SOUTH ROYALTON — Voters easily approved increases to Royalton’s general fund and highway budgets during Town Meeting on Tuesday.

The general fund budget, which passed with no discussion and a showing of cards, stands at nearly $1.28 million, an increase of nearly $80,000, or 7 percent.

Meanwhile, the highway budget, which also passed in a showing of cards, is $1.04 million, a 10 percent increase over last year’s spending plan.

As a result, the tax rate is expected to increase 5.5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. That amounts to an additional $138 in taxes on a $250,000 home.

Tuesday’s meeting was the last with Selectboard Chairman Larry Trottier serving in an official capacity. Trottier, owner of farm equipment L.F. Trottier & Sons, is stepping down after 15 years on the board.

“So God created the heavens and the earth, and then the earth cooled and then Larry was elected to be chairman of the Selectboard,” said Selectboard member Tim Dreisbach to laughter from the crowd.

Dreisbach went on to compliment Trottier for his many accomplishments in town, including work to build a new office, obtaining easements along the White River and helping craft budgets.

“Thank you sir, for all you’ve done on behalf of everyone,” he said, followed by a standing ovation for Trottier.

Trottier said it was his pleasure to be able to serve the community, and has always tried to work honestly and openly to better Royalton.

“Thank you every so much for the support over the years,” he said.

Residents voted, 74-40, to extend the term of Royalton’s town clerk from one to three years, and passed by a showing of cards a five-year tax exemption for the Royalton Area Food Shelf.

The move will reduce the food shelf’s overall tax burden by $2,500, from about $3,100, said Joshua Moore, pastor of the United Church of South Royalton. The food shelf served about 1,700 families, or roughly 3,500 people, last year, he said.

Voters also approved $347,236 in spending for Royalton-based organizations, including the Royalton Memorial Library, South Royalton Fire District, town band and the community food shelf. Another $25,324 was approved for nonprofits that serve the town.

There were two contested races for Selectboard seats on the town ballot this year.

Timothy Murphy defeated Selectboard member Gidget Lyman for a two-year term, while Phoebe Preston defeated Bob Slattery for the open three-year seat.

Tim Camerato can be reached at tcamerato@vnews.com or 603-727-3223.