Oxford City Council discussed city spending and passed ordinances regarding emergency cold shelters, rezoning and indoor golf simulators at its Sept. 16 meeting.
Elderly Services Program seeks levy renewal
Jennifer Heston-Mullins from the Butler County Elderly Services Program (ESP) Advisory Council presented the program’s increased need for funds as Oxford’s elderly population continues to rise.
The ESP supports Oxford’s elderly population by helping with in-house care and transportation to doctor’s visits, as well as providing home safety modifications.
The levy has been active since 1996 and requires renewal by Butler County voters this November. The ESP seeks to increase the levy from $1.3 million to $2 million, costing taxpayers roughly $4 a month.
“If the levy fails, ESP ends and there’s no continuation funding …” Heston-Mullins said.
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A resolution for an emergency cold shelter
A resolution to authorize a $70,000 grant to the Oxford Vineyard Church was unanimously approved.
The grant will supplement funds raised by local faith-based organizations to establish an emergency cold shelter for homeless people in the Oxford area.
Ann Fuehrer, a board member for Oxford Area Solutions for Housing, said the funds would be used to provide social services, and unused funds would be returned to the city.
“Half of that $70,000 would go to hiring professionally-qualified staff, who will assure the security of our guests, volunteers and staff,” Fuehrer said.
Ordinances for zoning of single and two-family homes
Two ordinances were passed to amend the zoning map of Oxford to allow for the construction of 34 one and two-family homes.
These ordinances received criticism from members of the public who believe the area would be better used as apartment complexes that could provide homes for more families or for businesses that would cultivate a more walkable environment.
Mayor William Snavely considered the rezoning “unwise,” as the new map only partially rezones the area. He expressed doubts that investors would want to build homes in an environment so close to potentially rowdy student apartments.
Oxford will welcome a new indoor golf simulator facility
City council approved the use of 10 N. Beech St., previously the home of the Princess Theater, for an indoor golf simulator. The city council shared its support of local business investing in the Oxford area.
Council member David Prytherch thanked the Miami alumni applicants.
“We have Kofenya thanks to alums and because we have Kofenya then Bodega was saved from becoming something else…” Prytherch said.
Snavely concluded the meeting by condemning political violence, mentioning how the assassination of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk is just the latest of a series of political attacks.
Council will meet again on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Oxford Courthouse.
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