When is a city ordinance approved but not approved? Well the issue of the Transient Guest Tax is sort of like that. In a somewhat awkward situation, the Ottawa City Commission has voted to approve the Charter Ordinance by a three to one vote, with Commissioner Eric Crowley voting no; however, because Commissioner Zach Clayton was absent and the ordinance requires a two thirds majority, the issue will probably come up again for another vote. Commissioner Sara Caylor was one of those supporting the measure:
City Manager Brian Silcott says it would’ve taken all four commissioners present to vote in the affirmative to adopt the measure on Wednesday. The commission is expected to take up the measure when all are present. Assuming the tax is adopted, then a second vote on a particular percentage will be taken, which then would set a specific tax on motels and similar businesses.
