Charleston voters defeat hotel-motel tax

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Charleston will not have a bed tax, the Standard-Democrat reported. Residents voted 174 to 166 on the ballot initiative during Tuesday's election, rejecting the proposed 5 percent hotel-motel tax. A simple majority was needed to pass the measure. Voter turnout was described as being extremely low by the county clerk's office. The proposal was promoted by the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, which sought the tax to promote tourism in the city...