Councilwoman challenges twp. to ‘match’ contribution

Oxford Village’s council has agreed to help sponsor this year’s Christmas parade and one council member issued a challenge to the township government to do the same.

Last week, council voted 4-1 to approve giving the Oxford Chamber of Commerce $1,500 for the Christmas parade, which is scheduled to roll through the downtown on Saturday, Dec. 7.

“(The parade is) an integral part of our community and what we do,” said village President Joe Frost, who made the motion. “I think the more that the village can become engaged with these type of events, the better.”

“It really begins the holiday season for the whole town,” said Amy Desotell, the chamber’s executive director.

Desotell noted that “in years past,” the Christmas parade was “always a village, township, DDA, parks and rec. event,” but “somehow, through the years, it has fallen just on chamber shoulders.”

Councilwoman Maureen Helmuth cast the lone dissenting vote.

“I don’t have a problem making a donation. I have a problem making such a large donation,” she said.

“What would you be comfortable with?” Frost asked.

“I have no idea because I don’t think we have enough information,” replied Helmuth, who wanted to know more about all the various costs involved.

Councilwoman Allison Kemp indicated she had no problem with spending the money because she believes “this parade is for everyone in Oxford,” the village and township alike. She then asked Desotell if a sponsorship donation has been solicited from the township.

Desotell responded she’s “in the process of reaching out to them.”

“I just would love to see more of a unified force behind the community events,” Kemp noted.

“I’m trying to involve everybody in the event, so that it’s a group effort,” Desotell explained.

“I love the Christmas parade. I’m real excited that you guys are making an effort this year because I know it was a little bit smaller last year,” said Councilwoman Kate Logan.

Agreeing with Kemp’s point about unity, Logan went on to say, “We should go ahead and challenge the township to match our contribution.”

“I think that (the parade is) something that all of our community will enjoy,” she said.

Good-natured challenges aside, Frost noted it might not be lawful for the township to donate to something like this.

“They may not have the same legal authority that our charter provides us,” he said.

Desotell said the parade is “a big thing” for Oxford. “It’s something that people look forward to every year,” she said. “It definitely brings the town(ship) and the village together.”

To learn more about parade sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, contact the chamber at (248) 628-0410.