NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners unanimously approved a 9.99% proposed 2026 tax levy increase Tuesday. Brown County Administrator Sam Hansen said the tax hike came about due to Brown County set to receive 5.8% less state and federal revenue including a $65,696 county program aid reduction in 2026. Last year, Brown County received $1,734,009 in County Program Aid in 2025. It will receive $1,668,313 in 2026. He said proposed 2026 county expenditures increased 4.11% from 2025. Hansen said higher expenditures are primarily due to increased state programs and higher county wages, ...