Clackamas County has committed more than $22 million in cash and other spending for the Portland-Milwaukie light rail project.

County commissioners reduced the total contribution by nearly two-and-a-half million dollars, through an agreement with TriMet. They’re still spending more than light rail critics would like. They see the project as a waste of money. Commissioner Jamie Damon voted with the three-member majority.

“People think there’s a ‘zero-cost option’ – just not pay the money – and there isn’t. We’re on the hook, we’re obligated,” Damon said.

Damon’s opponent in the November election for county commission, is former state rep Tootie Smith. She testified before the decision that borrowing to pay for light rail was not a good use of county money.

Supporters say the project will provide a valuable transit option – and that the agreement with TriMet has cut costs.

Opponents are backing a ballot measure to stop county spending on rail projects. County officials say the measure would only apply to future projects, not to contractually obligated lines, like Milwaukie light rail.

This story originally appeared on Oregon Public Broadcasting.