OXFORD – The Village of Oxford is now the only municipality in Chenango County to pass a regulation prohibiting hydrofracking. An amendment to the village’s zoning ordinance prohibiting the practice of high-volume hydraulic fracturing within the village limits was passed by the board of trustees during a special board meeting Tuesday attended by 26 people.

While the Village of Oxford is the only local government to rule against hydrofracking, nine other municipalities in the county have enacted preemptive resolutions permitting the practice. The Town of Oxford has decided to wait for a state decision.

The village’s amendment is defined by its author, pro-bono consulting attorney David Slottje, as a clarification/confirmation of the existing zoning ordinance’s content. Last night, it was passed by a vote of four to one. Board members Joseph Spence, Dale Leach, John O’Connor, and Village Mayor Terry Stark voted for the enactment of the amendment, while Matthew Voce voted against. In a letter dated Jan. 24, the Chenango County Planning Board denied its approval of the amendment, making it

necessary for at least four of the village board members to vote for its enactment in order for it to be passed.

Mayor Stark has sent a response to the county planning board’s letter, addressing its concerns as well as asking for further clarification on a few of the board’s points. The county planning board has informed the mayor its response will by sent out by next week.