Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ramsey County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
Federal priorities and new-senator outreach
Federal priorities include delaying or rolling back SNAP and Medicaid changes, housing and homelessness funding, and public safety grants. Commissioner Moran pushed for broader positions like Medicaid for All; staff are preparing outreach to one or potentially two new US senators and developing earmark requests.
2027 Capital Improvement Program Bonding
The county will ask for $6.5 million in state bonding to renovate the Aldrich Arena and Community Events Center — a busy venue for graduations, cultural events, and markets — for energy, accessibility, and revenue sustainability. County Manager Becker also pitched a new multi-year bonding strategy.
Lake Owasso facility financial stability
The county wants state help — likely a rate increase — to keep the Lake Owasso residence facility financially stable as care and reimbursement environments change. Commissioner Jebens-Singh stressed getting ahead of it to protect a community asset.
Workday ERP Implementation (Project Northstar)
The county is replacing 22-year-old HR and finance systems with Workday, live in January 2027. Employees get simpler time entry and phone-photo expense receipts; managers get real-time budget and overtime controls — something Commissioner Xiong tied to resident concerns about budget overruns.
2027 Regional Railroad Authority tax levy
The authority certified its maximum 2027 levy of $36.2 million while keeping the levy increase at zero percent. That means the railroad authority isn't adding any new property tax burden this year.
Community advisory board diversity and subrogation recovery
About 36% of advisory board applicants are racially or ethnically diverse; commissioners flagged long-tenured members blocking new voices and asked for term limits discussion. A new subrogation program recovered $141,463 — an 84% rate — from responsible third parties in 2025.
Invoice payment, contracting speed, and investments
Finance pays 97-98% of invoices on time, and contract solicitations dropped from 36 weeks to 23 weeks with a goal of 18. Late payments cost the county $100,000-$300,000 a year in interest. Investment returns beat the Treasury benchmark at 4.2%.
Contracts for election services with cities and school districts
The county runs elections for 16 cities and 4 school districts. New contracts are being finalized and will come to the board as one action before year-end, with a price increase to cover judge raises, new voting booths, and growing absentee voting costs.
Cooperative project delivery agreement and governance
A second, still-in-progress agreement will spell out how the county and Met Council make joint decisions — including a project decision board of elected officials reviewing budget and scope at each design milestone, with a $150,000 threshold for items between milestones.
Federal housing bill awaiting presidential action
Chair Xiong noted a major housing bill passed by Congress is sitting on the president's desk, tied publicly to passage of the SAVE Act. It would streamline CDBG disaster recovery funding, expand HOME program use, and cap institutional investors at 350 single-family homes.
County Manager Performance Evaluation and Salary Increase
County Manager Ling Becker got a 'distinguished' evaluation and a raise to $283,550 starting August 1. Commissioners praised her crisis leadership and service improvements, but a few noted there's always room to improve service delivery.
R&E Budget and 2027 Tipping Fee Increase
Haulers will pay $159 per ton at the Newport facility starting in 2027, up from $142, to fund the food scrap program expansion and transfer stations. Those costs generally get passed on to residents' garbage bills.
County performance measurement and public data transparency
The county reports ten performance measures to the state auditor each year for a $25,000 incentive. Commissioners flagged the county's high low birth weight rate and racial disparities in birth outcomes as troubling, and confirmed the report is posted on the county's open data portal.
2027 Commissioner Salary Ordinance
Commissioners approved their own 2027 pay raise plus an expense allowance of roughly $800 a month, over objections from two residents who cited recent cuts to libraries, detox services, and burial assistance. The ordinance was adopted as Resolution B2026-075 on a 7-0 vote after a public hearing.
HRA levy balance: housing vs. business use
Commissioner McGuire pressed to ensure the HRA levy — fundamentally a housing fund — isn't tilted too heavily toward business use. Staff affirmed affordable housing remains the primary focus, with business supports adding flexibility for mixed-use projects.
Property tax refunds require application
Residents get a one-time 14.8% boost in property tax refunds — homeowners making under $143,000 qualify for a one-time $173 refund — but they have to apply. Commissioners criticized the opt-in design as inefficient and skewed against low-income and renter households.
$170,000 Litigation Settlement
The county settled a lawsuit, Tameca Williams v. Ramsey County, for $170,000. That's county money — ultimately taxpayer funds — going to resolve the claim.
Property tax abatements for Saint Paul properties
The county granted abatements of $10,000 or more on three Saint Paul parcels, including a disaster-related abatement. Abatements reduce tax revenue the county and other local governments would otherwise collect.
2026 Special Board of Appeal and Equalization
The county set up the panel that hears property valuation appeals, convening June 16, 2026. If you think your property was assessed too high, this is the body that can adjust it.
Great River Rail Commission 2026 Funding
The authority approved a $16,400 contribution to the Great River Rail Commission's 2026 work plan and budget, keeping Ramsey County at the table for regional passenger rail planning.