County council has passed its budget for 2012 at a 1.58% increase. A number of factors included a lengthy discussion over how to decipher a multi residential tax ratio where rental properties are being converted to condos for lower tax rates. Tillsonburg Mayor John Lessif raised concerns over the matter and expressed concern about the impact on the economy and business in both the commercial, residential and large industrial sectors. Woodstock Mayor Pat Sobeski says he?s afraid of the ?double implication? and impact on the city. Warden Don McKay says planning and development are also factors to consider. Tillsonburg Mayor John Lessif suggested to council to add $100,000 to Oxford Tourism. Other Council Members agreed the suggestion is a good idea and will ask Oxford Tourism Specialist Cathy Bingham to develop a business plan and present it to council at a future meeting. Lessif says the money will not have an effect on the over all County levy of just under $50,000,000. Oxford Emergency Services Manager Joe Pember has suggested to purchase a new ambulance at $137,000 in the 2012 budget year and forward the same amount to reserves for future purchases due to aging emergency vehicles.