By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

Oxford residents once again expressed concerns about rumors regarding the regionalization of the Oxford Police Department.

Oxford Borough resident Daniel Graham stated, “We are hearing rumors about the Oxford Police Department. I want to know if there will be a specific meeting about this (regionalization), and if the residents will be notified.”

The rumors first surfaced back in November of last year when borough residents and residents from neighboring municipalities showed up at a meeting to ask questions about the rumors. It was explained by borough council that the borough participated in a grant-funded financial assessment through the state’s Strategic Management Planning Program, also known as STMP or “STAMP.” That assessment, completed by Keystone Municipal Solutions, analyzed the borough’s finances—looking five years back and projecting into the future five years. The assessment found that the borough’s small tax base has put pressure on the operating budget and real estate tax millage rate, which is the third-highest in Chester County. It also found that the Oxford community is characterized by relatively low-income levels, high poverty rates, and low homeownership rates. The plan advised that strengthening the borough’s fiscal position and addressing other key challenges will require a combination of revenue enhancements, strategic investments, and expense reductions. 

The plan also said that if the borough wanted to forgo future tax increases, the borough officials could consider changes to how they provide police and public safety services. The plan included a list of potential changes to consider, including reducing the number of officers and the possible regionalization of police services. 

Council member Peggy Ann Russell clarified at that time that no one on borough council or the borough manager is advocating for any specific change to the police department. Russell said that they are not experts in public safety but will look to the borough’s police chief and other experts in public safety for advice on how any potential change could impact public safety. 

As part of Phase 2 of the Strategic Management Planning Program, Oxford officials are pursuing a peer review of the police department through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. That review would evaluate staffing levels needed in the borough based on the community profile and call volumes, and would assess the feasibility of regionalization. In no way does participation in the STMP program and assessing staffing levels in the borough mean that Oxford officials do not support our police. These assessments are meant to help council make informed, data-driven decisions about how to use limited resources to support the delivery of all municipal services. 

Furthermore, in a previous Finance Committee meeting, Oxford Borough manager Pauline Garcia-Allen told the public, “There are no police or staff cuts for our 2024 budget.”

Council is still waiting for a final review, but residents continue to express concerns about the Oxford Police Department.

Borough solicitor Stacey Fuller said, “There will be a public meeting when the review is completed.”

Russell, who chairs the Finance Committee, said, “If we look at the cost of having our own department and then have the cost to regionalize, I’m not in favor of regionalization, but people in the borough can’t handle more taxes.”

Graham said he would appreciate more information—and that he wouldn’t support regionalization.

Mayor Phil Harris said, “We have done accreditation, we are investing in this department. As soon as we have information, we will give it to you. Stay involved.”

Council member Bill Fitzpatrick added, “The best thing you can do is call your legislator and tell them to give us more options. Call surrounding townships and tell them to contract services from our police department. Call surrounding townships and ask them if they want a local police force.” 

Council member Luke Neidigh said, “Check out our website. Everything we do is on our website.”

In other business at the meeting, Beth Uhler, the Pennsylvania director of the Center for Watershed Protection gave council a report about the Oxford Borough Stormwater Ordinance Update.

“I met with Pauline [Garcia-Allen] and Kathryn [Cloyd] and we focused on changes and some minor updates. We will have the ordinance back here at the next meeting and then it can be approved for advertising,” she said. “We expect it to be completed in October.”

Police Chief Sam Iacono presented his monthly report to council.

“We have three applicants that will be taking our next test,” he said. “We have two officers that can retire. I’m not sure they are planning on that.”

Harris said he was approached by Chris Grove from the Oxford Chamber of Commerce about having a National Night Out. We will be doing that next August.”

Fuller told council that she is working on the police policy manual and in this process of updating it.

Oxford Borough Council approved the following motions at the meeting:

• Acceptance of an extension which will run through and include the date November 18, 2024, for review of Enox Land LP’s preliminary land development plan of the Moran Farms Property.
• Spotts Stevens and McCoy proposal in the amount of $4,900 to complete revisions to the borough’s pollutant reduction plan as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
• A resolution # 1387 - 2024 adopting a new open records policy. The borough will no longer accept an anonymous request.
• A resolution #1388 - 2024 appointing Arlene Harrison as the borough’s assistant Right-to-Know officer.
• SLC Excavating Pay Application #1 in the amount of $41,697.32 for the Community of Love Lutheran Church Stormwater Project, as part of the borough MS4 Pollutant Reduction Plan. The borough has received a grant that covers the majority of the cost.
• Approval of the 2025 Minimum Municipal Obligation for the Police Pension Plan in the amount of $170,525.38.
• Approval of the 2025 Minimum Municipal Obligation for the Non-Uniformed Employee Pension Plan in the amount of $59,294.39.
• A motion to approve the special event permit application for SILO, (Serving, Inspiring & Loving Others) for the SILO Garden Happy Hour event.

During public comment, Pat Carnevale offered kudos to Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. for a great car show.