OXFORD — Police Chief Rickie Jack informed selectmen last week that with federal and local support, Oxford will be able to move forward with establishing a K-9 police team.

Over the winter, the police department applied for a $51,000 grant to acquire a K-9 and train an established handler. Jack told the board during meeting last Thursday that Oxford Casino and Hotel has donated $4,000 toward the cost of the program. He thanked Matt Gallagher of the casino and others in the community for their support. He added that he has chosen an applicant for the K-9 project, and is still working on the financial details of the overall grant.

Town Manager Adam Garland reported that the 90-day demolition order for the dangerous property at 260 King St. has passed with the owner taking no action. Garland has since posted a request for proposals to hire a contractor to handle the demolition, which will be opened on June 3.

Garland also relayed to to selectmen that he had received a proposal for municipal mowing services from Bennett Properties that includes a three-year lock-in rate of $45,000 annually. The price is $13,000 more than what was budgeted. Selectmen declined the contract and asked Garland to collect proposals from other vendors that include three-year pricing.

The board discussed Rabbit Valley Road, which has fallen into a cycle of washing out during recent storms. Rob Prue of Pine Tree Engineering is working on a timeline to rebuild the road. Selectmen voted to appropriate $50,000 toward the engineering plan and put a bond to finance the project on the Nov. 2024 election ballot.

Selectmen then approved the warrant for Oxford’s annual town meeting June 1, and selected the town’s highway department for the 2024 Town Report honoree.


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