Northampton borough residents might see an increase in property taxes next year.

Borough Manager Gene Zarayko advised council at last Thursday's meeting of the potential tax increase.

"It [budget] is close to being completed, and it appears that we might need a slight tax increase," Zarayko said. "Our costs for medical coverage will increase by 12.8-percent in 2014. Also, there are wage increases for both the non-uniformed and police departments, which will be incorporated in the new budget."

The 2014 budget will be made public at council's next meeting, Thursday, Nov. 21.

The eight-member council will take the next few weeks to review the 2014 budget. Adoption will occur in December. Any changes to the 2014 budget will be voted on then.

Council members at the meeting made no comment on the possibility of a property tax increase. Officials will wait on the administration to finish work on expenditures, revenue and projects for next year.

The 2013 budget's tax rate is 8.19 mills and did not include a property tax increase. The 2013 budget also did not include any major expenditures for capital improvements. It also saw a 13-percent increase in health insurance, increases in fuel costs and an increases in the workers' compensation insurance costs.

Some major expenditures are expected in 2014. Some of these are already in place such as three new pieces of playground equipment installed at the municipal park, Canal Street Park and 26th Street Playground.

A new loan, a roll-over of an existing loan with a fresh influx of capital for 2014, will pay for an addition to the fire station, such as the addition of bays and a training room, paving of Laubach Avenue and the lower end of Main Street.