NEW ULM — Brown County Commissioners unanimously accepted participation and results in the 2026 Performance Measures Program Tuesday.

Brown County Auditor Treasurer Kelly Hotovec said counties participating in the comprehensive performance measurement program are eligible for a reimbursement of $0.14 per capita in local government aid, not to exceed $25,000; and exemption from levy limits for taxes payable the following calendar year, if levy limits are in effect.

“Last December, we received $3,599 for completion of this report,” she said.

The philosophy of the voluntary program is for the county to monitor its performance in various categories to determine if the county has made improvements.

Performance measures are in the areas of public safety, public works, public health, property records, valuation and assessment, elections, veterans services, budget/finance and environment.

Report results include 42.3% of total county waste was recycled in 2025, a 4.8% increase from 2024. Of 38,450.53 tons of waste generated, 16,254.1 tons were recycled. There was 37,544 pounds of hazardous waste collected and disposed of, a 16.4% reduction from 2024. There was 121,009 pounds of electronic waste disposed of, a 22.5% increase from 2024.

Brown County was 100% compliant in 2025, averaging 7.25 days to return paper documents and 1.35 days to return electronically filed documents. State law requires a 10-day turnaround time, 90% of the time.

In 2024, Brown County veterans received $22,260,872 in benefits compared to $21,163,000 the prior year. Fiscal year 2025 results are anticipated to be released in September 2026.

There were no fatal accidents in 2025 on county state aid highways, county and township roads. That compares to two fatal accidents in 2024. There were 134 property damage accidents in 2025, down 10 from 2024.

Brown County’s life expectancy is 80 years of age as of 2025, according to County Health Rankings Data.

Since 2013, Brown County implemented an employee wellness program to improve overall physical, mental and social well-being for all staff.

Brown County Public health continues to partner with the Heart of New Ulm to promote initiatives including mental health, substance misuse, worksite wellness, food environments, and safe streets.

Action came on a motion by Commissioner Tony Berg, seconded by Scott Windschitl.