Oxford Select Board votes for referendum budget, reviews zoning overlay

The Oxford Select Board voted to adopt a referendum-style budget process for 2027, which will shift the town's fiscal timeline and require a public hearing in May. The board also reviewed a draft zoning overlay for a 40-acre parcel that would allow smaller residential lots, and discussed a plan to address a long-standing code enforcement issue at a property with a failing septic system.

Key points

• The board voted to move to a referendum town meeting for the 2027 budget, a decision that pushes the budget process back by approximately one month.
• Code enforcement presented a draft overlay zone for a 40-acre parcel that would reduce minimum lot sizes to 5,000 square feet for single-family and two-family homes, potentially increasing housing density.
• The board requested additional quotes for overhead door motors at the public safety building after receiving no formal bids for the initial RFP, noting a discrepancy in pricing between the 10-door and 14-door estimates.
• A review of the 2026 summer recreation program showed a net profit of $2,404 after offsetting previous deficits, though participation dropped by 45 percent due to increased tuition rates.
• The board discussed a multi-pronged approach to address a property with a failing septic system, including a 30-day notice for yard debris, a professional inspection, and potential dangerous building hearings.
• Fire Chief reported that the department has filled all full-time positions and is seeking quotes for a new cascade system, with prices ranging from $61,000 to nearly $102,000.

Next steps

• The town manager will update the budget timeline to reflect the referendum process and present a revised schedule at the next meeting.
• Code enforcement will refine the zoning overlay draft based on board feedback and consult with the town attorney regarding affordable housing density calculations.
• The fire department will obtain a second quote from a local overhead door company to compare with the existing estimate.
• The board will review full copies of the cascade system quotes at the next meeting to determine if an RFP is necessary.
• Code enforcement will coordinate with the septic inspector to obtain written permission to enter the disputed property, potentially leading to an administrative warrant if denied.

Read the full transcript The agenda