NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners unanimously approved a 9.99% proposed 2026 tax levy increase Tuesday.

Brown County Administrator Sam Hansen said the tax hike came about due to Brown County set to receive 5.8% less state and federal revenue including a $65,696 county program aid reduction in 2026. Last year, Brown County received $1,734,009 in County Program Aid in 2025. It will receive $1,668,313 in 2026.

He said proposed 2026 county expenditures increased 4.11% from 2025. Hansen said higher expenditures are primarily due to increased state programs and higher county wages, benefits, new positions and higher costs of goods, services and insurance.

The proposed $47,756,176 Brown County budget includes a $19,594.261 certified levy. The 2026 budget compares to $45,869.475 in 2025 and a $17,813,775 certified levy.

“I’m happy with a 9.99% budget increase. The budget work we did with county administrators was very beneficial. We all worked together to keep budget numbers down,” said Commissioner Brian Braun.

The levy increase compares to a 7.99% hike in 2025, $5.8% in 2024, 5.9% in 2023, 4.9% in 2022 and 2% in 2021.

Prior to approving the 9.99% tax levy increase, Commissioner Tony Berg made a motion for a 10.99% levy hike. The motion died due to lack of a second.

Berg said he made the motion for a 10.99% hike so the county had a bit bigger budget to consider before its setting the final county budget and levy in December.

The final levy hike can’t be more than 9.99% but it could be less if commissioners approve it. Each 1% levy increase or decrease from the 2025 levy equals $178,138, Hansen said.

Preliminary budget approve came on a motion by Commissioner Jeff Veerkamp, seconded by Tony Berg.

Commissioners unanimously approved scheduling a public meeting on the proposed 2026 County budget and levy for 6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 2 in the District Courtroom on the third floor of the courthouse. The starting time of the regular county board meeting was set for 4:30 p.m., Dec. 2.