John Day City Manager Nick Green speaks at a town hall July 27.

Not enough voters cast a vote to pass a local option levy to support the John Day Police Department in a special election Tuesday.

According to Grant County Clerk Brenda Percy, the levy received 284 yes votes while 169 voted down the measure in the unofficial results. 

A double majority was required with more than 50% of registered voters voting, and more than 50% in favor of passing the measure.

“The returns did not meet the minimum requirement of 50% plus one vote so the measure will not pass,” Percy said.

John Day City Council, on April 27, chose to pursue a local option levy of 45-50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value for five years to fund police.

The Eagle was not able to reach John Day City Manager Nick Green for a comment.