(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has approved for publication a preliminary 2025 budget of nearly $14.5 million that contains a 7.4 mill levy increase but plan to continue to look for ways to reduce the levy before the budget is finalized.

The proposed budget, which was approved for publication Monday, contains an estimated tax rate of 42.6 mills.

The Commission had originally been looking at a 8.3 mill levy increase before they started making cuts.

Commissioner Bill Pollock reviewed a list of proposed budget cuts he had come up with at the meeting.

Commission Chairman Rich Lehmkuhl said he didn't know where they will end up at yet.

The Commission will consider adoption of a budget following a public hearing at their September 3 meeting. A second hearing will also be held on the Commission's intent to exceed the revenue neutral tax rate, which is 34.553 mills.

The proposed budget can be viewed on the Brown County website.