Carver County could face a property tax hike in 2026 if Governor Tim Walz’s proposed state budget is ultimately adopted.
County officials report that the Governor’s projected budget plan would impose additional costs for essential services — such as Medicaid and waiver programs — on local counties, without granting any authority to influence program criteria, eligibility or cost structures. In addition to the Governor’s proposal, rising expenses including wages, benefits and inflation could translate to a property tax increase upwards of 20 percent.
The proposed cost shifts could result in financial strain on local taxpayers, county officials contend, with the potential for an 8 percent levy hike. Carver County’s elected officials and staff are reviewing the Governor’s budget to assess the impacts on local services, particularly in the areas of health and human services. Minnesota operates under a state-supervised, county-administered Human Services system, where counties administer state programs but have limited control over costs or service delivery.
“We understand the importance of funding human services and want to ensure our residents have access to the programs they need,” said Tom Workman, Carver County Board chair. “However, shifting the responsibility for these costs to the local level, without the ability to influence them, places an undue burden on local taxpayers and that is unacceptable.”
Workman said Carver County remains dedicated to serving its residents and ensuring that the most vulnerable members of the community continue to receive the necessary support.
“The Legislature is expected to take up the proposed budget later this session, and we’re hopeful that our representatives will work with us to find a more balanced solution that protects the interests of Carver County residents,” said Workman.
According to a press release from county staff, the county’s leadership will continue to advocate for solutions that protect residents from significant increases in property taxes and ensure that the county can meet the needs of all who rely on county services.
