The average homeowner in Northampton will pay 48 cents more a week in property taxes in 2015.

Northampton Borough Council Dec. 18 adopted a $6 million budget, described as a no-frills spending plan.

It includes a half-mill tax increase.

According to borough Manager Gene Zarayko, the nine-mill overall tax rate is among the lowest in Northampton County.

Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Sr. asked if the budget is bare bones.

"Yes, bare bones," Zarayko said.

Zarayko noted an 18.5-percent increase in employee health care costs, salary hikes and mandated pay boosts for police officers pursuant to a new contract were principal factors for the increase in property taxes.

"This tax increase for the average homeowner would amount to $25 per year or 48 cents a week," Zarayko told council.

Zarayko said growth in the borough remains stagnant, with only two new homes built in town in 2014.

Dec. 18 marked the third time the proposed budget went to council. At the previous two meetings, council reviewed the projected income, expenses and projects for 2015.

A new police vehicle, software program for the fire department, paving materials, repainting of the municipal swimming pool and a snow blower are included in the budget.

"As you can see, this is a stringent budget. However, we should survive, providing we have a moderate winter," Zarayko said.