Moderator george boylen had his hands full during the first session of town meeting monday night, as the electronic voting system failed. Votes were taken the ‘old way’ — by voice and raised hands. [Image from HullTV]

Town Meeting 2026 got off to a slow start Monday night, with a faulty electronic voting system resulting in voice votes instead of the use of clickers and the accomplishment of only the consent agenda and three other warrant articles – salaries of elected officials, the general government and school budgets, and a citizens’ petition – out of a total of 44.

More than 400 citizens were present at the beginning of the meeting -- which started shortly after 7 p.m. – including 56 whom Town Moderator George Boylen said “are here for the first time.”

Voters approved the town’s $56M operating budget and the original proposal for the schools — turning down a cut of $284,132 proposed from the floor.

Before adjourning for the night, voters also rejected Article 35, a citizens’ petition that would have changed the town’s capital planning process.

Town meeting continues Tuesday, May 5, at 7 p.m. at the high school.

Check this week’s edition of The Hull Times for full details.

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