Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Meeting - October 21, 2025

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on October 21, 2025, at 9:01 a.m. in Council Chambers, Courthouse Room 300, with six commissioners present (Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Xiong, and Chair Ortega) and Commissioner Moran excused. The meeting included a retirement proclamation, approval of four administrative items with discussion on three, introductions of new county leaders, and an update on the federal government shutdown impacting SNAP benefits. All votes were unanimous (6-0).

Proclamation: Mao Heu Thao Retirement

• The board presented a proclamation honoring Mao Heu Thao upon her retirement after 39 years of service (since 1986) as a public health nurse, Hmong Health Coordinator, and community leader. Speakers included Commissioner McGuire, Public Health Director Amy Karen, and Dr. Yang of the Hmong Healthcare Professionals Coalition. Mao thanked colleagues and community. The proclamation celebrated her work advancing health equity, founding the Hmong Healthcare Professionals Coalition, and pioneering culturally responsive care.

Administrative Items

• Item 4: Revenue Agreement with Monarch Healthcare Management IV LLC – Approved unanimously (Resolution B2025-196). The one-year agreement (October 21, 2025 – October 20, 2026) in the amount of $96,644 provides financial assistance processing services. The county will assign two new Eligibility Specialist FTEs (no levy impact as costs are shared 50% through random moment reimbursement and 50% paid by Monarch). The pilot will be evaluated; if not renewed, FTEs will be reabsorbed. Commissioner questions addressed selection process, resident demographics, and quality control.
• Item 5: Grant Agreement with State of Minnesota for Minnesota Multi-Purpose Community Facility Project Grant – Approved unanimously (Resolution B2025-197). Accepts a $450,155 grant for expanding public and community areas at Maplewood Library, through December 31, 2026. Commissioner Miller highlighted the project in her district.
• Item 6: Amendment to Agreement with Alia Innovations for Implementation of Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act – Approved unanimously (Resolution B2025-195). Increases the not-to-exceed amount to $560,750 for professional services. Passed without separate discussion as part of the consent motion.
• Item 7: Amendment to Single Source Agreement with Youthprise for Youth Services – Approved unanimously (Resolution B2025-198). Extends the agreement through June 30, 2027, in a not-to-exceed amount of $1,300,000. The amendment expands eligibility for ISF funds and violence prevention grants to upstream, preventive services for youth not yet in the justice system. Outcomes from 2024 include over 200 youth and families served with $150,000 spent on rental assistance, therapy, and other needs. Commissioner discussion highlighted community partnerships and ongoing work for respite shelter beds.

County Connections

• County Manager Ling Becker introduced two new leaders:
  • Michael Soto – Director of Policy and Administrative Services (formerly policy and planning). He oversees research, evaluation, racial equity, and strategic planning. Soto holds a PhD in sociology and previously led data analytics at Hennepin County.
  • Andrew Greenley – Deputy Chief of Staff. He previously worked at Ramsey County (finance and social services) and most recently at the Minnesota Department of Health. Greenley provided a federal shutdown update: if the shutdown continues, SNAP benefits will be halted starting November 1, 2025. The state is required to notify recipients by October 21. MFIP cash benefits may also be impacted. The county is meeting daily to coordinate response and processing as many renewals as possible before the deadline. Commissioners expressed concern about the cascading effects on food security and nonprofit partners.

Outside Board and Committee Reports

• Commissioner Xiong reported on a Burns Institute trip to Montgomery and Selma, reflecting on resilience and urgency of equity work. She noted upcoming lead testing at Battle Creek Rec Center.
• Commissioner Miller highlighted community events and the federal shutdown’s impact on SNAP, including conversations with NACo and AMC.
• Commissioner Jebens-Singh gave updates on meetings with AFSCME, CapRW, and a lunch-and-learn with East Side nonprofit leaders. She also noted Diwali and the upcoming Mpact conference.
• Commissioner McGuire reported on the Rice Street reconstruction phase one celebration and virtual budget office hours.
• Chair Ortega reported on a meeting with tribal leaders in Duluth and his own office hours.

Key Outcomes

• Approved agenda (10/21/2025) and minutes (10/14/2025) unanimously.
• Adopted all four administrative items via resolutions B2025-195 through B2025-198 (each passed 6-0).
• The board acknowledged the federal shutdown’s threat to SNAP and MFIP benefits, pledging continued coordination with state and federal partners.
• Meeting adjourned at 10:31 a.m. Subsequent workshops and a closed labor negotiation session were scheduled.