Northampton Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst is going back to the drawing board for final preparations of the 2021 budget, which first went before borough council at its meeting Nov. 19.

Brobst earlier indicated the proposed budget would not have a property tax hike. However, after looking at projected budget revenue and expenditures, the real estate tax levy for next year now remains uncertain.

The budget currently has a $10.5 million real estate tax to support the borough over the next year.

Although the earlier budget submitted to council did not contain any reference to property taxes, there were questions regarding the spending plan and expenses.

Council was told it is projected two new police officers will be hired in 2021, bringing the police roster to 14 full-time personnel. The department will also be allotted a new police vehicle.

The public works department will have a new backhoe and other pieces of equipment to maintain roads, vegetation and landscaping in the proposed budget.

Council will receive the revised proposed budget at its Dec. 3 meeting. A vote on the budget is expected Dec. 17.