One article was amended and all others passed without change at Tuesday’s deliberative session.

Residents voted to increase proposed funding for the country’s semisesquicentennial celebration in 2026 by $5,000, raising the amount to $15,000. Mandy Sliver spoke on behalf of the celebration, which is being organized by the Monadnock Center for History and Culture.

“I would like to applaud the Select Board and the Monadnock Center for History and Culture for being proactive in organizing this celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” Sliver said. “Because of our fiscal calendar, this is the only chance we will have to set aside funds for this event.”

Carl Mabbs-Zeno spoke for the Budget Committee and laid out the cost drivers in the town’s fiscal 2026 budget of approximately $19 million. Increases include health insurance premiums, which went up by 10.5%; workers’ compensation, which went up by 12%; and property and liability insurance, which went up by 9%. The other major increase in the town’s budget was debt service for the new fire and rescue station campus. The first payment on the bond is $950,951.

“We want to thank our town staff for really keeping an eye on the bottom line this year and being so careful,” said Town Administrator Nicole MacStay.

Residents voted in favor of forgoing an open session of Town Meeting May 14 if the town budget passes in the ballot session May 13.

Bass Road residents speak in favor of road closure

Clover Fiandaca and Alexandra Walker spoke on behalf of the residents of Bass Road who submitted a petition warrant article to reclassify the east end of Bass Road into a Class VI road. If voters approve the article, the town will stop maintaining the east end of Bass Road and the section of the road will be closed with unlocked gates.

Residents say the road has become a dangerous cut-through for people driving from Route 101 and Route 123.

“People just get off the highway and fly down the road and don’t slow down until they get to 123,” Fiandaca said. “It has become very dangerous for residents, especially for children and people trying to walk their dogs. If people tried to stop on the gravel portion of the road, they would not have time to stop.”

Residents have also noted that the turn onto Bass Road from Route 101 is the site of frequent accidents.

Fire Chief Ed Walker said the town’s emergency services and the DPW support the closure as long as they can still access the road in case of emergency, which they would be able to do.

Taylor recognized for service

Town Moderator L. Phillips Runyon III recognized Select Board member Bill Taylor, who is stepping down after serving the town for six years.

“It has been an honor to serve with you, and I just want to express my appreciation for all you have done this community,” said Select Board member Bill Kennedy.

Taylor thanked the town and residents.

“This has been the honor of my lifetime – the trust that was put in me to do this job. I will never forget the people who supported me, and for those who didn’t support me, I hope I have earned your trust since,” Taylor said.

Residents applauded Taylor’s service.

Two residents, Bonnie Tucker and River Marmorstein, have filed as candidates for the open spot on the Select Board and will be on the ballot on May 14.

The Peterborough town warrant is available at peterboroughnh.gov/government/town_meeting/index.php.