David Frishman, part‑time finance director, told the Carver County Board at a Nov. work session that third‑quarter results are broadly steady and that tax collections were about 97% of expected levels, slightly ahead of last year. "So far so good" with investment income, he said, while noting that Federal reimbursement delays tied to the recent federal shutdown have begun to recover.

Frishman said the county is projecting a negative cash balance in its road and bridge projects at year end due to the timing of large projects and reimbursements, but that positive cash balances in other accounts will cover the timing gap. He identified receivables from MnDOT and federal partners as the largest outstanding items and said staff are improving invoicing cadence and processing to reduce lag.

Two specific changes to the administrator's recommended 2026 budget were introduced. Frishman said open‑enrollment results produced $90,000 in payroll savings where the budget had assumed $50,000; the administrator recommends moving the additional $40,000 into the employee relations STOC (a short‑term staffing bucket) to allow divisions to backfill temporary absences tied to the new Minnesota paid family leave law. "They'd actually asked for more initially, but we weren't able to fit it in the budget," Frishman said. The board was told the change is intended to address anticipated backfill needs rather than to increase recurring pay.

The second change increases capital projects for parks, trails and road resurfacing by drawing on the Transportation Advancement Account (TAA), some grants and city cost‑shares. Frishman stressed that the adjustment would not affect the levy because other funding sources are being used.

Board members asked staff whether the county should seek late fees for delayed state payments and about the magnitude of the public works shortfall. Frishman replied that the county would consider options but cautioned that late fees against state or federal partners are uncertain, and that the current shortfall is primarily a timing issue rather than a fundamental budget gap.

The board was told a public hearing on the budget would be held that evening and that final adoption was scheduled for the board meeting the following week.