NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners will consider an application to abate taxes for new home construction for up to five years on Tuesday, May 17.

The city of Springfield recently had a three-year window of 50% (tax) abatement with no applications. They are interested in increasing the incentive to build new homes. A public hearing date could be held Tuesday, June 7.

Commissioners will also consider:

• A proposed Canadian Pacific Railroad agreement to update the CSAH 13 (Boundary Street) crossing in New Ulm to concrete. Brown County has been working for two years with the railroad to complete the agreement. The railroad agreed only if Brown County pays for the project, estimated to cost $130,900.

• Planning commission recommendations from a May 10 meeting, including an application by Corey Huiras, Section 8, Leavenworth Township, to continue to allow up to 600 animal units in a hog finishing operation, all in the A-1 Agricultural Protection Zone.

In addition, commissioners will consider one preliminary plat application and four final plat applications.