Shawnee County election commissioner Andrew Howell said Monday a petition drive to put the issue to a vote collected more than the 2,132 valid signatures needed to force a vote on the issue.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports city officials will schedule the election after wording and other legal requirements are met.

Organizers of the petition drive want 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.

City officials say buying Heartland Park would help address the need to cover about $8 million in STAR bond debt on the property.