The residents, business owners, and taxpayers of Oxford Borough, stand firmly opposed to any measures that would dismantle, downsize, or outsource our local police department. Our community deserves the dedicated, rapid-response protection that only our own in-house officers can provide.

We understand that the Borough is facing real financial and structural budget challenges going into 2026. However, sacrificing our community safety should never be the solution. Instead of cutting vital public safety services, the Borough must aggressively pursue alternative revenue streams that target the modern realities of our local tax base.  

The 40% Reality: It’s Time for PILOT Programs

According to the Borough’s own Strategic Management Plan, approximately 40% of the usable property in Oxford generates zero tax revenue because it is designated for tax-exempt institutional, educational, or religious use.  

While these organizations are valued pillars of our town, they still utilize Borough infrastructure, roads, and—most importantly—our police services.

We encourage the Borough Council institute a Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) program targeting these large, tax-exempt non-profit institutions. Under a PILOT agreement, these entities make voluntary, negotiated contributions to the general fund or directly sponsor public safety costs (such as purchasing specific police equipment or funding an officer’s salary) to fairly offset the burden they place on municipal services.  

Better Financial Solutions to Save Our Department:

Instead of looking at our police force as a budget liability, the Borough Council should look to these concrete financial initiatives outlined in municipal planning:

1. Aggressively Pursue PILOT Agreements: Partner with local non-profits and large institutional properties to secure fair municipal cost-sharing.

2. Maximize Modernization Grants: Secure STMP (Strategic Management Planning) Phase 2 state grants to upgrade municipal software, lowering administrative overhead and saving taxpayer dollars.  

3. Protect Local Control: Keep our tax revenue local rather than liquidating a vital community asset for short-sighted, short-term budget fixes.

Our local officers know our streets, our businesses, and our families. They are the ones who show up when seconds count. We urge the Borough Council to protect the Oxford Borough Police Department and aggressively implement creative revenue solutions that ensure everyone who benefits from our town helps pay to keep it safe.

Sign this petition to tell Borough Council: Save our police, protect our community, and look to the 40% for fair revenue solutions!