Oxford eVote Wins, Budget Still in Limbo
Oxford Town Council's regular monthly meeting last evening looked at two main issues... setting this year's operating budget, and deciding whether to embrace electronic voting.
With an election set for October, Council had been looking at its options for getting the vote counted in the time of coronavirus.
Concerns over having people coming to the polls while social distancing is in effect prompted the look at an alternative voting method. With Halifax Regional Municipality engaging Intelivote Systems Incorporated for their upcoming elections, Oxford and other municipalities were given the option to get in on the deal, which promises to offer certain cost savings as well.
Town staff costed the options for internet and telephone voting versus traditional paper ballots, and a hybrid system including both methods. In the end, Council decided this October's election will be conducted over the phone and on the internet.
Details of the plan and how it will work will be shared with voters in the coming months.
The COVID-19 crisis is causing another headache for Oxford Town Council, as it ponders a draft budget presented last evening. Councillors are looking at ways to ensure the town's bills get paid and core services continue.
With all recreation programming currently suspended in Oxford, the town's recreation director resigned his post to pursue other opportunities. Activities in the fall are uncertain as a second wave of the virus is predicted. Council plans to keep the arena closed for the season.
Chief Administrative Officer Rachel Jones told councillors it would be difficult to put money and effort into opening the arena only to have the province shut down all public events again with another outbreak.
Mayor Trish Stewart says since the town can't know right now whether the arena would be permitted to open in the fall, saving the money that would be used for staff and operations can help to pay off this year's deficit and put the town in a better position to resume activities in the new year.
Stewart noted that recreation is an important part of the town's service. She says, “In this time of uncertainty and without the OK from the province, it is not possible for the town to run recreation programs this summer. Other than organized sports, people could take the opportunity to visit our local trails, beaches and waterfalls within our province. Go fishing, plant a garden, ride a bike. There is much to do and see.”
The mayor added, “Although it is very difficult for the town not have these programs available to us right now, it also gives us the opportunity to do something different than what we would normally do.”
Councillors are taking the rest of the week to think about how the budget should address the increased costs and reduced revenues relating to this public health crisis.
They are tasked with checking with their constituents before returning to council chambers next Monday evening for a special meeting to approve the budget for the year ahead.
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