NEW ULM — In an effort to keep up with technology, Brown County commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of an Autel Robotics EVO II 640T drone bundle Tuesday.

“It think this is money ($9,183.52) well spent. When we have a bad situation, we need all hands on deck. I’m really happy its a shared resource,” said Commissioner and New Ulm Police Chief Dave Borchert. “You have to keep up with technology to have a reliable, effective drone. When you need it. You need it We used them in spring to look at ditches during floods. It basically paid for itself the very first year I think it’s a good use of taxpayer money.”

Brown County Emergency Manager Shawn Stoermann said the new drone deploys faster than the county’s five-year-old drone, has a thermal camera in addition to a conventional one, an attachable speaker, spotlight, two chargers, four batteries that last up to 40 minutes and can be charged in 40 minutes.

Brown County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jeremy Reed said the new drone will be shared with other county departments like their current drone is. Reed said highway, sheriff’s office, planning and zoning office staff are qualified drone pilots.

“The biggest event we did with the drone was the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener here last year,” said Reed. “We’ve also used the drone to try to find cattle that got loose and for lost or missing children.”

Commissioner Scott Windschitl said he thought more county drone pilots are needed.

Reed said pilot training includes a test in Mankato and is something his department will work on.

Brown County Highway Engineer Andrew Lang said the county’s existing drone may last another three years.

According to Autel Robotics, the EVO II Series drone can go to the air in 45 seconds and broadcast live drone footage to commanders, ground team members, and others who need a drone’s eye view.

In addition, drone information is protected by encryption and internal algorithms to counter jamming devices.

The new drone would be able to fly at up to 45 mph in winds up to 27 mph. Operating temperature range is 14 to 104 degrees F.

Drone purchase approval at the $9,183.52 state contract price came on a motion by Commissioner Dave Borchert, seconded by Jeff Veerkamp.