OXFORD — Voters at the annual town meeting Saturday will decide whether to authorize up to $750,000 in bonds or notes to buy land and a building at 127 Pottle Road for a municipal office.

It is one of 39 articles to be decided at the meeting, which begins at 10 a.m. at Oxford Elementary School, 79 Pleasant St.

Election of officers will be held by secret ballot Tuesday, June 14, at the Oxford Public Safety Building, 701 Main St., from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway accepted Oxford’s bid of $750,000 for the one-story building May 5. Town Manager Adam Garland said last month that there is about $294,000 in a reserve fund, which should be enough to cover renovation expenses. The request to voters to appropriate the money for that purpose will be included in the same article.

The total estimated debt service of the bond is $808,123.50, of which the principal is $750,000 and estimated interest of 1.5% over 10 years is $58,123.50.

The Municipal Center at 85 Pleasant St. is for sale. The town acquired it in 1998 and converted it to municipal offices. For years it has been plagued by basement flooding, moisture and mold issues, as well as structural deterioration. Situated on 1.2 acres, the 12,420 square foot building was constructed about 1900 and served as Oxford’s school for decades.

The first article Saturday, to elect a moderator, will be followed by action on articles 3 to 40. Most deal with funding government operations. The proposed budget for 2022-23 is $5.38 million.

The annual election of officers will mark the end of an era for the town and Maine School Administrative District 17.

Ron Kugell is stepping down from the position he has held for 38 years. He also taught math and science and served as an administrator at Oxford Hills High School for several years.

“After 61 years in education, it is time to retire,” Kugell said. He said health issues, mainly his poor hearing, were the main factors in his decision.

Kugell was elected to the board of directors in 1984, following his retirement from the school district. His tenure includes about 20 years as chairman.

Longtime school board director Stacia Cordwell is running for reelection, along with Shauna Broyer, who has worked in special education in public and private schools since 2012.

Selectmen Caldwell Jackson and Sharon Jackson are seeking reelection.

Roger Wulleman is also running for a seat on the Board of Selectmen. The retired law enforcement officer has been critical of the board at times, especially on issues on how to regulate medicinal and recreational marijuana business.

Copies of the Oxford Town Report for 2022 are available at the municipal building and online at www.oxfordmaine.org/home/news/2022-town-meeting-reference-material.

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