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Medford council adopts statement of intent for lodging-tax increase over objections about future flexibility
Summary
Council approved Resolution 2025‑82, a nonbinding statement of intent on use of transient lodging tax funds if voters approve an increase; the measure passed 6‑1‑1 after councilors debated whether it would limit future councils.
Medford — The City Council voted Oct. 1 to adopt Resolution 2025‑82, a statement of intent describing how an increase in transient lodging tax (TLT) would be used if voters approve a ballot measure.
The resolution drew debate. Councilor Kevin Stein said he "doesn't support this resolution in its current form" because he worried it could hamstring future councils and reduce flexibility on how lodging taxes are used. "I just don't wanna be in a situation where we'd be hamstrung in certain ways," Stein said.
City attorney/staff explained the measure is a statement of intent and is not a legally binding document. "This resolution is a statement of intent. It's not a legally binding document," staff said, adding that the document could carry political implications if a future council changed direction but would not create legal liability.
After discussion, the council approved the resolution on a roll‑call vote: 6 yes, 1 no (Councilor Kevin Stein), and 1 abstention (Councilor Garrett West). Supporters said the resolution formalizes transparency about how TLT proceeds would be used and reinforces partnership with hotel stakeholders.
The council noted the resolution would guide discussions about using hotel tax revenue for a proposed conference center and related downtown investments but does not commit future councils to any legally enforceable action.
