Oxford leaders debate town meeting versus referendum for 2026 budget

Oxford Selectboard members debated whether to hold the annual budget as an open town meeting or move to a referendum ballot.

Proponents of a referendum argued that a ballot process increases participation and allows absentee voting, expanding accessibility. Supporters also said a larger, more representative sample size could improve accountability on budget decisions. Opponents urged caution, saying tradition and the in-person town meeting allow attendees to question and amend warrant articles and that a referendum forces an all-or-nothing yes-or-no choice on the higher recommended dollar amount.

The chair and clerk explained procedural differences: a referendum requires an earlier public hearing and timeline adjustments to accommodate ballot printing and absentee voting; the higher of two committee recommendations typically appears in the warrant article for referendum. Board members expressed concern about timeline constraints for this year and the additional workload for staff. One committee member proposed holding a town meeting at a larger venue (the elementary school) or moving to a weekday evening to increase turnout if the board decides against a referendum.

The board did not make a final choice at this meeting; members agreed to vote at the next meeting on whether to move the budget to a referendum or keep an open town meeting and to provide a timeline matrix to assess feasibility.

Ending: The Selectboard will vote at its next meeting whether to adopt a referendum timetable or retain the town meeting format; staff will prepare a timeline and cost estimate for a referendum if requested.