A proposal to move ahead with a law and justice levy on the November ballot was formally abandoned Monday.

The Island County Board of Commissioners agreed in a unanimous 3-0 vote not to pursue the long-discussed $1.9 million measure.

“I understand the underlying need for the law and justice levy … but I understand the prudence of waiting,” said Commissioner Helen Price Johnson.

The Law and Justice Council approved a recommendation earlier this year to ask voters for the funds to help address a lack of funding.

The money would fund new sheriff’s deputies and a variety of other law and justice expenses.

Last week, the board informally agreed to table those plans when it became clear that Island County’s funding problems were not so severe after all.

Revenues have exceeded expenditures since 2011 and were used to replenish the county’s reserve fund — currently at $9 million.

Law and justice leaders recommended last week to wait until after the budget process and the board agreed. Monday’s vote formalized the decision.