Lehighton Borough Council voted 6-0 to purchase a 2025 Isuzu FTR cabover chassis with a Cummins diesel engine from Stewart-Amos Equipment in Harrisburg for the Public Works Department

Council approved up to $320,000 for the purchase, including a $30,000 down payment and a seven-year financing plan at 5.19% interest, which will cost the borough $48,573 annually.

Borough Manager Dane DeWire said the down payment will come from the general fund’s major equipment purchase line, which has $42,000 budgeted this year.

He added the sweeper could arrive within a few weeks, though the time frame is still tentative. Two other machines were considered: one for $267,000 and one for $367,000.

DeWire noted that while the $267,000 model was similar, it had a smaller chassis that could be uncomfortable for operators.

The $367,000 unit featured a sewer flusher, but lacked the pressure needed for sanitary line flushing or hydro-excavation.

The vote followed last month’s unanimous decision to seek price quotes for a new sweeper.

Before the vote, Councilman David Zimmerman noted a new Tymco model would cost about $360,000 and highlighted the borough’s skilled mechanic.

Public Works Supervisor Kris Kunkle emphasized the need for new equipment.

In the spring, council approved a 6-1 resolution to rent a sweeper from Palmerton for $160 per hour, including an operator, though the rate could rise if work exceeded eight hours.

DeWire said the borough spent $12,000 last year renting sweepers and additional funds on hydro-excavation equipment.

He added the current sweeper would cost $35,000 to repair.

Hydro-excavator deferred While approving the sweeper, council opted not to move forward with purchasing a hydro-excavator/sewage vac due to cost concerns.

DeWire said the borough explored three financing options and estimated that, if costs were split between the general fund, the L&P Department, and the Water Authority, the machine could be paid off in four years with each entity contributing $38,000 annually. However, prices have risen by $100,000 to $200,000, according to Kunkle.

Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky opposed the purchase without a clear funding source. “People need to understand that if we want this equipment, either changes need to be made or taxes will have to go up,” she said.

DeWire recommended the borough focus on the sweeper for now and revisit the hydro-excavator during budget discussions.

“We only budgeted for one of these,” he said. Abelovsky also reminded council that street sweeping is required to comply with MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) regulations.