Without taking a vote, Coaldale Borough Council gave in to public pressure Tuesday night and verbally agreed to table any further action on the proposed communications changeover from the Carbon to Schuylkill network.

An overflow crowd, including fire company and ambulance corps members, jammed the borough hall on Third Street, hoping to reverse council’s decision to change to Schuylkill, where the service is offered free of charge but does not feature the 911 emergency number.

Council voted 3-1 in November to withdraw from the Carbon network that Coaldale helped to established in 1974. Although he did not call for a vote of council, President Geno Poli stressed last night the council is willing to abide by the wishes of the public.