Westbrook voters approved the school department’s $57.2 million budget Tuesday, according to unofficial election results.

The proposed school budget is 7.5% higher than last year. The school department cut $1.4 million from the original proposed budget, which would have represented a 10% increase.

With the municipal budget, Westbrook’s total budget is $106.5 million. The tax rate is estimated to increase by $1.15 for a total of $16.25 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation — about 7.61% higher than the current rate.

Town officials reported early Wednesday morning that the budget was approved with 3,175 people voting in support and 1,386 people voting against.

The school department attributed most of the budget increase to staff salaries and benefits, specifically increasing health benefit costs. The department has also seen a reduction in federal funds, as well as decreasing state funding, which is putting more responsibility on local taxpayers.