TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Topeka’s plan to buy a racing facility won’t go to a public vote.

On Wednesday, a Shawnee County judge invalidated a petition seeking to force a vote on the Heartland Park purchase. The Topeka Capital-Journal  reports that petition backers wanted to overturn the city governing body’s vote to buy the financially troubled racing facility and expand its redevelopment district. They contend it’s not a financially good deal for the city.

But the judge found that an initiative petition seeking to overturn an administrative ordinance is something not allowed within Kansas law.

City officials have said buying Heartland Park would help address the need to cover bond debt on the property.