Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Meeting Summary - May 19, 2026

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met on May 19, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in Council Chambers. All seven commissioners were present: Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Ortega, and Xiong (participating remotely). County Manager Ling Becker and Assistant County Attorney Stacey D'Andrea also attended. The meeting included approval of the agenda and minutes, three administrative items, a detailed presentation on the closure of the county's detoxification and withdrawal management facility, a legislative update, county connections, outside board and committee reports, and a board chair update. The meeting adjourned at 10:39 a.m., followed by a closed meeting regarding the Benjamin Hill v. Thomas Rudenick matter.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda of May 19, 2026 (2026-182): Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Minutes from May 12, 2026 (2026-183): Approved unanimously (7-0).

Administrative Approvals

• Settlement Agreement in Tameca Williams v. Ramsey County (2026-189): Approved a $170,000 settlement and authorized the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the agreement. Resolution B2026-061. Passed 7-0.
• Salary Schedule for New Data Practices Officer (2026-170): Approved the salary schedule and grade allocation for a new unrepresented Data Practices Officer position (Grade 102A, Schedule 35, annual salary range $74,290.99 – $111,436.48). Resolution B2026-062. Passed 7-0.
• Repurchase of Tax-Forfeited Property at 601 Annapolis Street East, St. Paul (2026-168): Approved the repurchase by the former fee owners, Meiby Maribe Artola and Dayana Y Artola, for $32,701, subject to execution of a repurchase contract within 90 days. Resolution B2026-063. Passed 7-0.

Detoxification and Withdrawal Management Facility Update

Presented by Sophia Thompson (Director, Social Services Department) and Jim Langer (Human Services Manager). The county's detox program closed on December 31, 2025, after operating since 1989. Key points:

• The decision aligned with best practices to shift specialized services to community-based providers; the county was losing approximately $1 million annually due to low bed utilization (typically 20-22 of 50 beds).
• A multi-pronged transition (Phase I) ran January–April 2026, providing on-site navigation, transportation coordination, and daily bed availability sharing with community providers.
• Client contacts declined from 91 in January to 34 in April, with most handled by phone; on-site navigation ended April 30, 2026.
• A local provider was selected via a competitive RFP to operate at the same location (402 University Avenue). The provider will offer low-barrier access and a sliding scale fee starting at zero. The county will lease the space at no cost and provide a $50,000 startup grant.
• The provider must obtain state licensure (expected 6-month process), so services are anticipated to begin in late December 2026 or January 2027.
• Commissioners discussed communication challenges, the importance of continued education for hospital partners, and the need for a continuum of care beyond detox. County Manager Becker noted the need for a broader organizational strategy for outreach.
• The county continues to maintain a 24/7 phone line (651-266-4900) and updated website for referrals.

Legislative Update

Commissioner McGuire reported that the legislative session ended May 18, 2026. Key outcomes:

• A bonding bill passed including $13 million for West 7th Street sewer infrastructure, $40 million for Roy Wilkins Auditorium renovations, and $10 million for the Grand Casino Ice Arena. Ramsey County did not receive funding for its top priorities (e.g., Parker's Rivers Edge).
• The Health and Human Services Omnibus bill included funding for SNAP administrative costs, implementation of the Minnesota African American Family Preservation Act, $10 million for county IT modernization grants, and additional funding for homeless prevention and supportive housing.
• Gun violence prevention and metro search compensation did not pass.
• Further details will be provided in a board workshop.

County Connections

County Manager Becker reported on a convening of community collaboratives (St. Paul Children's Mental Health Collaborative, Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative, and St. Paul Children's Collaborative) to strengthen partnerships and align resources for children, youth, and families. She also announced Train Days at Union Depot on June 6–7, 2026, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the depot, featuring free tours, exhibits, and a music festival.

Outside Board and Committee Reports

• Commissioner McGuire: Attended the Ramsey County Legal Local Government Collective Action Work Group (salt/chloride reduction), Rice-Larpenteur Alliance Community in Bloom event, NACo Board of Directors meeting (federal policy agenda on SNAP, Medicaid, disaster response), and AMC legislative update.
• Commissioner Jebens-Singh: Attended Ramsey County Law Enforcement Memorial ceremony; toured Roots Wellness Center; participated in NAMI documentary screening "No One Cares About Crazy People"; highlighted mental health awareness month and community outreach events (Shoreview Water Safety Day, Rice-Larpenteur Alliance, etc.).
• Commissioner McMurtrey: Spoke at Arbor Month tree planting (Pierce Butler Tree Canopy Improvement Project); attended Front Avenue Community Crawl, Rice-Larpenteur Alliance, Mighty Midway Festival, Falcon Heights Spring Together, and Snelling and University Alliance working group (discussing a business improvement district). Also attended Interfaith Action Annual Assembly.
• Commissioner Miller: Attended Metropolitan Emergency Services Board meeting (approved 2025 financial audit, updates to armor participation plans, funding for regional flood program, school mapping grants); Ramsey-Washington Recycling & Energy Finance Committee (approved 2027 budget recommendations, tipping fee set at $159/ton); presented on food insecurity at White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf; attended Interfaith Action Annual Assembly.
• Commissioner Moran: Reported on grand opening of the Ramsey County Government Center (121 East 7th Place East); attended NACo Economic Development Conference (noted challenges for Black elected officials in the South, need for representation); commented on the African American Family Preservation Act's case review requirement as an opportunity for counties to self-reflect on disproportionate impact in child welfare.

Board Chair Update

Chair Ortega adjourned the open meeting at 10:39 a.m. The board then entered a closed meeting (11:10 a.m. – 11:25 a.m.) under Minnesota Statutes 13D.05, subdivision 3(b) to discuss Benjamin Hill v. Thomas Rudenick. The board authorized staff to proceed as discussed (Resolution B2026-064). Commissioner Xiong was excused from the closed meeting.

Key Outcomes

• All open-session resolutions (B2026-061 through B2026-063) were approved unanimously (7-0).
• The board authorized the closed meeting resolution (B2026-064) with a motion by Miller, seconded by McMurtrey; passed with Commissioner Xiong excused.
• The detox facility transition will continue with a new community provider expected to begin services in late 2026/early 2027.
• The legislative update noted that a detailed briefing will be provided at a future board workshop.