LYNDEBOROUGH – The town’s operating budget for this year is expected to rise about 7 percent, while the overall budget will go up about 9 percent.

The Budget Committee’s public budget hearing on Jan. 29 attracted about a dozen people for an hour-long discussion led by Committee Chairman Karen Grybko.

The operating budget total is $2,670,699, up from $2,468,617, an increase of $176,000.

The main drivers for the increases, Grybko said, were the Highway and Police Departments, four elections this year, and ambulance costs. “The price of everything has gone up.”

Highway expenses are up 14 percent because of wages and overtime. The town will now pay 100 percent of health care in order to remain competitive with neighboring towns. ” A part time position has been eliminated for some savings.

Public Works has taken on several areas, Grybko said, including the cemeteries, common grounds, and building repairs.

The Fire Department is not fully staffed and is seeking help..

There were few questions asked. Tom Chrisenton asked why no funds had been included for the Planning Board to update the town’s Master Plan, something that hasn’t been done for 20 years.

Selectman Mark Chamberlain said it won’t be completed this year as they are still gathering information. A town-wide survey is planned plus hearings.

Grybko added, “It’s an on-going project and here is still a lot of work to be done.”

The warrant for town meeting contains 21 articles with a total expenditure of $320,000. All of the contributions to various Capital Reserve Funds except one will be funded through the Unassigned Fund Balance.

Article 14 asks for $15,000 for the Fire Department Equipment Capital Reserve Fund. This fund covers equipment and gear needed by the Fire Department.

Article 19 includes engineering services for repairs to Citizens’ Hall.

There are concerns about the Hall, Chamberlain said. “It’s not going to fall down”. A study last summer determined the building, which was built in 1899 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was found to be “stable.”

“There are concerns about the foundation and the snow-carrying capacity of the attic,” he said. “These need to be addressed, but there is no immediate danger. We plan to get a design done with the cost estimate.”

Other articles address Veterans tax credits, and adopting the Community Power Plan.

Town Meeting elections, which include nine zoning questions, will be held on Tuesday, March 12 with the business portion set for Saturday, March 16.