The Bremerton City Council voted 3-6 Wednesday to reject a new landlord fee after six months of postponements and changes to the measure.

Mayor Patty Lent had threatened a veto, saying the new costs would be an imposition on the city’s rental population. Landlords criticized the fee for being too cumbersome on rental owners and renters alike.

The measure, promoted by Council President Nick Wofford, would have required rental owners with properties in Bremerton $65 per year for one property and $25 for each additional property. Landlords are now required to renew one $65 business license each year.

Wofford touted the measure as a means of tracking the number of landlords and rental properties in the city and as a way to lean on owners to clean up dilapidated properties.

Councilmen Will Maupin, Jim McDonald and Wofford voted for the measure.