Oxford voters approve spending plan

OXFORD — Voters unanimously approved a $3.3 million municipal budget at Saturday’s annual town meeting.

About 50 voters turned out to act on the warrant with little fanfare. Only one question was asked about the budget, which is $76,131 higher than the current budget.

Town Manager Michael Chammings told voters that, depending on the year, some departments might get a higher increase than others. This year, the fire and rescue departments got about a 5 percent budget increase to accommodate issues such as increased traffic calls and the need for new turnout gear. Last year, the Police Department received a similar boost in its budget to accommodate additional needs, he said. Most departments received less than a 3 percent increase this year.

The budget is prepared with the goal of having no increase on the mill rate, Chammings said.

The overall budget includes $584,214 for the Police Department, $531,457 for the Highway Department, $249,179 for the Fire Department and $221,121 for the Rescue Department. Most departments received about a 2 percent raise, while the fire and rescue departments got a 5 percent increase in their budgets.

Voters approved $484,087 for administration, $226,416 for the transfer station, $155,520 for long-term debt and $395,000 for capital improvements.

Voters also passed an amendment to an ordinance dealing with pawnbrokers, precious metal dealers and secondhand dealers, which calls for license restrictions up to seven days until the Police Department receives and reviews documentation for purchase of gold or other precious metals. The sale must be approved by the chief of police.

In other action Saturday, state Rep. Roger Jackson, R-Oxford, praised late Selectman Dennis Sanborn for his longtime dedication to the community. Sanborn, 75, a member of the Board of Selectmen for 10 years, passed away at his home on May 6.

Jackson called him a friend, a school mate, a fellow selectman and a brother who was dedicated to his community and the greater community.

“He believed in family and friends,” Jackson said.

Jackson presented Sanborn’s son Larry with a plaque that will be hung in the State House in Augusta to memorialize Sanborn.

In accepting the memorial plaque on behalf of his mother, Olive, and other family members, Larry Sanborn said his mother, a member of the SAD 17 board of directors, and family were overwhelmed by the number of cards and phone calls they have received.

“We had no idea. He loved you all,” Larry Sanborn said.

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: Henry Jackson of Oxford, a member of the SAD 17 board of directors, holds up his card to indicate a vote at town meeting Saturday.

: Ron Kugell, chairman of the SAD 17 board of directors, is sworn in as moderator at Saturday’s town meeting in Oxford.

: Larry Sanborn, son of late Selectman Dennis Sanborn, addressed voters at the annual town meeting Saturday to thank them for their outpouring of condolences on the passing of his father.