Lincolnshire CC has backtracked on the idea of a unitary referendum after objections from the districts.
Leader Cllr Martin Hill said: 'The district councils have put obstacles in the way of us being able to hold a referendum at the same time as the county council elections.
'Contrary legal advice has been given to us that it is a plausible option to have a poll on 4 May.
'However, as the bodies responsible for holding the elections, the district councils are making this a difficult road to continue on and we never had any intention of spending £1m to hold a separate poll.
'I stand by the premise that it is right that residents have their say on the future of local government in the county.
'We should listen to the people we represent - not dictate to them.'
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