NEW ULM — By a 3-2 vote Tuesday, Brown County Commissioners approved a 9.99 percent 2026 County Budget levy increase.

The proposed $19,594.261 levy for the draft 2026 budget of $47,669.426 is 3.88 percent greater than the $45,869,475 adopted 2025 budget.

“We’ve all gone through the budget. I don’t want to go over this without thanking all the department heads and county financial workers who put a lot of time and effort into the financial process,” said Brown County Administrator Sam Hansen.

Commissioner Brian Braun said much of the levy increase is due to reduced state and federal funds and non-funded mandates.

Commissioner Dave Borchert said he thought it was a better idea to not use contingency funds to lower the levy increase, which he called “kicking the can down the road.”

Action came on a motion by Commissioner Braun, seconded Borchert. Commissioners Jeff Veerkamp and Tony Berg cast dissenting votes.

The final budget and levy followed Commissioner Tony Berg’s proposal and motion for a 9.49 percent 2026 levy hike, reducing the 2026 proposed levy to $19,505,100, using $89,161 in contingency funds.

“I view contingency funds as reserves,” said Berg.

Commissioner Jeff Veerkamp seconded the motion.

“I understand where you are coming from Commissioner Berg. This is the highest increase we’ve had in 15 years. It’s been a rough year,” said Commissioner Scott Windschitl.

Commissioner Borchert said he was concerned about using reserves now “because next year will be really rough.”

“Our reserves are strong. We make a point of that. Accountants request a certain level of reserves and we are there, well within the range. To me, that’s what reserves are for,” said Commissioner Berg. “To me, contingency funds do not pull from reserves. I don’t see them as the same thing.”

Commissioner Borchert said its responsible to keep a comfortable level in the contingency account to avoid hitting reserves.

The motion failed by a 3-2 vote with Commissioners Borchert, Braun and Windschitl voting against it.