Ouray voters approved a 15% excise tax on short-term rentals by narrow margins, which appears to be the highest tax on vacation rentals in the state.

Ballot Issue 2A passed Tuesday night with 312 votes, or 57% voting in favor, and 237 votes against the proposal.

The 15% tax will be applied to nightly room rates for homes or rooms rented for 30 days or less in the city, including Airbnbs and VRBOs, starting in 2022. The tax will sunset in 30 years.

The question was placed on the ballot in August aft...