ARLINGTON, TX — Officials are considering three budget alternatives after the Arlington City Council turned down a proposal for a 1.89-cent property tax increase, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram newspaper. One of the cuts being considered is a reduction or elimination of funds for new fire vehicles and replacement of aging fleet vehicles. The tax increase would have generated about $2.9 million to improve the city’s three-year budget deficit of approximately $17 million, reported the Star-Telegram. In 2003, property tax was increased 1.4 cents per $100 of assessed value. The budget for fiscal 2005 includes employee raises and new equipment purchases, which had both been put off in previous years.