SOUTH HERO, Vt. (WCAX) – With Town Meeting Day just days away, South Hero residents gathered Saturday to discuss ballot items and to recognize one of their longest-serving community members.
Tim Maxham has served the South Hero community for more than 50 years across multiple roles. Saturday marked his last day as town moderator, the position responsible for leading the town meeting ahead of Town Meeting Day.
Maxham moderated the South Hero town meeting for 40 years. Community members said his involvement extends well beyond that role.
“Unofficially we call him the mayor of Grand Isle County,” said Bob Chutter of South Hero.
Chutter and others said Maxham earned that informal title because he participates not only in South Hero local government but also attends school board meetings in both Grand Isle and Alburgh.
“He knows what’s going on, he knows the people in town, he knows the issues and like Bob said he knows the whole county in terms of what’s happening,” said Rich Monterosso of South Hero.
Maxham joined the town’s Development Review Board at age 19. He stepped down from that position last December, just short of 54 years later.
“I had no clue, no clue, I enjoyed it, met a lot of people, never thought of stepping down,” Maxham said.
During that same period, Maxham also served 30 years as a volunteer firefighter. He remains on the school board.
When asked why he has continued his community involvement, Maxham said the motivation is staying informed and engaged.
“I like to be informed, and through discussion if I think some items been missed or short changed, as I did today, I kind of interject some information,” Maxham said.
Maxham said the community connections he has built over the decades have been a constant reward.
“I’m lucky people they come, I know most of them I’ve seen them, I can go around town and people say hi Tim and I don’t have a clue who they are,” Maxham said.
The meeting closed with a public acknowledgment of his service.
“We want to acknowledge him for his dedicated service, thank you Tim,” Chutter said.
Town Meeting Day is Tuesday, March 3.
