(KNZA)--Brown County employees have been granted a pay raise for 2018.

The County Commission Monday approved a 50 cent an hour across-the-board cost of living increase for all full and part-time employees, excluding those employees already granted pay raises. The pay increase is effective January 1st.

On the recommendation of the county’s micro-loan committee, the Commission approved a $25,000 loan for the Bread Bowl, located at 100 Oregon Street in Hiawatha.

The loan is for 84 months at an interest rate of 5.5 percent.

Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development Director Mikaela Moore says the loan will be used to finish an addition to the business, for equipment and furniture for the addition along with working capital.

The Commission also received a letter of resignation from Brown County Historical Society member Larry Kneisel, effective December 12th. Kneisel has served on the board for 15 years.