Lehighton has added to its crossing guard roster in an attempt to address a shortage that has existed for some time.

After an 80-minute executive session, borough council on a 6-0 vote last week hired candidate No. 1, pending all necessary clearances.

Earlier in the meeting, council initially tabled the matter after Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky said she wasn’t sure which of the applicants was candidate No. 1.

Borough Manager Dane DeWire noted that the last time council hired a crossing guard was November 2022.

Last month, police Chief Troy Abelovsky said that three applications had been received since the position was advertised following September’s meeting.

However, the consensus of council was to wait until this month’s meeting before taking any action.

DeWire noted at that time that the borough had yet to meet with the Lehighton Area School District.

He said in September that the borough currently employs 10 crossing guards, but is looking for more.

DeWire said they are part-time employees hired through the borough police department at the rate of $10 an hour.

He said the borough has $65,000 in this year’s budget for crossing guard compensation.

DeWire said the borough pays 40% of their compensation, while the Lehighton Area School District picks up the other 60%.

Autumn Abelovsky said at that time there are several locations that lack coverage.

The borough and the school district have tried to get on the same page concerning crossing guard plans.

In July 2022, representatives from each entity discussed how to address personnel shortages that have been leaving several key intersections unmanned.

Over the course of one school year, 135 crossing guards shifts were not covered, Council said.