Northampton residents, who own homes, along with commercial and industrial property owners, are likely to pay more taxes in 2013.

The borough, which was unable to keep the lid on the property tax rate, officials announced last week.

"Real estate taxes will be increased next year," said borough Manager Gene Zarayko, who burned the midnight oil while putting together the proposed budget.

Most likely, council will review the tentative spending plan at the second of its two monthly meetings in November.

A vote by borough lawmakers on the 2013 borough expenditures will take place when council meets in December.

"It is most likely real estate taxes will be raised," council President John Yurish said.

"In a couple of days we should know what the millage will be. The numbers are being crunched," said Yurish, who estimated real estate taxes will be raised by one mill.

The budget does not contain any frills and is looked at as a "bare-bones budget."

The $5.635 million 2012 spending plan is supported by 8.1 mills in property taxes.

The borough has not increased its real estate taxes for at least two years. When compared to most municipalities in the region, the borough has a low tax rate.

Zarayko has said in the past that if the borough did not have a police department, as is the case with some townships, it could virtually disregard the property tax.

The budget preparation under way by the administration is not only hampered by an economy which is still trying to recover, but also by health care costs, salary adjustments, insurance and present contract negotiations with public works personnel, said Zarayko and Yurish.

These things make it difficult to maintain the same real estate tax rate.

Commenting on the struggle to balance costs and without raising taxes, Yurish said, "I don't see how we can."