On Tuesday, a little over 200 residents participated in a vote in Vernon, resulting in the approval of a school budget totaling $7,933,289. This budget equates to roughly $15,762 per student, marking a slight increase of about 0.1 percent from the previous year’s figure.

The newly appointed Town Clerk, Heidi Johnson-Clement, reflected on her first experience with the electoral process, noting that inclement weather impacted the day. She expressed gratitude for the strong support from the community, which helped ease the stress of her initial election.

Voter turnout also led to the reelection of Jean Carr and Shelli Dunklee Harvey to the Select Board, while Joshua Kubecka secured the position of treasurer. Additionally, Chad Baldwin was elected as the town’s lister, and Marylynn Scherlin was designated as the tax collector.

The budget vote included approval for several funds. A general fund of nearly $2.5 million was sanctioned, as well as allocations of $614,000 for capital projects, $170,000 dedicated to the library, and $210,000 for various highway and culvert works. Voters allocated $50,000 for elderly assistance, $20,000 for scholarships, $17,000 for the Gov. Hunt Community Center, and $15,000 for the emergency management center.

Moreover, a reallocation of funds occurred, with $5,400 transferred from the Town Picnic Reserve Fund to establish a new Community Harvest Festival Reserve Fund and $10,000 designated for the Fire Dredging Reserve Fund. Additionally, several candidates, including Jesse Jobin, Chad Baldwin, Kerry Amidon, and Daniel Amidon, were elected to the school board.