After varying opinions about how much public safety is enough, 115 Oxford residents decided at June 6’s annual town meeting that police, fire and rescue response are their most valued services.

Voters approved a municipal budget of $7.46 million, a 10% increase from this fiscal year, which ends June 20.

Voters approved a police department budget of $1.53 million that includes money to fill an open patrol position and a detective, as the budget committee recommended, but eliminates Oxford Elementary School’s resource officer.

The select board recommended $1.39 million, which would have cut two positions.

One year after townspeople approved a plan to hire eight full-time fire and rescue staff, voters approved a budget that eliminates one of those positions, even as some said it should be expanded, not trimmed.

With two of the eight jobs going unfilled and another currently vacant, selectmen proposed a $1.29 million budget that would cap personnel at the department’s current level of five. But voters sided with the town’s budget committee, which cut one of the positions, and approved its recommendation of a $1.39 million department budget.

Selectman Ernie Fitts defended the board’s reasoning for a smaller crew, saying he has not talked to one person in town who said they wanted to pay more in taxes. “I support our police and fire department 100%. We are covering emergency calls and services.”

He shared an anecdote from one resident who told him about a recent 911 call she made for her husband. “She said ‘they were incredible … got him to the hospital and did excellent work.’ She proved my point,” Fitts said. “We are providing great coverage. … That’s why I voted to keep things the way they are.”

Residents pushed back, saying they voted to hire more first responders last year and do not wish to cut them now, especially as the town continues to grow and an 88-unit senior apartment project is underway.

At least three dozen residents left the meeting following the fire department budget vote, leading one voter to complain that the motion had been stacked with supporters.

Some residents questioned the level of funds allocated to reserve accounts, but in the end voters approved $470,000 of the $485,000 requested. The only proposal rejected was $15,000 in reserve for the recreation department.

The town report was dedicated to resident Justin Corrente, an avid walker about town and Oxford Hills Viking super fan who has his own legion of followers.

Lois Pike was presented with a commendation from the Maine Legislature for 39 years of service to the Oxford Fire Department. Pike retired earlier this year.

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