NEW ULM — By a 3-2 vote Tuesday, Brown County commissioners established the 2025 proposed tax levy at $17,978,725, an 8.99% increase over the 2024 certified levy.

The final budget and levy, which may be equal to or lower but not higher than the proposed 2025 levy, is set to be adopted by commissioners Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Action came on a motion by Commissioner Scott Windschitl, seconded by Tony Berg. Commissioners Dave Borchert and Jeffrey Veerkamp cast dissenting votes.

“I’d prefer we leave it as we had it (7.99% increase) to prevent over-taxation. I’m not in favor of an 8.99% preliminary levy increase,” said Commissioner Borchert.

“This is the preliminary levy,” said Commissioner Windschitl.

Commissioner Berg said he favored an 8.99% preliminary levy increase to create room for unexpected costs.

Brown County Administrator Sam Hansen said the proposed county expenditures increased 8% from 2024. Expenditure changes are primarily due to wages and benefits, new positions including an information technology admin assistant, human resources generalist and deputy sheriff; increased goods, services and insurance costs.

The average levy increase in the last five years is 4.47% based on increases of 5.8% in 2024, 5.9% in 2023, 4.9% in 2022, 2% in 2021 and 3.75% in 2020.

A public meeting on the proposed 2025 county budget and levy was set for 6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3 in the District Courtroom on the 3rd floor of the Brown County Courthouse.