OXFORD, CT — Oxford voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to change how the town reviews its long-term capital plans, including replacing the annual capital-plan town meeting with a public hearing.
The town has announced that the proposed 2026 charter revision will appear on the November ballot. If approved, the revisions would take effect Jan. 1, 2027, according to the proposed charter revisions published in the town's legal notice.
Oxford's current charter calls for a Capital Plan Town Meeting on the second Monday in March. As Patch reported in August, the proposed replacement would be a joint public hearing held by the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance no later than the first week of February.
The hearing would cover a five-year plan. School and town department representatives would explain anticipated building needs and major improvements.
"No funding for any items included in the Capital Plan shall be appropriated or approved at the meeting," the proposed language states.
The selectmen would later recommend which capital projects should move forward in the coming fiscal year and suggest how to pay for them.
Commission Chair Margaret West-Mainor previously called the current capital-plan vote "essentially ineffective" because it does not approve funding, according to Patch's earlier reporting. Commission members said the hearing format would reduce confusion while preserving public comment.
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The proposal also expressly bars Board of Finance members from moderating Budget Town Meetings and Budget Referendums. It allows them to serve on town advisory boards or as representatives or advisers to local, regional and state agencies.
At a Sept. 2 public hearing, the Board of Selectmen expressed support for the revisions, according to the hearing minutes. First Selectman George Temple said there were no additional questions about the changes presented. The minutes do not record residents speaking for or against the proposal.
A yes vote would adopt the proposed revisions; a no vote would reject them.
Early voting at Oxford Town Hall, 486 Oxford Road, runs Oct. 19 through Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours extend to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 27 and Oct. 29.
The town says absentee ballots are available through the Town Clerk's Office through Nov. 2. Questions can go to the Registrar of Voters at 203-888-2543 or Town Clerk Laurie Carr at 203-828-6602.
For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.
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