OXFORD — Selectmen voted Thursday night to close out the construction loans on the wastewater treatment facility.

The action was a requirement of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a $13.33 million loan and a $10.33 million grant the town received to fund the $23.7 million sewer project.

Town Manager Michael Chammings said he will meet with the bond counsel, the USDA, the chairman of the Board of Selectmen and the clerk on Dec. 16 for the loan closing.

Selectman Scott Hunter asked about a stipulation in the letter from the USDA that required mandatory hookups to the new sewer system.

Chammings said condition became necessary when the town accepted Rural Development monies for the project. The mandatory hookup will only apply to new constructions and existing systems if and when they fail.

Another condition for the loan is that the town will have at least 297 residential users and 86 other users on the existing system once construction has been completed.

Hunter asked if those were realistic figures, and Chammings said the numbers were in line with current projections.

“You’ve got to remember, with users, if you have a 100-unit hotel, that’s 50 users right there,” Chammings said.

Once the loan funds are disbursed, the annual loan payments for the town will be $732,570 for 30 years. The first two years of payments will be interest only, and the remaining 28 years will be equal amortized annual installments.

In other news, selectmen accepted two donations for the Keep Oxford Warm account, one for $1,500 from Oxford Helping Hands, and the other for $2,650 from Daddy O’s Restaurant. Daddy O’s donation came from proceeds of a Thanksgiving meal. The restaurant plans to hold another donation-only meal in January.

A Christmas decorating contest is being held by the Recreation Department. People interested in participating must register their home by calling 539-8094 or emailing [email protected]. Afterward, they must have people nominate their home or yard by Dec. 18. Members of the Recreation Committee will judge the top 12 with the most nominations that weekend. Winners receive an award, bragging rights and a $30 pizza party.

Finally, Chammings addressed rumors that he is leaving as town manager early next year.

“I’m obligated by contract that if I leave, I give a 30-day notice. If I give a 30-day notice, then it’s a public document. No such document exists,” Chammings said.

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