NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners turned down all four recommendations from non-union employees and a staff survey Tuesday.

The first request was to increase the annual health savings account (HSA) county contribution by $250 a year, to $2,250 for single employees and $2,750 for married workers. The request would have cost the county an additional $43,750 per year beginning in 2026.

Brown County Human Resources Director Mary Priebe said the cost was computed using the 2025 median hourly county wage.

The request died by a 4-1 vote. Commissioner Brian Braun cast the only yes vote.

“I always look at Brown County as a great place to live and work, so I support the $250 increase,” he said.

“I think we’re competitive right now,” said Commissioner Dave Borchert. “Things are higher and tighter than in the past and will continue to be that way.”

Commissioner Scott Windschitl said to him, the HSA benefit is by far the most important and that he’d consider a $125 annual increase.

“This takes a way a negotiation card. We adjusted it last year, so I’m against it,” said Commissioner Tony Berg.

A request to add one floating holiday per year to bring the total county holidays to 14 that would have cost the county $57,831.84 a year, fell five votes to none.

A request to increase the amount of sick time paid to employees by five percent was supported only by Commissioner Braun. The request would have cost the country $124,746.70 next year.

“I’m very much in favor of this. People with lots of sick time have it because they’re here, taking care if business,” said Braun.

Commissioner Windschitl said sick leave should be paid for being sick, not used as a pay benefit, and should have a cap.

Priebe said some counties have sick leave payout caps and others don’t.

Commissioners Borchert and Jeff Veerkamp said they felt the county’s sick leave payout was sufficient.

A request to add 40 vacation hours to exempt (salaried, but not elected) department heads and add 16 hours for all other exempt employees failed, 3-2. Commissioners Borchert and Braun supported the request that would have cost the county $29,335.60 next year by adding 536 vacation hours.