Arlington officials increased the county’s projected budget gap by 40 percent Wednesday, calling for a $14 million shortfall instead of the $10 million one estimated earlier this month.

County Budget Manager Ron Carlee ordered a hiring freeze two weeks ago and is now projecting the county will have to downsize staff by about 5 percent in preparation for what is expected to be an even tougher budget environment next year.

Arlington employs 3,738 people.