POMEROY — A proposed increase in Pomeroy’s income tax was defeated in Tuesday’s general election by nearly 68 percent, according to unofficial results from the Meigs County Board of Elections.

Voters approved the village’s participation in a gas aggregation program by just two votes — 83 to 81.

The proposed quarter-percent tax increase was rejected with 111 votes against, and 53 for. The increase would have generated another $80,000 for village services and operating expenses, Mayor John Musser said earlier this week. Without the additional income, layoffs may be necessary.

A one-percent tax is paid by all village residents and those who live elsewhere but work in Pomeroy.

The vote was closer on a proposed issue issue allowing the village to participate in a gas aggregation program and act as head of a buying group for residents who wish to participate in the program. The village council says the program will allow the village to purchase natural gas at a reduced rate on behalf of natural gas customers, but participation will not be mandated.

Two candidates for Pomeroy Village Council, Republican George Stewart and Democrat Victor C. Young III will advance to the general election in November. They were unopposed in their primary bids Tuesday.

According to unofficial results of the Meigs County Board of Elections, only 14 percent of Pomeroy’s registered voters — 164 — visited the polls Tuesday. As of Monday, only eight cast ballots during the early voting period of 30 days prior to the election.