Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Meeting - June 16, 2026

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met on June 16, 2026, at 9:03 a.m. in Council Chambers, Courthouse Room 300, Saint Paul, Minnesota. All seven commissioners were present: Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Xiong, and Chair Ortega. Also present were County Manager Ling Becker and Civil Division Director Jada Lewis. The meeting included a public hearing on the proposed 2027 commissioner salary ordinance, approval of several resolutions, and recognition of retiring staff.

Public Hearing – Proposed Commissioner Salary Ordinance for 2027

• The public hearing was opened at 9:05 a.m. Two members of the public testified in opposition: Rich Neumeister (St. Paul) and Greg Copeland (St. Paul).
• Rich Neumeister strongly opposed the proposed 3% salary increase and nearly $10,000 annual expense allowance, arguing that the increase is inappropriate given recent budget cuts including 43 staff reductions, library cuts (loss of five FTE positions, Friday closure of Shoreview Library), and reductions to detox services and burial assistance for low-income residents. He urged the board to reject the increase and focus on restoring services.
• Greg Copeland opposed the salary increase and criticized the county's spending and tax increases, citing a 16% property tax increase in his neighborhood and a proposed $320 million bond for a downtown park. He suggested replacing the current salary formula with a per-capita-based approach and advocated for a $1 per resident formula to reduce the budget by $263,618.
• No other public testimony was offered. The public hearing was closed at 9:16 a.m.

Consent Calendar / Routine Approvals

• Agenda Approval (2026-214): The agenda was amended to correct the time of the closed meeting on the County Manager Performance Review from 1:30 p.m. to 10:30 a.m. The amended agenda was approved unanimously.
• Minutes of June 2, 2026 (2026-215): Approved unanimously.
• Appointment of Members to the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority for 2026 (2026-208): Approved unanimously. The board appointed itself as the EDA board; Chair Ortega nominated Mai Chang Jong as EDA chair for 2026.

Discussion Items

• Proposed Commissioner Salary Ordinance – Waiver of Second Reading: Following the public hearing, Commissioner Moran moved, seconded by Jebens-Singh, to waive the second reading of the proposed ordinance. The motion passed unanimously, adopting Resolution B2026-075.
• Grant Agreement with MN Department of Health for Pediatric Mental Health Training (2026-204): Presented by Kenya Walker, Human Services Manager. The grant of $265,000 will fund training for Social Services and Public Health staff through May 31, 2028. Commissioners Moran and Jebens-Singh expressed strong support, noting the importance of early intervention for youth mental health. The motion passed unanimously (Resolution B2026-078).
• Fund Transfer from Bond Interest to Park at RiversEdge (2026-211): Authorized the County Manager to transfer up to $1,200,000 from bond interest and premiums to the Park at RiversEdge project account. Motion passed unanimously (Resolution B2026-077).

County Connections

• County Manager Ling Becker announced that the Jackson Street entrance of the Ramsey County Government Center will close from June 18–24 due to construction; staff and residents will use alternate entrances.
• Recognized Bobby Joe Potter, Deputy Director of Children and Family Services, for being selected as a 2026 Bush Fellow.
• Highlighted Juneteenth events across the county and encouraged participation.
• Honored retiring Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Judd Fried, who served 23 years with the county. Commissioners McGuire, Ortega, and McMurtrey praised his leadership and national contributions. Fried thanked his family and staff.

Outside Board & Committee Reports / Board Chair Update

• Commissioners reported on community events attended, including Juneteenth celebrations, Pride events, and meetings of the AMC District 10, Audit Committee, MESB, and Extension Committee. Reports included updates on resource management, unfunded mandates, and emergency communications.
• Commissioner Moran reported on the Audit Committee: the county recovered $738,687 in subrogation in 2025.
• Chair Ortega read a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth (June 19, 1865) and the ongoing commitment to racial equity.

Key Outcomes & Decisions

• Agenda amended (closed meeting time corrected) and approved unanimously.
• Minutes of June 2, 2026 approved unanimously.
• Public hearing held on the proposed Commissioner Salary Ordinance for 2027; two speakers opposed.
• Waiver of second reading of the salary ordinance passed unanimously (Resolution B2026-075).
• Appointment of EDA members (the full board) approved unanimously (Resolution B2026-076).
• Pediatric Mental Health Training grant accepted and agreement approved (Resolution B2026-078).
• Fund transfer of up to $1,200,000 to Park at RiversEdge approved (Resolution B2026-077).
• County Connections updates received.
• Outside reports and Board Chair update received.
• Meeting adjourned at 10:19 a.m.
• Closed meeting (not open to the public) convened at 10:45 a.m. to discuss the County Manager Performance Appraisal; no action taken; adjourned at 12:14 p.m.