Interview with the Warden - Dec 12th 2024

Thursday, 12 December 2024 10:24

Oxford County Council approved the budget for 2025 but deferred the signing of a new waste collection contract until the New Year.

OXFORD COUNTY - Oxford County now has a budget in place for 2025.

Council signed off on the budget and business plan yesterday, which was their last meeting of the year.

Warden Marcus Ryan says it includes an 8.8 increase to the tax levy.

"That is not the increase that you will see on your property tax bill. Your property tax bill is made up of three components with the Oxford County portion, your area municipal portion which for Heart FM studio would be the City of Woodstock and where I live would be the Township or Zorra, and then the education portion which is set by the province."

Council decided to approve the motion that Warden Ryan had brought forward to get rid of the development charge exemption for industries. This brought the tax levy down by 3.8 percent.

Warden Ryan says the budget includes the hiring of more paramedics, in response to the 10 percent increase in paramedic calls with a two percent population growth.

Oxford County Council has also decided to hold off on signing a new waste collection contract with Emterra Environmental until the New Year. The motion brought forward by staff yesterday asked council to approve a new six-day collection schedule for garbage and organics, plus a two-bag limit for garbage.

After discussing all of the other potential options for waste collection, Warden Ryan says council has decided to defer the final decision to January 8th.

"I really don't think there is going to be any new information to come forward. I think council has to just look over each one and together has to think through the options they want to consider, weigh the pros and cons, and come back to make a decision on January 8th."

Council also made the unanimous decision to appoint Ingersoll Mayor Brian Petrie as the Deputy Warden for 2025. The Deputy Warden jumps in to assist the Warden if they are unable to chair a meeting or attend an event.

Blandford-Blenheim Mayor Mark Peterson was the Deputy Warden for 2024, and Warden Ryan says it was a pleasure working with him.

"He did a fantastic job supporting me and supporting the County more importantly."

With today being the Warden's last interview on Heart FM before the New Year, he wished everyone a happy holiday season. He also encouraged everyone to be in the moment, and make a donation somewhere to help the less fortunate.

You can listen to the full interview below: