Oxford Borough Council finalized its 2016 budget on Dec. 21, approving a $3.8 million spending plan that requires a .25-mill tax increase.

Borough council also approved the tax levy ordinance for 2016, establishing a new millage rate of 12.25 mills, up from 12 mills for 2015.

Borough officials spent the last few months looking for ways to balance the spending plan with as small a tax increase as possible. Each department head was asked to reevaluate projected expenditures in the budget line by line and curtail costs whenever possible.

Council member Sue Lombardi said that the department heads did a good job of reducing expenditures.

Overall, year-to-year expenditures are increasing slightly, from about $3.7 million to $3.8 million.

In other business at the Dec. 21 meeting, borough manager Betsy Brantner said that she wanted to reach out to officials at Oxford Area High School to see if there might be high school students who would be interested in working on a promotional video that showcases Oxford’s qualities. Brantner said that it might be beneficial to post this video on the borough’s website and its Facebook page.

Near the conclusion of the meeting, council members and residents thanked Randy Teel for his 16 years of service on borough council. He decided not to seek a fifth term on council in 2015.

Oxford Borough Council's first meeting of 2016 will take place on Monday, Jan. 4, when the annual reorganization meeting is held. Incumbent council members Lombardi and John Thompson will be sworn in for their next four-year terms. Borough council will also welcome a new member, Peggy Ann Russell, who will also be sworn in at the Jan. 4 meeting. Borough council will also elect new officers for 2016 at the same meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. in Borough Hall.