GREEN BAY, WI - The Green Bay City Council voted to not move forward with an ordinance requiring motorists to prepay at gas pumps throughout the city, WBAY.com reports.

Supported by the Green Bay Police Department, the ordinance was temporarily put aside, despite two station owners urging the council to pass the measure.

"I believe Green Bay is the kingpin. If you guys pass this ordinance, I think other areas will do so, too," said station owner Tom Matuszak to the council.

"This is the only retail business that depends on trust. Unfortunately, there are some people who don't come back and pay," another local gas station owner said.

The council??s debate focused on local government??s role and whether station owners should just require prepayment on their own.

"If the City of Green Bay does pass this policy, the customers who don't like it will definitely go to De Pere, Allouez, Ashwaubenon," Alderman Jerry Wiezbiskie argued.

"I??m angry that whenever the criminals are taking advantage of everybody else ?" these people that are stealing gas ?" we're all paying for it," Alderman Tony Theisen said.

While not directly rejecting the proposal, the council decided to send it back to a committee to revise the language. Additionally, some council members were trying to delay the issue for a few months to see whether nearby Brown County would take action.

Legal questions also surround the issue: Council President Tom DeWayne said the county is exploring whether it can legally require residents to prepay for gasoline.