Town Meeting featured spirited debate and lengthy discussion in Lyndeborough, but ultimately voters approved an increased operating budget and all warrant articles.
On the floor, the Select Board proposed adding $20,000 to the operating budget, bringing it to $3,066,855. The increase prompted questions from residents. Officials said the funds would be used for a $5,000 software update, $10,000 for road salt and $5,000 to upgrade the electrical system on the second floor of Citizens’ Hall so it can support a generator for use as an emergency shelter. Currently, the shelter is located at Lyndeborough Central School, and the generator at Citizens’ Hall only serves the first floor.
Capital Improvement Plan Chair Burton Reynolds outlined the history of the plan, noting it took decades to gain public trust. “The hardest part of change is letting go of the old. The CIP was initially not well-received 40 years ago. It has been a wonderful plan and took a long time to build that trust,” Reynolds said.
All CIP articles passed easily except Article 19, which proposed discontinuing the ambulance and medical equipment fund, which currently holds $35,000. The article sparked a lengthy and heated debate.
Reynolds opposed eliminating the fund, arguing that voters had previously committed those funds for that purpose. With Lyndeborough now contracting with Wilton Ambulance, he said the remaining balance could cover the town’s $12,000 annual ambulance costs for nearly three years while earning interest.
Members of the Budget Committee, including Kevin Boette, Alyssa Lavoie and Bob Newton, supported discontinuing the fund and redirecting the money to a proposed grant-matching fund. Article 20 would establish a reserve to strengthen the town’s ability to secure grants.
Select Board Chair Mark Chamberlain said giving the Select Board authority to expend those funds would allow the town to respond to grant opportunities outside the Town Meeting cycle. “If we can get funding, that is less than we will all pay in our taxes,” he said.
Voters also discussed changing the Planning Board from an appointed body to an elected one beginning in 2027.
The meeting concluded with a standing ovation for outgoing moderator Walter Holland, who served from 2002 to 2026. Holland is passing the gavel to Bob Newton, who was elected to replace him.
Reflecting on his tenure, Holland called it “some of the most interesting times in my life,” and shared a lighthearted tradition of trimming his beard before each Town Meeting.
He joked that he has 24 clips of his beard and suggested he should decorate the walls with them. His wife, Karen Holland, chirped up with a resounding “Not” to laughter.
He also spoke about the history and importance of Citizens’ Hall, recalling its renovation and the many community events held there over the years. “This building has a lot of memories, and it means a lot to me and everybody else. Please enjoy it,” he said. “It is wonderful to have such a small town hall in a small town, and that is my contribution to let you know we have a treasure here.”
Holland noted an upcoming dedication of a Revolutionary War monument on Aug. 15 and ongoing fundraising efforts.
The 2026 Town Report was dedicated to Reynolds for his long service to the town, including his recent donation of land adjacent to Citizens’ Hall for potential future expansion. Memorial recognitions were also made for Ralph Dwire and Larry Cassidy for their contributions to the community.