Carver County Board of Commissioners -- Board Meeting - June 2, 2026

The Carver County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on June 2, 2026, where significant discussions focused on the county's government center construction project and health insurance options. The board reviewed the government center project, including the selection of Leo A. Daly as the architect and engineering firm with an 8% fee proposal within an $82 million budget. The project involves complex phased construction and staff engagement, with a planned ribbon-cutting in spring 2029. The board approved moving forward with the contract despite some debate over fee structure and cost guarantees. Additionally, the board received an extensive briefing on health insurance market trends, funding arrangements, and options for 2027 and beyond. Carver County currently maintains a fully insured health plan with a negotiated 7% renewal rate for 2027, which is favorable compared to market trends. The board discussed potential transitions to self-funded or consortium (pool) insurance models, including the Scale Insurance Pool option targeted for 2028. Key considerations included governance, voting rights, financial risk, and legislative hurdles, particularly regarding weighted voting to reflect member size. The board agreed to continue exploring the pool option while maintaining current coverage for 2027, with further analysis and joint discussions planned with Scott County. No immediate contract awards or budget allocations were made for health insurance changes, but the meeting highlighted ongoing procurement and policy evaluation efforts in both capital projects and employee benefits.