PARIS – The proposed county budget for 2008 shows an approximate $40,000 decrease from 2007.

Both this year’s and next year’s budgets work out to roughly $6.4 million.

The estimated budget for the Oxford County Jail increased from $1,213,551 to $1,292,109. The reasons given include the rising costs of prescription medication and fuel.

The jail also plans to upgrade video surveillance equipment, improve the kitchen and purchase a new van to replace the 2001 model.

The proposed budget for the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office has increased from $1,106,692 to $1,212,647, although capital expenditures have decreased by about $16,000.

The Oxford County Emergency Management Agency shows the largest drop, from about $856,208 this year to $259,974 next year.

While the budget for salaries and other services has increased, the total grant expenditures have decreased by about $600,000.

According to a memo filed by the EMA, county residents will only pay $77,282 to operate the EMA because the budget request will be matched by grant funds requested from the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The town of Bethel has requested $10,000 to support the Bethel Regional Airport for the next year. Town Manager Scott Cole also suggests that the county may provide the town an amount equal to that given to the Oxford County Regional Airport.

A public hearing on Oxford County’s proposed budget for 2008 will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the commissioners’ office at the courthouse. The meeting will also discuss the unorganized township budget for July 2008 through June 2009.

Copies of the proposed budget are available at the commissioners’ office.