Oxford County introduces draft 2025 budget with proposed 12.5 per-cent levy increase

By Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Oxford County recently released its draft 2025 budget and, if approved as is, would result in a 12.5 per cent increase for taxpayers.

Last year’s budget hit taxpayers in the pocket at a 16.7 per-cent increase.

“The county budget is still in its draft stage and has only been available for four days. The initial number of 12.5 per cent is high as far as I am concerned, and I am hopeful we can reduce it significantly,” said Oxford County councillor and East Zorra-Tavistock (EZT) Mayor Phil Schaefer.

The Gazette asked him what in the document should be of interest to township residents.

“EZT residents are, and should be, interested in its financial impact on their taxes. As it has only been available for a few days, and we have numerous meetings to get into it in a detailed fashion, I would have to answer that question once that has happened,” he said.

The budget is expected to be approved on Dec. 11.