RESULTS: Oxford Power Plant Tax Stabilization Referendum Decided

UPDATE: In a very close vote, Oxford residents cast 2,296 ballots on Thursday out of approximately 8,100 registered voters, and the results are the tax stabilization agreement was rejected by residents.

A total of 1,182 residents voted against the tax deal and 1,114 residents voted to support the tax deal.

We’ll update this story to see what is next for the proposed power plant, but town officials have said even if the tax deal was rejected the operators of the plant are still committed to the project.

Original post: There’s no deny that the future of a power plant in Oxford has drawn a lot of emotion over the past few years, and it’s seemingly all coming to a head on Thursday, Feb. 11.

Oxford residents will head to the polls and be asked to vote either “yes” or “no” on whether to approve a $112 million tax stabilization agreement.

Residents will vote from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Quaker Farms School.

CPV Towantic wants to pay Oxford $112 million over the next 22 years in lieu of taxes.

Oxford’s First Selectman George R. Temple has been a big proponent of the project saying the agreement and plant could result in tax cuts, provide funds for a new library, and money to help construct a new elementary school, the Republican-American reports.

Several residents, including those outside of Oxford, oppose the project at any price citing health concerns and declining property values. Others believe Oxford’s not receiving its fair share under the tax stabilization agreement.

• Related links: Letter: Telling the ‘Truth’ About the Oxford Power Plant Tax Referendum
• LETTER: Reasons Why the Oxford Power Plant Tax Deal is Bad for Taxpayers

However, CPV Towantic has approval from the Connecticut Siting Council to construct a 785-megawatt plant in Oxford on Woodruff Hill Road near the Middlebury line.

Temple told the Rep-Am that if the tax agreement is rejected the old prior tax agreement for a smaller plant will go into effect, and Oxford would only receive $56 million and not $112 million as if currently on the table.

But other say that if residents reject the tax agreement Thursday, then the town can simply tax the power plant like it would any other taxpayer.

Temple has insisted that the tax stabilization agreement is a very good deal financially for the town.

One thing is certain, Temple said, if the tax agreement is rejected, CPV isn’t going anywhere after investing three years of time and millions of dollars already into the Oxford project.

Read the full Republican-American report here.

The following links are shared on the town of Oxford’s website and relate to the referendum Thursday.

For your convenience here they are:

• Copy of sample ballot

Copies of Tax Agreements

• www.oxford-ct.gov/home/news/tax-stabilization-agreement-12162015
• www.oxford-ct.gov/home/news/amended-restated-development-agreement-121615
• www.oxford-ct.gov/home/news/amended-and-restated-community-support-agreement-121615

Memorandum D.E.E.P:

• www.oxford-ct.gov/home/files/memorrandum-power-plant

Memorandum of Decision-Court

• www.oxford-ct.gov/home/files/memorandum-of-decision