NEW ULM — In an effort to keep up with demand and overcome part-time health insurance costs, Brown County Commissioners unanimously approved a new, full-time transit bus driver position Tuesday.

Brown County Heartland Express Manager Patrick La Course said his department has been short-staffed due to unanticipated and lengthy leaves of drivers

“We eventually got to the point where those staff ended employment and we posted for the vacancies,” he said. “We have had one applicant apply and interview. We offered an over 30-hour driver position only to have the candidate turn down the position due to high employee health insurance costs. We don’t have any full-time drivers now.”

La Course said current staff is stretched thin in an attempt to meet the demand of county residents, many of whom have life-sustaining, critical health care appointments.

“A number of staff are working excess hours,” he said. “We propose posting for a full-time bus driver in place of two part-time jobs. We are hopeful we’ll get more applicants for the full-time position that will come with more attractive health insurance benefits. With staffing absences, we have room in our 2026 budget to accommodate a $4,200 full-time position cost difference.”

“I think this is a move in the right direction,” said Commissioner Brian Braun.

“I support this. We’ve got to have it for property staffing,” said Commissioner Dave Borchert.

Action came on a motion by Commissioner Braun, seconded by Borchert.

Commissioners also unanimously approved 2027 Heartland Express and Hermann Express transit budgets.

Heartland Express Manager Patrick LaCourse said the Minnesota Department of Transportation permitted a 3% budget increase for a total 2027 budget of $1,344,900.

“Staff insurance rose 15%, which affected our budget. Our largest budget item is staffing,” said LaCourse. “We are grateful to our amazing drivers, dispatchers, management and office support personnel. We’d also like to thank John and Brian of the county highway department for their technical and mechanical knowledge, which is a huge help.”

LaCourse said the resolution includes applying for a 2027 grant to purchase a new gasoline-powered bus to replace an older Heartland Express bus.

Action came on a motion by Commissioner Tony Berg, seconded by Jeff Veerkamp.