[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6743063,"mediaKeyId","5082965-08126859d8eae34463447b620c8351bd","parentId",5082965,"title","Carver County finance update: preliminary $4.4M gap, rising 2027 risks and options for addressing levy pressure","audioSeconds",5172,"startMs",3788000,"endMs",8960000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5082965-08126859d8eae34463447b620c8351bd&start=3788&end=8960","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5082965-08126859d8eae34463447b620c8351bd/thumbnail_3788000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6743063/Carver-County/Minnesota/Carver-County-finance-update-preliminary-44M-gap-rising-2027-risks-and-options-for-addressing-levy-pressure","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6743063-5fdf21c38d65710ca2a980bb8cbdd71a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775497133&Signature=X3gLsHvyQUTX8PbkmhSDMe0h5s4HU8nb7zUn9ckHXCLqTyIBoWI~OnD8yom6r8tva-LnSOsxflXmDwJJWpiq95LHn4BHYWQKIs11z0C50mtJtsupvw62DHxuEVMsiS-ss5gmn2KZZ8WQJVFzV5ttY2pNrC0i2FyvkLnUahryVp~jFJHpBrfrnxqf0M72OvH88PAUTiwznFwL4OCA-Zsie0Km45G-th-q~BU1YSXVXnT5tz7KhFiQ3gbJ6PDmJ~unI2u006BWzK1EJ8XHe7VMyHhon8pJnXqVOHgu1Dz-o0DgbPXjUujJT7gSByJsFlHzPhXU2iwfwrEY1bbnsQMjvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MN / Carver County","date","2025-06-25T04:56:35Z","article","Carver County officials presented a detailed 2026 budget and finance briefing on June 24 that identified a preliminary gap under current assumptions, legislative and program risk factors for 2027, and a menu of options the board can use during the summer budget process.

County Administrator Hemsey and Property Finance Director Dave Frishman said the board's fiscal outlook is shaped by several large variables. Hemsey emphasized that recent legislative action produced smaller cost shifts than originally feared but warned of significant risks looming in 2027. He cited the Minnesota paid family medical leave premium (county share estimated in the presentation at about $400,000) and other potential state policy changes that could shift costs to counties. Hemsey also said one placement the county funds in another county accounts for a majority of a roughly $1 million HHS cost impact cited in the briefing.

Frishman reported two favorable developments: preliminary fiscal‑disparities and County Program Aid (CPA) figures are stronger than expected and together added roughly $800,000 in preliminary revenue for the county. He cautioned these numbers are preliminary and will be updated with August data.

Key budget figures presented (preliminary): a 6.8% \"pattern\" levy increase (matching the last two years) would generate about $5.1 million; projected salary and benefit increases for 2026 are shown at about $5.7 million (driven in part by settled union contracts and overtime pressures); requested new levy‑funded positions total roughly $2.7 million net after other funding sources; and the preliminary budget gap under the presentation's assumptions is approximately $4.4 million.

Frishman also illustrated a no‑other‑changes scenario that would close the gap with a 12.7% levy increase (an illustrative number in the briefing) and noted the county will update levy impacts after the August fiscal‑disparities and valuation updates.

Finance details and accounting context: staff described a roughly $3.9 million unaudited addition to year‑end savings for 2024 (driven by budget‑to‑actual variances and investment mark‑to‑market gains) and explained how vacancy savings are treated in the budget (vacancy savings reduce the levy requirement up front but actual vacancy experience affects year‑end fund balance). Frishman walked commissioners through historical vacancy‑savings trends and recommended monitoring and maintaining the county's base budget discipline to prepare for 2027.

Next steps and board direction: staff scheduled budget hearings in July, a staffing‑focused work session in early August, and the administrator's recommended budget appearance later in August, with a preliminary levy adoption planned for September. Hemsey urged commissioners to consider a mix of tools: base‑level discipline, targeted reductions, levy‑savings targets, revenue opportunities, equipment life‑cycle management, voluntary furlough or retirement incentives, and careful use of 1‑time funds. He emphasized the need to balance near‑term budget fixes with long‑term stability to avoid repeating disruptive one‑time fixes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Carver County Board of Commissioners Special Session June 24th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","County Administrator Hemsey and Finance Director Dave Frishman told the Carver County Board on June 24 that preliminary numbers for 2026 show a roughly $4.4 million budget gap under current assumptions and flagged sizable fiscal risks heading into 2027.","taxTitle","Carver County, Minnesota","taxId",64163,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6743065,"Carver County centralizes communications; officials point to rising subscriptions and outreach",1181,1921000,3102000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5082965-08126859d8eae34463447b620c8351bd&start=1921&end=3102","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5082965-08126859d8eae34463447b620c8351bd/thumbnail_1921000.jpg","/articles/6743065/Carver-County/Minnesota/Carver-County-centralizes-communications-officials-point-to-rising-subscriptions-and-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6743065-e9e18d93027ddef629415c58649afbf8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775497133&Signature=hfNGtajhQjJnJ0F7BPJ88cBPSW8Cg69xQJX2Tkg9l3uSQL5R4Dyugy8bIMk7uTLrHIhvYy~8BCMr-AUcwu~IJhzN6iW-gB2fCE4HF5RMAOimYAewz3Cg8OYZP9HY4-rANi8XaSspBC-W~0e6YECV7TNbPHQWN7PyaiHCbUajUHVtX17fCUVKFr7uyqomSOmm9j-33WdF9nQox4DJjnk-ODNRttKIOMJL46Z~dVSUf~JzeiSWu-lA8eyRFFHH36ivDAIYgoSoX4BnEkvzw5kFDwjkQ3NWMqXurGOu10FKrrQmzfFuunaZBVb-6J2CicWafQrD0Ot7YoNfuc43ytOHvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A newly centralized communications department outlined its first‑year activities and audience metrics at a Carver County work session on June 24.

Ari Lixit, chief communications officer, said the county reorganized communications in 2024 to create a single department with specialists assigned to planning & water management, public works, parks and human services. Lixit described a SWOT analysis that guided 2025 priorities: building an audience network, standardizing messaging, creating policy and style guidance, improving website usability and collecting data to measure outcomes.

Lixit presented performance figures the department is using to gauge reach: she said the county has more than 51,000 subscribers to GovDelivery e‑news topics and over 23,000 social media followers, has launched targeted newsletters (a construction newsletter with more than 3,200 subscribers and a parks newsletter with more than 12,400 subscribers), and reported high open rates on several lists. The team also launched a communications dashboard for internal staff to track social metrics, newsletter performance and ongoing campaigns.

Commissioners commended the centralized approach and urged continued emphasis on clear county branding, website navigation, partnership with cities and townships, and careful testing of new tools such as AI. Commissioner Uterman called the communications function \"a strategic investment, not an expense.\" Several commissioners asked the department to help publicize services such as DMV wait times and to coordinate signage for parks and projects.

Why it matters: Commissioners said stronger communications helps transparency for large projects (road construction, park improvements), encourages public participation in outreach events, and supports recruitment for hard‑to‑fill roles.

Next steps: Communications staff said they will continue to expand targeted lists, refine the style guide and dashboard, and coordinate with IT and division directors on website improvements.","Carver County officials on June 24 detailed a new centralized communications department, saying it has expanded subscription lists and digital reach while launching a dashboard and coordinated outreach campaigns.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6743068,"Carver County board delays adoption of 2025–27 strategic plan to gather staff feedback",1028,866000,1894000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5082965-08126859d8eae34463447b620c8351bd&start=866&end=1894","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5082965-08126859d8eae34463447b620c8351bd/thumbnail_866000.jpg","/articles/6743068/Carver-County/Minnesota/Carver-County-board-delays-adoption-of-202527-strategic-plan-to-gather-staff-feedback","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6743068-553ee8113b8e9f2208e80d62175070be/orig.mp4?Expires=1775497133&Signature=mvbt7C06i36tzDYcgWlAEBHnuwpedgIoib4oZDQoIQNtAtSOkIXT7l0vtjfS5bunVYlSz6kPTdDIyHj~YemXdhjn9IHlR2AJzybcZrC1rj4jpPBy8k4-MjhyVx~xqu~XaJHbg5~1PnT0NGNvWtjq21QQipiWqRwvfqAqb0tTRR06gmnz~ancvMwX01E0DgmZuHra63PWqLNiGuoQGpGx-Er08j~kvGQVJwfr9iJKHdK9g2UmQvoUIRFOQo8uawjMAvgbeXWuJqAE4v6IWmo3YKGAYP29olfEBJbIRs591DFR8d7ldIpLQY6EoPQsscRmclR-K-eaAqbvmnLXSPWOUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Carver County commissioners voted June 24 to delay adoption of the county's proposed 2025–27 strategic plan and asked administration to gather additional staff feedback and provide a clearer set of measurable goals before the board reconvenes on the item.

County Administrator Hemsey presented the plan as a high‑level ‘‘refresh’’ that lays out a vision, mission and three priorities with attached action plans to be developed by division directors. Hemsey said the document was intentionally concise and that consultants and division directors assisted in compiling the draft.

Commissioner Anderson said the plan represented an improvement but was \"not quite baked\" and urged more input from employees and clearer, measurable goals. Commissioner Uterman moved to pause the adoption and seek further feedback; Commissioner Fahey seconded the motion. The board voted by roll call to table the plan and requested that Hemsey and communications staff work with division directors to gather internal input and return with a process and timeline, aiming for mid‑August.

Why it matters: commissioners said the plan will shape how agenda items are tied to county priorities and influence budget and operational planning. Several members emphasized the need for measurable objectives so the board can track outcomes rather than activity alone.

What the board directed: Hemsey was asked to engage division directors and communications staff to solicit internal feedback, refine tactics beneath the three priorities, and return with a recommended schedule for further review. The board did not adopt the plan and took no further binding action on priorities at the meeting.

A vote at a glance: the motion to table the strategic plan was made by Commissioner Uterman and seconded by Commissioner Fahey; the roll call recorded all voting members as \"Aye.\"","Carver County commissioners voted June 24 to delay adoption of the county's proposed 2025\t6 strategic plan and asked administration to gather additional staff feedback and provide clearer measurable goals before the board considers adoption.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Carver County finance update: preliminary $4.4M gap, rising 2027 risks and options for addressing levy pressure

Carver County centralizes communications; officials point to rising subscriptions and outreach

Carver County board delays adoption of 2025–27 strategic plan to gather staff feedback