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Medford seeks public input on city stipends Should taxpayers pony up for stipends for Medford�s mayor and nine City Council members? Before the council puts that question to voters in November, they�ll ask for public input on the proposal in a hearing Thursday. The council wants to pay its members $900 a month for their service to the city. Under the same proposal, the mayor would receive $1,200 a month, bringing the total to about $100,800 a year. In May, the council decided 5-3 to place a measure on the November ballot that would amend the city charter and approve stipends for its members. Council members currently receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. While the majority of the council supports the measure � they say it will encourage interest in public service and diversity the pool of candidates � others argue the proposal spoils volunteerism. The council will hear from the public during its meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday in the City Hall council chambers, 411 W. Eighth St. At the council�s noon Thursday session, also in the council chambers, members will discuss whether to ask voters to approve a city charter amendment that would increase the hotel-motel tax by 3 percent. City leaders estimate revenue from room receipts could increase by 50 percent if the measure passes. If approved, the increase would help fund parks and tourism-promotion efforts. Obituaries | Sports | Business | Classifieds | Tempo | Prime Times | So Oregon Sites | Outdoor Journal | Subscribe | Contact | Movies | Advertise | Real Estate Showcase | Archive | Editorials | Letters to the editor | Religion | Wake-up Call | NIE | Cyber Chef | Job Network | So Oregon Weather | WSJ Northwest | Forums | AP Wire | AP Money | F.A.Q. | Awards Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. The Community Newspaper Subsidiary of Dow Jones & Co, Inc Copyright �The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA