The fierce snowstorm last week that dumped 30 inches in Lyndeborough postponed Tuesday’s election, but Town Meeting went off Saturday morning at Citizens’ Hall with about 60 residents in attendance.

All the warrant articles passed, including a 38-6 vote to allow Keno, after Lyndeborough Village Store expressed interest in offering the game.

Budget Committee Chair Karen Grybko reviewed the proposed operating budget of approximately $2.5 million, an increase of $80,000. Budget Committee member John Pomer put a motion on the floor to increase the budget by $30,527.82 to fully cover employee health benefits.  The Budget Committee had discussed the benefit coverage and voted 4-4 on increasing benefits from 80 to 85 percent. Town employees will receive a 2 percent COLA and 4 percent merit increase in the proposed budget.

After a brief discussion, the motion failed 23-20, then the original operating budget passed unanimously.

Burton Reynolds addressed the Capital Improvement Plan and said, “It a planning document, not a budget document” and mentioned it is the 40th anniversary of the state authorizing the CIP process. Lyndeborough has successfully used their CIP to put money aside for large purchases such as vehicles.  The cover of the town report featured the 1997 used Spartan fire engine, which was purchased last November for $25,000, replacing the pumper which failed.

Article 21, calling for an engineering study of the Old Temple Road Stone Arch Bridge, drew discussion. The Heritage Commission was seeking $6,000 for an engineering study to examine the condition of the mid-1800s bridge, which is necessary to apply for future grants. Numerous residents had questions about why the study is needed when resident Duane Forleo offered to donate $1,000 to the study, and then Jim Curtis offered another $1,000. The article passed 38-6.

Moderator Walter Holland presided over the meeting, and celebrated 20 years in the role.

Voters will go to the polls on Tuesday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Citizens’ Hall to elect officials and vote on zoning warrant articles.

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