After months of negotiations, the Borough of Northampton and its police department have reached a new agreement.

The new pact covers wages and benefits and avoids the prospect of binding arbitration.

Council Vice President Robert McHale, police committee chairman, made the announcement regarding the contract at the Nov. 20 council meeting. Details of the new pact were not made public, pending final ratification and signing.

Council members issued no comments or inquired about the specifics of the agreement.

McHale mentioned the pending contract will run two years, unlike several previous pacts which were for three years. The present contract expires Dec. 31.

It is likely police will receive a wage increase per the new contract.

The borough's position concerning health coverage for the officers is not known at this time.

In a separate matter involving the police department, McHale said the police will conduct annual pistol qualifications, required by law, before the end of November.

The monthly police report, according to McHale, shows the department recorded 12 vehicle accidents, six arrests and 20 parking tickets.