(York) -- The city of York is facing a nearly $2 million dollar budget deficit. The shortfall in York Mayor Kim Bracey's proposed spending plan for 2012 is due to the inability to refinance the city's ice arena and a failed plan to levy a service charge for city street lights. Bracey has called for cutting three firefighter positions and an 11 percent property tax increase to help cover the gap. City business administrator Michael O'Rourke says next year's budget is one of the most difficult to put together to date. "2012 is probably comparable to 2002, when there was a 40 percent tax increase proposed, and 2003, when we laid off nine police officers, seven firefighters, and 16 non-uniform staff," he says. O'Rourke says city council has held several public hearings about the mayor's proposed budget in recent weeks. The council is expected to vote on the $96 million plan December 20th.