OXFORD, CT — Oxford could eliminate its annual Capital Plan Town Meeting and replace it with a public hearing held jointly by the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance.
The change is among the revisions being considered by the town's Charter Revision Commission.
Oxford's current charter calls for a Capital Plan Town Meeting on the second Monday in March. At that meeting, town officials present an updated plan for major projects and equipment purchases expected over the next several years.
Under the proposed language, the town would instead hold a Capital Plan Public Hearing no later than the first week of February. The hearing would cover a five-year plan and allow residents to comment before officials decide which projects to include in the next budget.
Representatives from the Board of Education and town departments would still be required to discuss anticipated building work, expansions and other major improvements.
No money could be approved or appropriated during the hearing. The Board of Selectmen would later recommend which projects should move forward during the coming fiscal year and how they should be financed.
During a May meeting, commission Chair Margaret West-Mainor said the vote taken at the current town meeting is "essentially ineffective" because it does not actually approve funding. Commission members said the proposed public-hearing format would reduce confusion while preserving an opportunity for residents to weigh in.
The commission unanimously approved the proposed wording July 14. The change would still need to complete the charter revision process and receive voter approval before taking effect.
The town's current charter is available here.
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