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County Council Debate Court Security Cost

A hot topic at the latest Oxford County Council meeting is who should cover court security costs

OXFORD COUNTY - Court security funding was brought up again at the latest Oxford County Council meeting.

At the November 25th meeting the Woodstock Police Board requested funding from council as they felt Woodstock should not have to solely cover the cost of things like security and transportation.  Mayor of Woodstock, Trevor Birtch, explains what happened to this point and how this will proceed in the future.  "In years gone by there had been a grant in place from the County of Oxford to help offset some of the costs that aren't covered directly by the province through other funding streams.  We're also entrusting the Warden to talk to all of the area municipalities to see about coming up with a better funding solution for this valuable service."  

Now that Warden David Mayberry will be sent to neighbouring municipalities, Mayor Birtch feel the county nees to step up as the courthouse serves more than just Woodstock.  "There are a lot of services that are here in Woodstock that are not available elsewhere in the county.  We serve as a central hub for 108,000 citizens, a lot of these services that the city supports directly on its tax levy also benefits people from East Zorra Tavistock, Tillsonburg and Thamesford.  We know that there are individuals from all over county who appear at the courthouse."  

Mayor Birtch knows this isn't the last time this issue will be faced in front of council.  "This is a one time deal for 2016 and based on the report that comes back from the Warden, council will have another more full discussion during 2016 to see what we are doing in future years."  

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