(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission approved additional budget cuts Monday as they moved closer to finalizing the 2026 budget.

Following a lengthy discussion on the budget, the Commission voted 2-1 to cut $300,000 from the road and bridge fund, with Commissioner Bill Pollock cast the dissenting vote.

Also the Commission voted 2-1 to terminate the Services for the Elderly position, and replace it with a part-time position--including the Road and Bridge Secretary. She will be paid a salary of $23.95 an hour, to be split equally between both departments. Commissioner Rich Lehmkuhl cast the dissenting vote.

Previously, two other county positions were cut--one in the IT Department and the other in the Appraiser's Office. Those two employees were offered severance packages--including salary continuation through November 15th and health insurance benefits through November 30th.

With the budget cuts made to date, the Commission has been able to reduce the proposed property tax levy increase to about 4 mills over the revenue neutral rate. The Commission had been looking at an about 9 mill increase.

The adjustments made Monday will be submitted to the county's budget consultant for finalization of the 2026 budget, with the revised budget back on the Commission's September 22 agenda.