STAFFORD, Kan. (AP) -- Some Stafford County residents want to force a public vote on the county's decision to issue $555,000 in no-fund warrants for the Stafford County Hospital.

County leaders say it's likely the hospital will close if an election is required because a vote could not be held in time to satisfy the hospital's vendors.

The Hutchinson News reports (http://bit.ly/x8n6I4) that a petition to force a vote on the issue has been approved. Supporters need to gather 140 signatures to it on the ballot.

The 25-bed hospital had about $555,000 in debts as of Dec. 31. The annual county allotment for the hospital is $475,000.

No-fund warrants occur when there is a shortage of funds. The county would pay back the loan by raising the property tax mill levy.