GREENSBORO, N.C.—The U.S. Figure Skating Championships will go on in North Carolina next week without a late gift from taxpayers in the host county.

Guilford County Commissioners rejected a late request from local organizers to have the county provide about $26,000 for emergency services.

The nine-day event in Greensboro starts Jan. 22. Organizers wanted $40,000 from the county in the form of free EMS services. The request was pared down to $26,000, but county commissioners rejected that Thursday.

Some commissioners said they couldn't vote for it in such a tough budget year that will mean funding cuts for community arts and entertainment organizations.

The City of Greensboro has pledged $40,000 in police and fire services for the event, which is estimated to attract 100,000 people.