Part of the proposal is to renovate a fire department owned building adjacent to the fire station and connect the two to allow for more space for the department’s equipment. (Photo by Zachary Meseck)

OXFORD – After discovering the fire department may be at risk due to erosion of a nearby riverbank, Village of Oxford officials are proposing a 2.8 million dollar investment into the riverbank and expansion of the facility.

On Monday the Village of Oxford held a public forum to discuss erosion concerns of the nearby Chenango River, which may threaten the fire station in the years to come.

Since replacing Oxford’s iconic truss bridge along Main Street about ten years ago the riverbank has seen significant erosion.

The growing concern has prompted village officials to analyze ways to protect the 1970’s era fire station.

Village of Oxford official made no comments at the meeting, which was put on by a paid representative, Hueber Breuer Vice President Sean Foran.

He said the total project cost would be $2.8 million, with approximately $495,000 paid with grants, $430,000 paid with Oxford’s reserves, and the remaining $1,875,000 paid in a bond. He added that it would likely result in a tax increase of about $50 per median household in the Village of Oxford.

The next public meeting about the renovation has been tentatively scheduled for 7 p.m. August 2 at the fire department.

The organization was hired by the Village of Oxford to give the presentation and answered questions from the public at the event.