It was a familiar message from Pat Sobeski this morning. Woodstock's Mayor says politicians need to control their urges to spend money and say yes to every project. Sobeski delivered his annual "Breakfast with the Mayor" speech this morning to a Chamber of Commerce crowd. Sobeski drew attention to his latest sticking point with the County, a report (in chart below) that showed increasing garbage bag tag fees, with some of the money decreasing pressure on the tax levy, but also, some of that extra money being stashed away in reserve accounts. "As I pointed out in some of my charts, it seems it's more important to build reserves at the County, than actually provide more competitive prices for industry and consumers." The Mayor has used the theme of spending control in previous speeches to the Chamber, suggesting council needs to be wise with new money coming in from the city's industrial boom. But at the same time, Sobeski says they can't be frugal when it comes to providing essential services. "It's a mugs game if they think they can have a 0% tax increase. You have to have that balance between running the city, looking after existing infrastructure, and making sure your maintaining that." Sobeski's speech also hilighted future projects the city is working on, like improving water quality in Cedar Creek, developing the James St. Public Works Yard, and a new north-end recreation complex.

Tip Tuesday with the Oxford OPP - September 2026
Suspect Wanted in Dirt Bike Hit and Run
Stelco to Lay Off Hundreds of Workers
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Oxford County
A Record Breaking Hike for Hospice in Woodstock
Flu Season Begins in SWPH Region
Interview with a City Councillor - September 28th, 2026
OCFA Debate in Embro Tonight
PJHL Recap - Sept 25th to Sept 27th
Navy Vets Recap - Sept 25th and Sept 26th
Fall Fest Returns to Museum Square
CAMI and Unifor Local 88 Receive Wes Magill Award
Bridge Closure in Otterville Today
Oxford County Wants Your Climate Stories
Charges Laid after Single-Vehicle Collision
SIU Closes Investigation in Embro
Collision in Zorra Sends Two to Hospital
PJHL Preview - Sept 25th to Sept 27th
Fatal Fire Investigation Concludes in Simcoe