It was Cr Butcher's last council meeting after 24 years representing the Dunstan constituency on the regional council.
''I've enjoyed the last three years but not enough to make me change my mind,'' he said.
As it was his last meeting, Cr Butcher, chairman of the finance and corporate committee, took the opportunity to move the adoption of the council's annual plan and audit report.
''Since it's the last annual plan I've been involved in.''
He described his time on the council as an ''exciting ride'' which began when the regional council was formed in 1989.
''The ORC has been a big part of my life for the past 24 years.''
Cr Butcher also experienced the introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991, helped develop the first regional policy statement and pest management strategy and was instrumental in the development of the council's 1C and 6A water plan changes.
He and wife Maureen intended to stay in Cromwell, but Cr Butcher aimed to spend more time with his family, especially with his North Island-based grandchildren. Chairman Stephen Woodhead paid tribute to Cr Butcher's dedication and input over the years.
He had been closely involved in the development of policy which had a significant impact on the direction Otago had taken.
''He has a greater impact than anyone in the past, or will ever be able to have in the future of local government in New Zealand.''
Cr Michael Deaker made a point of praising Cr Butcher's enthusiasm, energy and his approach to sustainability, as well as his thoroughness, leadership and intelligence.
''No-one knows Otago, not just Cromwell, but all of Otago, better than that man.''
Cr Butcher's retirement would leave a huge hole at the council table, he said.
The council adopted the annual plan, which showed it employed 130 people, down from 134 the year before.
In the top salary band in the 2012-13 year, four were paid between $180,000 and $279,000, compared with two the year before, who received remuneration in the $200,000 to $319,999 bracket. Eight were in the $120,000 to $179,000 bracket and 14 paid between $100,000 and $119,000.
New chief executive Peter Bodeker had received $151,420 since his employment in November, while former chief executive Graeme Martin received $82,262 for his work from July 1, 2012, to November.
Mr Woodhead received $120,068 and deputy chairman David Shepherd $61,186, while councillors' remuneration ranged from $38,303 to $56,484.
