3. Whenever the governing body of a municipality determines by ordinance to issue one or more taxi licenses, the governing body may authorize that such license or licenses be issued to the highest qualified bidder therefor at a sale by public auction for that purpose conducted or supervised by the municipal clerk. The ordinance also may prescribe qualifications for prospective bidders; provided, however, that such qualifications shall not be inconsistent with any law of this State, or rule or regulation of any agency thereof. The ordinance may also fix a minimum bid and conditions of sale with the reservation of the right to reject all bids where the highest bid is not accepted. The ordinance may also include a requirement that the recipient of a taxi license issued pursuant to this section, as a condition of the award of such license, shall reimburse the municipality for any costs incurred by the municipality in complying with the public notice requirements established pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2011, c.135 (C. 48:16-2.1). In the event that more than one taxi license is issued at the same public auction, the recipients thereof shall equally split the costs of reimbursing the municipality for any costs incurred by the municipality in complying with the public notice requirements.

L.2011, c.135, s.3.