MURFREESBORO — The creation of a Tourism Development Authority has been approved here.

At their recent meeting, the Murfreesboro Town Council voted to approve an ordinance creating a TDA as required by the General Assembly after the passage of the town’s occupancy tax.

The measure was passed by the General Assembly in August.

The occupancy tax will bring more revenue into the town for promoting tourism and economic development through levying a three percent tax attached to Hertford County’s existing three percent occupancy tax.

The tax would be paid by those utilizing any room, lodging or accommodation furnished in a hotel, motel, inn, bed and breakfast or tourist camp.

Five members will make up the TDA—two members to collect the tax while two others that promote tourism and one person that has an interest in the promotion of the town. At least one of those members will be from the town council.

Councilman Bill Theodorakis asked if members of the TDA had to be appointed at the same time the council approved its creation.

Town Administrator Cathy Davison said the appointments of members did not have to happen at this time.

The council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance to create the TDA.