Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Meeting – September 23, 2025

This regular board meeting was called to order at 9:01 a.m. and adjourned at 10:02 a.m. All seven commissioners were present. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, a presentation on the Guaranteed Energy Savings Project, and certification of the maximum 2026 property tax levy. A closed meeting on public safety followed at 10:50 a.m.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda and Minutes: Approved the agenda for September 23, 2025, and the minutes from September 16, 2025. (Motion by McGuire/Miller and Moran/Jebens-Singh, respectively; unanimous 7-0)
• Capital Improvement Contingent Fund – Metro Square Renovation: Authorized transfer of up to $2.5 million from the CIP Contingent Account to the Metro Square Renovation Project. (Resolution B2025-175; unanimous)
• Community Living Infrastructure Grant: Ratified grant application ($1,006,810), accepted award ($400,000) through June 30, 2027, and authorized execution. (Resolution B2025-176; unanimous)
• Pierce Butler Route Tree Canopy Improvement Grant: Accepted $171,050 from the Metropolitan Council for tree planting (May 2025 – June 2027) and authorized budget and agreements. (Resolution B2025-177; unanimous)
• New Brighton Road State Aid Variance: Approved requesting a variance from MnDOT for a combined lane/shoulder width of 9 feet 11 inches (vs. 12 feet) and vertical clearance of 14 feet 3 inches (vs. 16 feet 4 inches) at the railroad bridge, with indemnification. (Resolution B2025-178; unanimous)
• Property Tax Abatements (≥$10,000): Approved abatements for 11 properties listed in the agenda. (Resolution B2025-179; unanimous)
• Local Option Disaster Tax Abatements (≥$10,000): Approved abatements for two disaster-affected properties. (Resolution B2025-180; unanimous)

Presentation: Guaranteed Energy Savings Project with inBYLT, LLC

• Jean Krueger (Property Management Director) and John Felipe (Energy & Technology Manager) presented, joined by Alex Kotze (CFO) for financing details.
• Project Scope: Phase 1 of a multi-phase energy savings program covering 21 county buildings (approx. 2.3 million sq. ft.). Measures include LED lighting upgrades, building envelope improvements, solar photovoltaic (1 MW at RCCF), roofing replacements, HVAC modifications, building automation, and water conservation.
• Energy Performance: Ramsey County overall energy consumption is down 25% from 2019, with property management buildings down 43.8% since 2008. Phase 1 projects are expected to deliver an 11% reduction in energy use (≈16 million kBtu) and a 15% reduction in carbon emissions vs. prior year.
• Financing: Proposed internal loan of $8.45 million from the general fund fund balance (estimated unrestricted fund balance $54 million) at zero interest, repaid over 15–20 years from energy savings. Staff stressed urgency due to federal IRA incentives that must be safe-harbored by end of 2025 and projects completed by mid-2027.
• Commissioner Questions: Commissioner McGuire asked about missing federal grants due to the “big beautiful bill” (Inflation Reduction Act phase-out). Staff confirmed urgency drove this proposal; future countywide energy master plan to come in spring 2026. Commissioner Xiong asked about geothermal; staff noted payback was too long (>20 years). Commissioner Miller commended the approach for leveraging the county’s financial position.
• Next Steps: Staff to finalize contract terms and return to the board in early October for approval of the contract and loan resolution.

Policy Item: Certification of the Maximum Tax Levy for Proposed 2026 Property Tax Notices

• Proposed Levy: $434,565,563 total ($417,062,635 General County; $17,502,928 Library). The county’s proposed total budget is $929 million.
• Discussion: All seven commissioners spoke in favor of approving the maximum levy to preserve options, but expressed deep concern about the impact on residents and the county’s fiscal challenges. Key points:
  • Commissioner Xiong acknowledged the hard budget, federal/state cost shifts, and the need to balance services with taxpayer burden. He stated the levy is “too high” and urged additional cuts and focus, including review of general operating expenses and professional development.
  • Commissioner McMurtrey emphasized the levy means “real lives are being impacted” – rent increases, grocery trade-offs – and committed to lowering the final levy by December while investing in competitive employee salaries.
  • Commissioner Moran highlighted that only tool for revenue is property tax, and that departments presented “have-to” budgets, not wish lists. She noted public safety constitutes 40% of the tax levy increase and called for community input on trade-offs.
  • Commissioner Miller supported the max levy to keep options open, pledging to work on reductions.
  • Chair Ortega echoed the commitment to find a solution that maintains services while easing the tax burden.
• All commissioners thanked staff and residents who testified at the prior evening’s public hearing.
• Vote: Motion by Miller, seconded by McGuire, passed unanimously (7-0). Resolution B2025-181.

County Connections, Outside Reports, and Board Chair Update

• County Manager Ling Becker provided an update (archived on video).
• Commissioners reported on external meetings and community events (e.g., absentee voting update for Nov. 4 general election; over 10,000 ballots mailed; Tulu courts opening; Playwright’s Center grand opening; various district festivals; Met Council activities; Wilder’s East grand opening; etc.).
• Chair Ortega noted the full day ahead: Regional Railroad Authority, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, closed meeting on public safety, and afternoon legislative workshop.
• No formal board chair update.

Closed Meeting (After Adjournment)

• The board convened a closed meeting at 10:50 a.m., pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 13D.05 subd. 3(d), to discuss public safety security deficiencies. The closed session adjourned at 12:12 p.m.

Key Outcomes

• Approved all consent agenda items unanimously (resolutions B2025-175 through B2025-180).
• Received informational presentation on the Guaranteed Energy Savings Project; staff to return with a contract and loan resolution in early October.
• Approved the maximum 2026 property tax levy of $434,565,563 (resolution B2025-181), with commitment to work toward a lower final levy by December 2025.
• No other action items were taken.