Changing course, the Medford City Council has voted to hold a public hearing about the living wage ordinance.

"We need to give them an opportunity to air their concerns and look at both sides," said Mayor Lindsay Berryman, who cast the deciding vote during Thursday’s noon council meeting.

Councilman Bill Moore made the motion at the request of Medford attorney Bill Mansfield of Oregon Action, which describes itself as a statewide organization dedicated to economic justice.

"This has already been on television," said Councilman John Michaels. "How will the next meeting be any different than what we’ve already heard?"

Councilman Bob Strosser said hearing from living wage proponents again will not change his opinion that the ordinance is narrowly written.

"There are people out there who think this ordinance is going to enhance their situation with their employer, and it will not," Strosser said.

The living wage ordinance would require the city to pay $10.75 an hour in wages and benefits to its employees or contractors, if the contract is $15,000 or more. City staff studied the proposed ordinance and reported that it would provide no new benefits because all city employees and most contract employees make more than $10.75 in hourly wages and benefits.

Councilman Ed Chun said the living wage issue has been brought up several times during council meetings and has been the focus of media coverage.

"If it’s such an important issue, the city would be hearing from citizens who support it," Chun said. "I’ve yet to receive one phone call at home in support of it. I don’t believe citizens are for it."

Councilman Jim Key said the City Council has only heard one side of the story.

"I’d like to see us put this behind us and do it properly, to hold a public hearing and hear both sides of the issue," Key said.

Voting yes were Bill Moore, Key, Claudette Moore and Skip Knight. Voting no were Chun, Strosser, Sal Esquivel and John Michaels. The mayor broke the tie.

"I complement the City Council on their decision to hold a public hearing," Oregon Action’s Rich Rohde said.

The Ashland City Council approved a living wage ordinance last year.