Carver County officials begin early review of 2026 budget, warn of state cost shifts that could raise levy

Carver County Board Chair Tom Workman and County Administrator Hemsey opened an early workshop on the county’s 2026 budget on the county’s service-delivery and levy (property-tax) choices, saying uncertainty from recent state budget proposals makes planning difficult.

The county framed the session as an educational first step focused on the general levy—property taxes that fund county services—and on separating mandated services from discretionary, levy-funded programs. Administrator Hemsey said the “keyword here will be uncertainty” and told commissioners the county will follow a multi-step calendar for public hearings and staff recommendations before any levy decision.

Why it matters: County staff told commissioners the board faces a possible combination of state actions that could increase costs borne by the county and therefore the levy. Heather, a county staff member who briefed the board on legislative developments, said proposals under consideration at the state level could shift costs for services for persons with disabilities and for placements at the Anoka…