NEW ULM — Brown County Commissioners unanimously approved a $191,090 South Country Health Alliance (SCHA) County Community Investment Grant Tuesday.

Approval of funds that can be used for a variety of purposes in 2025 and 2026, came on a motion by Commissioner Scott Windschitl, seconded by Dave Borchert.

Given South Country’s strong financial performance over the last few years and a solid level of reserves, funds will be treated as a return of capital to counties that elected to participate in a county-based purchasing plan. Funds may be used for prevention, early intervention and health care programs, services and activities.

Brown County Human Services and Public Health propose to use $3,825 for a camera with audio capability to improve safety and accessibility of the Human Services reception area.

Other Human Services improvements are relocating a security door and security card reader to the other side of new office space at a cost of $500. Lowering reception desk height to improve accessibility.

A $2,162.50 Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Safety Grant will be pursued to help off-set 50% of the camera and security door relocation costs.

The proposal allocates $448.91 for a car seat safety training preschool demonstration doll, required for by Boosting Education and Safety Training (BEST).

Summer youth special needs camps would receive $36,400, to help boost funding that is not sufficient to meet demand. Youth are connected to Brown County Human Services staff who would help youth and their families complete forms, ensure payment and have needed goods for successful camping experiences.

The proposal allocates $36,000 for a mobile dental service provider to do cleaning, x-rays and fillings to adults and children at Brown County Public Health one day per month for two years.

An undetermined amount of funding would be used for the Elixir building occupied by MRCI and Enterprise North, both of whom employ individuals with disabilities on North Broadway.

In September 2023, Brown and Nicollet Counties decided to dissolve as a community health board effective Dec. 31, 2024. After commissioners negotiated, it was recommended Brown County purchase Nicollet County’s half of the Elixir building for $400,000.

Many people who work in the building are also SCHA members and provide valuable community services. Grant funding would help buy the building.

A significant amount of unused space in the building has been evaluated by the Minnesota Department of Transportation to appropriately house Heartland and Hermann Express, Brown County rural transit providers. Buses and staff now operate in separate buildings.