County OKs 8.9 pct. tax levy increase for 2025

The Carver County Board of Commissioners approved the 2025 preliminary tax levy at its Tuesday, Sept. 3 meeting.

The county’s tax levy supports essential services including public safety, health and human services, mental health, public works, elections, and county attorney. It also provides services such as the library, parks, license centers, environmental services, and much more.

The county’s preliminary tax levy will increase by 8.9 percent compared to 2024. The actual tax increase on the county’s average value home ($472,000) will be 4.6 percent, or $65 annually. The levy cannot increase, but it could decrease when the board approves the final 2025 levy in December.

County administrator Dave Hemze noted during his presentation that several factors are driving the tax levy increase, including maintaining competitive wages and benefits, upholding existing service levels, and continued high costs despite decreasing inflationary pressure.

The board set the required Truth in Taxation hearing for Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. in the Chaska Government Center board room.

The board’s next action occurs at its Nov. 19 meeting, where a public hearing and vote occurs on the 2025 fee schedule. The board receives the 2025 long-term financial plan on Nov. 26, with planned adoption of the 2025 levy and budget scheduled for the Dec. 3 meeting.