Grassroots group unhappy with 2026 Oxford budget

Signs like this one can be seen across Oxford County as the group Stand4Oxford continues to lobby area municipalities for zero tax increase budgets. (Lee Griffi Photo)

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A community group representing county residents delegated to Oxford County Council during last week’s budget meeting, asking for a zero per cent property tax hike. Along with a presentation outlining the reasons why, Stand4Oxford presented council with a petition signed by 1300 people.

“Our most recent campaign, Enough is Enough, began speaking with our friends and neighbours in all eight municipalities of Oxford about affordability and taxation,” said spokesperson Marie Russell during her delegation to council. “What we’ve heard from people is they’re overwhelmed, they’re anxious and are expecting better from all levels of government.”

Russel added affordability isn’t just a political buzzword but also a Canadian crisis and added holding the line at a zero per cent tax increase isn’t unrealistic. She did not lay blame on county staff or elected officials for today’s cost of living, but she did point a finger at the province for a lack of funding.

“It’s important to acknowledge the difficult position municipalities have been placed in by the ongoing provincial downloading and Oxford is no exception. Housing, long-term care, ambulance services and infrastructure demands continue to land at your feet with insufficient funds to address those needs.”

Despite the group’s support for incurring additional expenses at the municipal level, Russell revealed three requests to council during the budget process.

“We are asking staff to categorize all budget lines as core, important or deferrable, and we ask that council communicate clearly to residents which projects are discretionary and which are essential so people can understand where their tax dollars are truly going.”

Stand4Oxford also asked the county to develop and implement a standard practice where municipalities and residents receive clear breakdowns of cost drivers in a public, plain-language summary.

“Showing core versus non-core spending, year-over-year changes, mandated versus optional services and major cost drivers. This kind of public budget documentation is increasingly common across Ontario and it greatly improves public understanding,” explained Russell.

The group’s third request concerns Oxford County’s involvement in the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program, a Canadian climate-action initiative that supports local governments in planning and implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.

“We ask that staff produce a climate budget summary and that they publish a report linking PCP milestones and budget allocations.”

Several councillors responded to Russell’s presentation including Coun. Deb Tait.

“I have been screaming at the top of my lungs for a couple of years now about the taxes so I am glad to see someone from the public has come forward. It is very impressive, the number of people who have signed your petition.”

She added people are struggling with affordability and pointed to the 300 homeowners in the City of Woodstock who have defaulted on their municipal tax bills.

Coun. Deb Gilvesy commended Stand4Oxford for getting involved with the political process.

“I’m glad you came to council. For years we’ve had no one here on budget day…I also think every level of government should be taken to task and should be looking for savings and efficiencies.”

Coun. Jerry Acchione said while he isn’t convinced a zero per cent budget is doable, he added elected officials need to be aware of what they are spending money on and what the need is versus the wants.

“Thank you for being here…and making people aware of the importance of today’s meeting, plain and simple…Nobody seems to care until they get that first tax bill and that’s always frustrating.”

Russell’s presentation was made before council debated the budget and approved a plus-five per cent increase. Stand4Oxdford released a statement following the meeting.

“Stand4Oxford is deeply disappointed by council’s refusal once again to rein in spending and provide real relief to Oxford County taxpayers. While a few councillors—Mayor Acchione, Mayor Gilvesy, and Councillor Tait—showed genuine appreciation for residents’ concerns, the majority chose the same familiar path of higher costs, more consultants, and little acknowledgement of the financial pressures facing families, seniors, and local businesses.”

The three above-mentioned councillors voted against the final budget document. The statement added residents came to council in good faith, offering constructive solutions and asking for responsible stewardship during a time when many are struggling.

“Council’s decision signals a disconnect from the realities in our community, and people are noticing.”

The group also made it quite clear 2026 is an election year at the municipal level and advocated for change.

“Oxford County deserves leaders who listen, who lead with transparency, and who put the public interest ahead of bureaucratic expansion. Stand4Oxford will continue to engage, inform, and mobilize residents who expect better from their elected representatives. The message from the community is growing louder. We are paying attention,” added the statement.”

Stand4Oxford’s vision statement said it “brings together engaged residents to support local governance that reflects the priorities, values, and needs of our community. We encourage transparency, responsible budgeting, and active participation in decisions that affect the future of Oxford County.”

Russell concluded her presentation with a plea for members of council to take to heart.

“We are just coming today, with all due respect, asking you to do what we are doing in each and every one of our households. Thank you.”