ELIZABETH, W.Va. -- If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

Wirt County officials could ask voters for a third time to approve an operating levy.

The levy failed to gain the required 60 percent majority vote in Tuesday's election. It also missed that mark earlier this year. Both times, a simple majority of voters approved the levy.

The levy provides funding for employee salaries, building maintenance and supplies, and regional jail costs.

Wirt County Commission President Robert Lowe tells the Parkersburg News and Sentinel that the county's budget will have to be cut 20 percent to 25 percent without the levy revenue.

Commissioner Charles Murray says county officials have no choice but to try again. He says a special election could be held around February.