Northampton Borough Council, at its Dec. 3 meeting, approved the 2021 preliminary budget, which includes a 1-mill tax increase.

The vote allows the budget to be advertised. A vote for final approval is expected at the Dec. 17 council meeting.

According to a report from borough Manager LeRoy Brobst, 2021 general fund expenditures are estimated at $7,247,074, a 3.89-percent increase over 2020. That, coupled with a deficit in the projected 2020 closing budget - approximately $815,000 - will likely require a hike in taxes.

A 1-mill increase in taxes on a property assessed at $50,000 adds $50 to the owner’s annual tax bill.

Brobst said 2021 expenses will include a few big-ticket items for Northampton Police Department: at least one additional police officer, a new Chevrolet Tahoe, computer equipment and a fingerprint scanner/printer.

Northampton Fire Department will also receive a new air-conditioning unit at the Lerchenmiller Drive station.

New exercise equipment will be added at Northampton Recreation Center.

The public works department will receive a backhoe.

The borough’s new five-year trash collection agreement will require a $35-per-unit increase.

Council was not unanimous in the preliminary vote. Councilman Robert McHale was opposed.

In other business, council approved a request from Keith Knoblach, borough code enforcement officer, to participate in a training session sponsored by the Pennsylvania Construction Codes Academy.

The online event is Jan. 5, 6, 12 and 13, 2021. The $395 cost will be paid from the 2021 budget.

Gospel Chapel was given approval to hold a Christmas caroling event at the borough’s Uptown Park, Main Street. It is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Dec. 19.

Council approved a request from a Boy Scout to place two blessing boxes in the borough as part of his Eagle Scout project. A blessing box allows people to place nonperishable food there as a donation as well as allows those who need food to take it. The location of the boxes has not yet been determined.

Although an official tree lighting did not take place this year, Santa will still make his annual early visit. He will ride aboard a borough firetruck and greet children Dec. 12. The trip will begin about noon.

Council’s next meeting is 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17. Check the borough’s website, northamptonboro.com, for the meeting location, as it might be held virtually.