The Carver County Board of Commissioners approved the 2026 preliminary tax levy at its September 2 meeting.

The County’s tax levy supports essential services including public safety, health and human services, mental health services, and public works projects. It also funds services such as the library system, parks, license centers, CarverLink fiber ring, and more.

The preliminary levy includes an 8 percent increase over 2026, made up of a 6 percent base levy increase and a 2 percent ”Legislative Impacts” surcharge. The surcharge reflects recent federal and state legislative changes that shifted costs and reduced funding, requiring the County to budget for significant new financial impacts.

The County’s 2026 preliminary property tax increase on the County’s $495,000 average valued home, which increased in value by 4 percent from last year will be 5.6 percent, or $6.80 per month. The 2026 tax levy cannot increase by more than 8 percent, but may decrease when the Board adopts the final 2026 tax levy and budget in December.

During the Board meeting, County Administrator Dave Hemze emphasized that departments across the County worked to minimize the levy increase by restructuring operations, reorganizing departments, shifting grant funding, and implementing program reductions. Together, these efforts generated over $1 million in levy savings.

This year’s budget process continued to incorporate the County’s new Strategic Plan, which provides a long-term roadmap for decision-making. The plan establishes three strategic priorities, guiding the Board in making choices that balance fiscal responsibility with service delivery.

• Taxpayer value and customer service: The County evaluated how each program and service add value to residents, leading to efficiencies such as reorganizations and grant shifts.
• Physical assets: Investments in infrastructure and public facilities were weighed against long-term maintenance needs to ensure sustainability.
• People are our strength: The County prioritized retaining and developing a skilled workforce, recognizing that employees are central to providing high-quality services.

Upcoming Board meetings related to the 2026 levy and budget include:

• Nov. 18: Fee Schedule Public Hearing
• Nov. 25: Work Session – 2027 Long-term Financial Plan
• Nov. 25 at 6:00 p.m.: 2026 Levy & Budget Public Hearing
• Dec. 2: Board Meeting – Adoption of the 2026 Levy & Budget and the 2027 Long-Term Financial Plan

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Media Contact
Ari Lyksett, Chief Communications Officer
alyksett@carvercountymn.gov | (952) 254-8666