NEW ULM — After brief discussion Tuesday, Brown County commissioners unanimously approved a 7.99% tax levy increase for 2025.

The $17.8 million 2025 tax levy uses $164,950 in additional reserves to off-set the $17.9 million preliminary 2025 levy, an 8.99% increase using $189,000 of reserve funds.

Commissioner Brian Braun said commissioners “worked hard” to create a 7.99% levy increase at a budget workshop. He made a motion for the 7.99% hike. Commissioner Dave Borchert seconded the motion.

The total county budget increased from $42.4 million in 2024 to $45.8 million in 2025.

Brown County Administrator Sam Hansen said the county board has increased its certified levy 4.47% over the past five years — 3.75% in 2020, 2% in 2021, 4.9% in 2022, 5.9% in 2023 and 5.8% in 2024.

Brown County 2025 budget impacts included hiring a new deputy sheriff in June, a human resources generalist in April plus new workers for income maintenance, adult mental health and an IT administrative assistant/technician.

Other budget impacts for 2025 were higher staff wages and insurance costs and a county program aid reduction after a record state surplus.

Brown County service examples in 2024 included 423 human services child protection reports, 20 out of home placements, 187 adult protection reports screened, 77 accepted for investigation and 3,195 financial assistance cases.

Brown County ranked 20th among 87 Minnesota counties with a 2024 per capita levy rate of $642.63, according to the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

By a 4-1 vote, commissioners established 2025 commissioner salaries at $31,050, plus $1,500 more for the board chairman, $500 more for the vice chairman and $80 per diem (daily living costs when traveling).

Brown County Administrator Hansen said the 2024 15-county average commissioner salary is $31,050. This year, Brown County commissioners earned $28,898 and per diem is $75.

“$31,050 would be an 8% (salary) increase. I’d prefer 4% incremental increases,” said Berg, who cast a dissenting vote.

“The average salary is certainly appropriate,” said Commissioner Scott Windschitl.

“We haven’t had annual (salary) adjustments for a few years. I support the average salary,” said Commissioner Dave Borchert.

“I think we should be at the average salary,” said Commissioner Jeff Veerkamp.