NEW ULM — Brown County Commissioners reorganized Tuesday, electing District 6 Commissioner Jeff Veerkamp as chairman and District 3 Commissioner Scott Windschitl as vice chairman.

Commissioners unanimously approved:

• A 2023 agreement with the Brown Soil and Water Conservation District for Wetland Conservation Act Technical Evaluation Panel assistance. The Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) funds the National Resources Block Grant (NRBG) program and other conservation programs.

The Fiscal Year 2023 NRBG awarded $8,778 to Brown County Planning and Zoning to administer the WCA. The Brown County Planning and Zoning Officer provides Wetlands Conservation Act (WCA) service assistance to county residents.

• Renewing the 2023 consulting services control with Madden Galanter Hansen, LLP, Plymouth to assistance as needed to address union labor contract matters. Rates are $200 per hour for basic labor relations services and $210 an hour for representation in arbitration and administrative hearings.

• Renewing the appointment of Brown County Coroner Dr. Terence J. Knowles at a monthly stipend of $350 effective Jan. 1, 2023 through Dec. 31, 2026.

Brown County Attorney Chuck Hanson said doctors in Springfield have contacted him about becoming deputy county coroners. Hanson said Dr. Knowles would have to approve deputy coroners.

Commissioner Dave Borchert suggested meeting with Dr. Knowles to create a deputy coroner list.

• Approving the conditional appointment of Jessica Johnson as a full-time public health supervisor with an anticipated hire date of Jan. 30, 2023, contingent on satisfactory results of a pre-employment background check/ screening.

(Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com).