OXFORD – More than 30 Oxford residents filed into the Oxford American Legion on South Washington Ave. on Tuesday as the Oxford town and village planning boards convened for their second joint meeting of the year.

Tuesday’s meeting stems from the idea that both planning boards should work collaboratively to update the Oxford comprehensive plan for the town and the village. According to Oxford officials, the added insight each municipality brings to the table is an invaluable benefit for all Oxford residents.

While the prospect of high volume hydraulic fracturing remains at the forefront for many living in the Oxford area, a well developed comprehensive plan would also focus on other aspects of community and economic development, including agriculture in the town and growth of small business in the village.

The two planning boards propose hiring a private consultant to work with them to develop and implement a viable comprehensive plan. Cost of the project - estimated to range between $10,000 and $20,000 - would be shared between the two municipalities.

Tuesday’s meeting served as a follow-up to a similar meeting held in May, after which Oxford town and village officials communicated with local residents about what should be addressed in an updated joint comprehensive plan. In that time, the village planning board has also contacted five private consulting firms to discuss how each might be able to help in the process.