Citizen Questions Deal Town Made With Ice Cream Parlor Owner
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By Scott Rensberger
CONTEXT: This article was written in the context of an Oxford Town Meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. We have attached the livestream link for that meeting. Part of the agenda for that meeting was a discussion of water/sewer charges for residents of the town. Mr. Rich Leggett, owner of the Highland Creamery speaks at approximately 39 minutes, 20 seconds.
Stream Video - Town Hall Streams
The following is a letter to the Commissioners from resident Scott Rensberger regarding Mr. Leggett's comments:
Mr. Leggett seemed to be arguing about his water bill increasing for his ice cream business and his multiple apartments above the MEWS. Manager Wahl made it clear that in the past he was being undercharged. Commissioner Donovan reminded Rich Leggett that he only has to pay $1,000.00 a month in rent for the entire MEWS -- the Crown Jewel of Oxford.
Leggett responded to Donovan by saying that he put 1.2 million into the MEWS. But, here's the problem with that number. The Town of Oxford, and the residents of Oxford who technically own the MEWS, have no idea of what Leggett did to our property. Through a past PIA The Town of Oxford informed me that it has zero receipts from Leggett. In fairness to the taxpayers and to Leggett -- everyone should be allowed to see the 1.2 million in receipts. And all of those receipts should be made public.
The Town of Oxford put in at least $800,000.00 into the MEWS -- $500,000.00 in grant funds and $300,000.00 in taxpayer money. When we handed the MEWS over to Leggett the Town had already paid for the construction and architectural fees that practically doubled the size of the building. I also have receipts from the Town where we paid for some type of tile work.
It's impossible for taxpayers, like myself, to verify that 1.2 million number that Leggett tossed out tonight. The Commissioners of Oxford, who represent all of us, should tell Leggett to show the receipts and explain exactly what he did to our building.
For 30 years Leggett only has to pay $1,000.00 a month in rent. Reportedly, his four apartments above the MEWS bring in at least $7,000.00 a month (And I'm not even including the value of the main retail storefront on the lower level).
After 30 years the rent drops to $120.00 a year. (I've never seen anything like this.). So, if you do the math, and I've done it several times, it'll take the Town of Oxford 3,667 years to make our $800,000.00 back. To put that crazy number into perspective -- Gladiators were still killing each other inside the Roman Colosseum only 1,600 years ago.
Leggett was given the deal of the Trimillennium. I think it's only fair that he pays his fair share in water fees like everyone else. I want to see the 1.2 million in receipts.
Here is a copy of the lease agreement between the Town of Oxford and Rich Leggett. This is a public document:
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