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

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