South Hero Honors Longtime Community Member Tim Maxham

Maxham steps down as town moderator after 40 years of service ahead of Town Meeting Day

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Tim Maxham, a longtime community member in South Hero, Vermont, was honored by residents on Saturday for his over 50 years of service to the town. Maxham is stepping down as the town moderator, a position he has held for 40 years, ahead of Town Meeting Day on March 3. Community members praised Maxham's deep involvement in local government and his reputation as the "mayor of Grand Isle County" for his participation in meetings across the region.

Why it matters

Maxham's retirement from the town moderator role marks the end of an era in South Hero, as he has been a fixture in the community for over half a century. His departure highlights the importance of civic engagement and the role that long-serving community members can play in shaping a town's identity and priorities.

The details

Tim Maxham first joined South Hero's Development Review Board at the age of 19 and served in that role for 54 years until last December. He also spent 30 years as a volunteer firefighter and currently serves on the school board. As town moderator, Maxham was responsible for leading the town meeting ahead of Town Meeting Day, a role he held for 40 years. Community members praised Maxham's deep knowledge of local issues and his ability to keep residents informed and engaged.

  • Tim Maxham joined the South Hero Development Review Board at age 19.
  • Maxham served on the Development Review Board for nearly 54 years, stepping down in December 2025.
  • Maxham moderated the South Hero town meeting for 40 years.
  • Maxham was honored by the community on Saturday, February 28, 2026, ahead of Town Meeting Day on March 3, 2026.

The players

Tim Maxham

A longtime community member in South Hero, Vermont, who has served the town in multiple roles for over 50 years, including as town moderator for 40 years, a volunteer firefighter for 30 years, and a member of the Development Review Board for nearly 54 years.

Bob Chutter

A South Hero resident who referred to Maxham as the "mayor of Grand Isle County" due to his deep involvement in local government across the region.

Rich Monterosso

A South Hero resident who praised Maxham's extensive knowledge of local issues and the people in the town.

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What they’re saying

“Unofficially we call him the mayor of Grand Isle County.”

— Bob Chutter, South Hero resident (921wvtk.com)

“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.”

— Rich Monterosso, South Hero resident (921wvtk.com)

“I had no clue, no clue, I enjoyed it, met a lot of people, never thought of stepping down.”

— Tim Maxham (921wvtk.com)

“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.”

— Tim Maxham (921wvtk.com)

“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.”

— Tim Maxham (921wvtk.com)

What’s next

Town Meeting Day is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, where South Hero residents will gather to discuss ballot items and continue the town's legacy of civic engagement.

The takeaway

Tim Maxham's retirement from the town moderator role after over 50 years of service to South Hero highlights the importance of long-serving community members who dedicate themselves to keeping residents informed and engaged in local government. His deep knowledge of the town and its people exemplifies the value of sustained civic participation.