NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners received the 2023 delinquent tax report Tuesday that reflected a .4276% unpaid balance of the county levy.

Brown County Auditor-Treasurer Kelly Hotovec said county unpaid taxes remain low year after year. In 2021, the unpaid percentage was .3988% and .3887% in 2022.

“This certainly is a reflection on taxpayers of this county, and the staff’s commitment to offering a variety of payment methods and establishment of payment plan options,” Hotovec reported.

Payment options are by phone, online, courthouse drop box in the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) parking lot, by mail, direct payment and may be included in mortgage payments.

Other payment options with fees are by electronic check, $2 per transaction; Visa debit card $4 per transaction, and other debit and credit cards at 2.4% of the payment amount with a $2 minimum service fee.

Cards accepted are Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. No part of the service fee goes to the county.

Direct payments are automatically deducted from checking or savings accounts, quarterly semi-annually or annually.

First half real estate taxes are due May 15; Second half residential/commercial taxes are due Oct. 16.

eNotices and email alerts are available. For more information visit, https://www.co.brown.mn.us/pay-taxes.

Commissioners received an annual interest distribution of $1,329,277.67.

Hotovec said the 2023 economic climate was very favorable for county investments.

“Interest earned was much higher than anticipated at budgeting time (June 2022), due to steadily increasing rates through 2023,” Hotovec reported.

Commissioners unanimously approved intra-fund (transfer between accounts within a fund) drainage cash transfers, motion by Commissioner Brian Braun, seconded by Tony Berg.

The resolution authorizes temporary intra-funds drainage ditch cash transfers needed to cover deficiencies in fiscal year accounts.

Commissioners unanimously approved a CD 74 improvement petition, motion by Commissioner Berg, seconded by Braun. Petitioners are owners of 72.02% of the property area that the proposed improvement passes over.

CD 74 was designated as the system that needs repair. The petition includes a $50,000 commercial bond, said to be sufficient to cover initial costs should the project be dismissed.