UNION — It is official — Measure 31-118, which would have merged the Union and Union Rural fire departments, has failed because of low voter turnout.

Measure 31-118 passed overwhelmingly, 378-163, in a Tuesday, Aug. 22, mail election, but the voter turnout was well shy of what is needed for a 50% plus one majority. The Oregon Constitution requires double majorities for property-tax elections that take place outside of May or November.

Measure 31-118 would have imposed a property tax for Union residents living within the city limits for fire protection and emergency medical services. The tax would have replaced a monthly fee these residents now pay.

Ballots for the mail election postmarked on or before Aug. 22 could be counted if they were received by the Union County Clerk’s office by Aug. 29. Union County Clerk Lisa Feik said 14 mail ballots were received after Aug. 22 but on or before Aug. 29.

The total left Union more than 200 ballots short of the number needed to reach the 50% plus one majority, Feik said.

May 2024 is the earliest Union could put another measure similar to Measure 31-118 before voters in an election in which a double majority would not be required.