Northampton Borough Council this evening will hold its first discussion on the administration's proposed 2013 budget.

For the first time in three years, the budget includes a one-mill real estate tax increase.

For properties assessed at $75,000, the tax bill will add another $75. The bill would be $50 more for a property assessed at $50,000 and $100 more for a property with a $100,000 assessment.

Borough lawmakers were provided the 2013 proposed budget when it was introduced a couple of weeks ago.

There was no discussion or action taken on the tentative budget because borough Manager Gene Zarayko was admitted to the Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg, Bethlehem. Zarayko, who has since been released, is expected to outline the specifics in the budget at tonight's meeting.

The expenditures in next year's budget are estimated at $5,758,666. Revenues, including the property tax increase, would rise to $5,733,239. A closing balance in the budget, if adopted without any changes, would be $207,762.

The last time the borough raised real estate taxes was three years ago, when lawmakers added a half mill to the real estate tax levy, bringing it to 8.1 mills.

The new rate, if passed, will put the rate at 9.1 mills. The real estate tax is still considered moderate or low when compared to other municipalities in the region that provide residents with police, a recreation center, swimming pool and other services.

The reason the administration is seeking a property tax hike includes higher expenses for medical benefits, insurance costs and labor.