bartek seconded.

A voice vote was taken, and no one was opposed.

Councilwoman Jennifer Staines asked for a roll-call vote, but council members said it wasn’t necessary as no one was opposed on the voice vote.

Zimmerman, who attended the meeting, asked if Pavlis will have to run for election in November to maintain the position. Markovich said that he would.

“I’ll see you in November,” Zimmerman said before leaving.

Residents had questions whether Pavlis was certified and bonded, and when he would be sworn in.

Markovich explained that Pavlis did have certification, and he has to get bonded before being sworn in. Council and residents disagreed on when the bonding needed to be done, and how the notice seeking applicants was worded.

“He can’t do anything until the auditor is done,” Markovich said.

Markovich explained that council has to hire an auditor to review McCall’s records, and the auditor will work with the attorney handling McCall’s estate, Attorney Stephen Seach.

Pavlis, who has a master’s degree in business administration and more than 20 years post-secondary teaching experience in business law, management, accounting and administrative office technologies, will also meet with McCall’s widow regarding the office and how things work to get him started, but he can’t begin until an audit is done, he said.

Markovich hoped to have things resolved in the next week, and council will be able to hire an auditor at its next meeting.

“So, it’s all just going to be in limbo for a week,” he said.

Markovich said that taxes are currently being collected by McCall’s widow as a deputy tax collector, and she will be away next week.