Oxford · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Oxford public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Water and Solid Waste Rate Increases
Water bills could rise 10% to help repay loans for the $24.7 million water treatment plant modernization, and trash rates would go up 4% under the Rumpke contract.
Ardmore Avenue water main replacement
The plan puts $460,850 toward replacing the old four-inch cast iron water main on Ardmore Avenue between South Campus and East Chestnut, plus $200,000 for lead service line replacements citywide.
EV fast chargers at Main & Church
Six fast chargers are coming to the uptown surface lot and municipal building lot, fully state-funded, with Duke Energy supplying the transformers.
Water facilities loan (WSRLA)
The city bought an automated valve exercising machine for the water system, partially paid with $17,800 in ARPA funds — routine maintenance that helps prevent water main problems.
Bonham Road Stormwater Conduit
A new 48-inch stormwater conduit will be installed on Bonham Road, funded by an Ohio Public Works Commission grant — improving drainage and reducing flooding risk in that area.
Duke Energy electric rate increase
Duke has applied to raise electric distribution rates in 2027 — the residential customer charge would jump 75% from $8 to $14 a month, plus a 30% energy-charge increase.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Phosphorus Removal
The city must cut phosphorus in its treated discharge from about 2.5 to 1 mg/L per Ohio EPA rules by early 2027. A $659,945 contract will add chemical treatment, with the phosphorus ending up in biosolids spread on Butler County farm fields.