Council this Week: Highlights from the September 27 County Council agenda - 20230927

2004 Budget survey results, land ambulance response times, housing density, credit rating and more

County Council meetings are broadcast live at www.oxfordcounty.ca/livestream. To download the full agenda or view past recordings of council meetings, visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/council.

Beginning September 2023, all County Council meetings will be held at a start time of 9:30 a.m. More

2004 Budget survey results

County Council will hear the results of the 2024 Budget survey next council meeting. More than 450 comments and suggestions on Oxford County services were received through 1,009 responses to the online public survey. Of that, 68% responded that they believe they receive fair or good value for their tax dollar. The majority of respondents felt that each of the County’s services should be at least maintained at the current service levels. When asked to rank the top three priorities for their community, overall respondents identified Affordable housing (34.8%), Safe Communities – Police (23.7%), and Active living – Parks & Trails (19.3%).

CS 2023-31 - 2024 Budget Engagement Survey

Increasing housing density

Oxford County staff are reporting back to Council with a plan to move forward with the consideration of options to allow for increased residential density in Oxford’s fully serviced communities. The staff report contains a proposed workplan for Community Planning staff to begin working with the County and area municipal staff and councils to formally review and consider various implementation measures that could further support and enable housing types, heights, and densities that would increase the range of housing options for residents, while also more efficiently using land, infrastructure and public services.

CP 2023-288: Increasing Residential Density – Next Steps

Land ambulance response times

Oxford County Paramedic Services presents its proposed response time performance plan for 2024 next Council meeting. The report notes a surge in emergency call volumes over recent years, with a 32% increase from 2020 to 2022 to 19,248 emergency calls, and 2023 already tracking at a 10% increase over last year. With this increase, the report notes, Paramedic Services may need to consider additional resources to meet its response time targets, which are in line with those of other Ontario municipalities. Land ambulance services are required by the provincial government to monitor response times and to investigate instances where provincial standards are not met.

PS 2023-01: 2024 Land Ambulance Response Time Performance Plan

Credit rating review

Oxford County maintained its AAA/Stable rating this year, affirming its prudent financial management practices and strong budgetary performance in 2022. The rating reflects the expectation that the County will continue to demonstrate strong budgetary balances and maintain a healthy liquidity position over the next two years. Last year, Oxford’s credit rating increased to AAA from a previous rating of AA+, which it had held for the past seven years.

CS 2023-32: Credit Rating Review – 2023

Questions or comments?

Council this Week highlights Council activities for the public, employees and community partners. Please send your questions and comments to communications@oxfordcounty.ca

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