A proposal to reduce Oxford Township’s business hours in order to save money was defeated by officials last week in a 5-2 vote.
‘To me, there’s other waste within the township budget that you get rid of before you start cutting service to our taxpayers,? said Treasurer Joe Ferrari.
A motion was made by Clerk Clara Sanderson to reduce the township’s business hours from 40 to 35 hours a week. Instead of operating from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, the office on Dunlap Road would have opened at 9 a.m.
‘This was one way of cutting back expenses,? Sanderson said. ‘It was just a suggestion as one of the means to address our budget shortfall.?
The township is facing serious financial difficulties due to new home construction’s virtual standstill as a result of the state’s poor economy.
But Ferrari wanted to address the fat in the township budget before doing anything that would directly impact residents.
‘When we start getting rid of the waste that exists in the township, I’ll be the first one to cut services,? the treasurer said. ‘But until I see that waste gone, there’s no way I’ll cut services for our residents.?
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