Keeping costs at a bare minimum was the general theme at Dunbarton’s town meeting.

“Kudos to the various department heads and the select board for working diligently to keep an eye on the budget with level services with minimum increases,” said Michael Kaminski, select board chair at Tuesday’s meeting.

However, he cautioned that such fiscal prudence might not be guaranteed in the future with the inflation rate.

Despite controlling costs, inflation drove up expenses such as employee compensation, trash disposal, software technologies, legal fees and utilities. But, the surplus from the unassigned fund balance helped to prevent a major tax hike for residents.

The operating budget of $3.31 million passed with no comment from residents. After adjustments for fund surplus and revenue estimates, the portion to be covered by taxes is $1.88 million, resulting in a tax impact of 17 cents, which is about $51 annually for a $300,000 home.

When it was time to vote on the warrant article proposing the purchase of a new fire truck, valued at around $900,000, Fire Chief Jon Wiggin stepped forward to the microphone and asked the residents to oppose it.

“In the 11th hour, a truck became available that we felt was going to serve the town for quite a few years. Instead of spending $900,000, we just spent $285,000,” explained Wiggin, drawing applause from the residents who then voted against the article.

In the time-honored tradition of Dunbarton’s annual meeting, the selection of the Hog Reeves, a role typically bestowed upon a newlywed couple from the previous year, carried on this year too.

Two married couples, William Cote and Joyce Hammond, along with Nathan Valliere and Makenna Philippon, were nominated by the town to share the responsibilities. However, neither couple was in attendance.

John Trottier, the moderator thanked the previous Hog Reeves for keeping the town’s roads free from any wandering swine.

“They did a pretty good job,” he said. “I didn’t see many hogs running around.”

After approving all warrant articles, the entire town rose to its feet, showering Linda Landry, the town clerk, with a heartfelt standing ovation in recognition of her 28 years of service.

“Just what a reward, it’s very special to have very town clerks like Linda,” said David Nault, select board member. “Obviously a great person to have for the town and for everybody to know her.”

Landry’s tenure places her as the second longest-serving town clerk in Dunbarton’s history, trailing behind David Hadley, who holds the record with 50 years of service.

“You folks were awesome during all of this time and I want to thank you for making this so hard, to make the decision to move on,” she said.