WASHINGTON (AP) - The Arlington County Board has ordered the county manager to cut spending by $11 million and is warning that a tax increase is likely.

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The Washington Post reports Arlington is facing a budget gap of between $25 million and $50 million in the next fiscal year.

The county staff is forecasting slow or flat growth in real estate taxes. There are also uncertainties due to federal budget negotiations.

County Manager Barbara Donnellan has ordered a slowdown in hiring and a reduction in expenditures and early retirement offers.

The county is facing rising costs in its school system and for the county's full-time staff in compensation and health care.

There are also increased costs in social service programs. Rising school costs could be covered with a tax increase.

___ Information from: http://www.washingtonpost.com