BROWN COUNTY — The percentage of Brown County’s unpaid taxes continues to remain low each year, according to a report from the Brown County Auditor-Treasurer’s office at Tuesday’s Brown County Commissioners meeting.

For 2022, the county levy unpaid balance is .3887% or $55,866.12. In 2021, Brown County’s unpaid percentage was slightly higher at .3988%.

“This certainly is a reflection on the taxpayers of this county and (Auditor-Treasurer) staff’s commitment to offering a variety of payment methods and payment plan options,” said Auditor-Treasurer Kelly Hotovec.

“We have excellent taxpayers. We have more options to offer now,” Hotovec said. “Taxes can be paid by credit card, but we discourage that due to convenience fees.”

Albin and Prairieville Townships had absolutely no unpaid taxes in 2022.

Unpaid tax percentages in other townships in 2022 were Bashaw .0541%; Burnstown .0569%; Cottonwood .2349%; Eden .8260%; Home .0284%; Lake Hanska .1847%; Leavenworth .1563%; Linden .2725%; Milford .3626%; Mulligan .2066%; North Star .0402%; Sigel .5823%; Stark .4561%; Stately .1455%.

Unpaid tax percentages by city were Cobden .3551%; Evan 1.3188%; Hanska 2.7760%; New Ulm .4453%; Sleepy Eye 1.3010%; Springfield .9885%; and Comfrey 2.8717%.

In other business Tuesday, commissioners also approved:

A report on 2022 special holiday projects including Adopt a Family, Santa’s Closet, Coats for Kids and Jaycees Food Basket projects. Efforts benefitted 442 households and 933 Brown County residents.

• The $8,479.72 2022 donation list from Brown County Human Services. At the end of 2022, there was a balance of $7,175 in the benevolence fund which is supported by the local ministerial association and their churches. The fund is used as a short-term fix for long-term issues.

Commissioner Brian Braun asked Social Service Supervisor Annie Braun what commissioners should do to help needy people. Braun said they can be referred to a county social worker to receive help.