By a 3-2 vote last week, the Red Bank City Commission struck down an ordinance that would have levied a privilege tax upon hotels or motels should they decide to locate in Red Bank.
The measure was being considered because some members of the Council believe it best to have the tax in place prior to recruiting efforts.
Although the majority of commissioners voted to impose the tax, passing a tax requires four votes and therefore the ordinance failed, said Mayor John Roberts.
The Commission has been discussing the tax for the past 60-90 days, he said.
"We want a hotel in the city," said Roberts, adding that the Commission has a list of regional companies members plan to actively recruit. "We decided if we're going to get it, we better institute this hotel/motel tax."
Vice Mayor Floy Pierce and Commissioner Rick Causer both voted against the tax.
"I feel like this is a little premature to go ahead and set these hotel/motel taxes," said Pierce.
Causer agreed.
"This is putting the cart before the horse, so to speak," he said.