NEW ULM — The Brown County 2024 preliminary property tax levy increase could increase by as much as, but not greater than 7.5%.

Brown County commissioners unanimously approved the levy hike Tuesday on a motion by Commissioner Tony Berg, seconded by Dave Borchert.

“It was a very challenging year. I appreciate all the (budget) help we got from department heads,” said Borchert.

Proposed expenditures have risen $480,751 or 1.15% from 2023 and are primarily due to adding a new deputy sheriff, assessor technician, higher fuel, wages, benefits, property and liability costs.

Additional reserves or an increase in state or federal funding would be needed if commissioners set the final levy under the proposed 7.5% increase. The preliminary 2024 tax levy is $16,760.426. The draft 2024 count budget is $42,415,674.

The final budget and levy is suggested to be adopted by the county board on Tuesday, Dec. 19. The final property tax levy may be equal to or less than but not more than the 2024 proposed property tax levy.

Commissioners unanimously approved:

• Scheduling a public hearing on the proposed 2024 county budget and levy for 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023 and revising the start time of the regular Nov. 28 county board meeting to 4:30 p.m., motion by Commissioner Brian Braun, seconded by Borchert.

• Scheduling a public hearing on the proposed Brown County Cannabis Ordinance for 9:05 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 17, motion by Commissioner Tony Berg, seconded by Borchert.

Administration met with the Brown County Sheriff and County Attorney offices to develop a draft ordinance for board consideration regarding recreational marijuana.

• 2024 Medica health insurance plans and premium rates renewal reflecting a 5.8% average combined increase over 2023 rates for four plans, motion by Commissioner Braun, seconded by Windschitl.

• Brown County Opioid Settlement Advisory Council By Laws, motion by Commissioner Borchert, seconded by Berg.

Brown County will receive about $1.2 million over the next 18 years that can be used to combat the opioid crisis including detailed programs and strategies focused on treatment, prevention and harm reduction.