(KNZA)--Brown County Commissioners are proposing a revenue-neutral budget for 2027.

The Commission voted unanimously Monday to sign a notice of intent not to exceed the state's revenue neutral property tax rate. The notice will be submitted to the County Clerk.

Commission Chairman Lucas Heinen said the county's budget consultant confirmed the budget remains revenue neutral after recent changes.

Commissioners also set a public hearing on the proposed budget for 2 p.m. August 31 at the Brown County Courthouse.

In other business, the Commission approved the purchase of a used 2022 Case backhoe for the Solid Waste Department at a cost of about $85,000. The machine has 880 hours.

The purchase will be financed through a three-year lease-purchase agreement with Citizens State Bank of Hiawatha, featuring a 20 percent down payment and a 4.95 percent interest rate.

Commissioner Richard Tesoriero said buying the used backhoe instead of a new one, which would have cost about $155,000, will save taxpayers a considerable amount of money.