Oxford's proposed 2025 budget for the city's Fire and EMS Fund depends on voters approving a 2.6-mill levy this November. Here's what that budget would look like, and the data behind the Oxford Fire Department's services.
Every November, Oxford passes its city budget for the following year. The city’s proposed budget this year doesn’t just include $13.6 million in general fund expenditures. It also features an increase of more than $1 million in expenditures from the Fire and EMS Fund — if voters pass a 2.6-mill levy in this year’s election.
The Oxford Free Press has previously reported that the Oxford Fire Department would face a $24 million budget shortfall over the next 10 years if the levy fails to pass. Fire Chief John Detherage has said the high number of calls has forced experienced firefighters and paramedics to leave the department and that the “run volume has gotten to the point where we’re just wearing guys out.”
If the levy passes, it will raise $1.283 million per year according to a report by the Butler County Auditor. Miami University has agreed to contribute an additional $1.27 million to the fire department each year for 10 years, but only if the levy passes. The levy would cost property owners $91 per year per $100,000 of property value.
Here’s how the fire department is currently functioning and what the 2025 budget would go toward if the levy passes and the budget is approved:
