After announcing March 30 that he would introduce an ordinance to give taxpayers a vote on the county’s general services building proposal, Pierce County Council members deadlocked 3-3 on whether to add Council Chair Dan Roach’s measure to Tuesday’s agenda. Without a favorable majority, the proposal will not be considered at this time.

“My intent is to allow the public to vote on this very expensive and very controversial use of their tax dollars,” Roach said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t have a majority of council members present who support letting the people have a say in how their money is spent.”

Roach filed Proposed Ordinance 2015-22 on Tuesday, April 14, and asked that it receive consideration in order to be given a final vote by April 28. His request to add it to the day’s meeting agenda was defeated in the tie vote.

Councilmembers Roach (District 1), Jim McCune (District 3) and Doug Richardson (District 6) supported the measure, while Councilmembers Derek Young (District 7), Rick Talbert(District 5) and Connie Ladenburg (District 4) voted against it. Councilmember Joyce McDonald (District 2) had an excused absence.

“We learned today that there is a concerted effort to deny the citizens’ ability to participate in their government,” Roach added. “I will continue my efforts to allow a public vote and I am confident that citizens – when all is said and done – will be able to vote on this issue.”