Carver County to hold budget hearings in new informal, station-based format

The county administrator told the board that budget hearings will begin immediately after the meeting in a different format this year, described as more of a public hearing with informal stations on the meeting floor so departments can set up tables and interact directly with residents. "We'll set up some tables down on the floor and then get going," the county administrator said, noting departments such as property finance and county administration could present first to finish earlier in the day.

The administrator cautioned that posted times in the packet are tentative and may be adjusted. The revised format is intended to make the process more accessible, but staff noted the challenge that public schedule expectations may need flexibility and that the format will allow shuffling staffed tables and presenters as needed.