Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Meeting – August 11, 2026

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners convened on August 11, 2026, at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers. Key actions included approval of the consent agenda (with one item pulled for separate discussion), appointment of a new Emergency Management Director, and an extensive informational presentation on the operational impacts of House Resolution 1 (HR1), which will require 17.5 new FTEs and up to $2.4 million in project funding. The meeting also featured updates from commissioners on community events and an election-day reminder.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda and Minutes: Approved the agenda of August 11, 2026 (Item 2026-291) and the minutes from August 4, 2026 (Item 2026-292) unanimously.
• Appointments: Approved appointments to the Personnel Review Board (Samantha Wicks, term through 2030), Capitol Region Watershed District Board of Managers (Hawona Sullivan Janzen, Joseph P. Collins, Rick Sanders, terms 2026–2029), and Capital Improvement Program Advisory Committee (Niko Le Mieux, Clarence Patterson, Mazel McCoy-Anderson, terms 2026–2028).
• Parks & Recreation Commission: Rescinded Resolution 99-250 and approved amendment to Resolution 90-191, increasing membership from seven to nine at-large members with three-year staggered terms.
• Arden Hills Subsurface Drain Restoration: Approved project budget up to $2,400,000, with $1,300,000 from Property Management fund balance and $1,100,000 from county bond interest.

Appointment of Emergency Management Director

• Item 8 (pulled from consent): Commissioner Miller moved to appoint Kendall Bobula as Director of the Emergency Management Department. County Manager Becker introduced Bobula, noting her background in government emergency management, including roles in Connecticut and Boston. Bobula stated she is “honored to accept” and emphasized stewardship of “residence time, trust, and tax dollars.” The appointment was approved by roll call vote: Miller (aye), Moran (aye), Zhong (aye), Jabin Singh (aye), McGuire (aye), McMurtry (excused), Ortega (aye).

Discussion Items

• House Resolution 1 (HR1) Implementation Presentation (Item 2026-278) – For information only.

  • Director Ali of Financial Assistance Services outlined the operational readiness and staffing needs resulting from HR1. Key points:
    • Federal requirements include more frequent eligibility reviews (every six months vs. annual for Medical Assistance), increased verifications, and new work requirements for SNAP.
    • Ramsey County has already made improvements: reduced staff turnover from 21% to 17%, trained nearly 170 staff in customer service, and launched new digital quality assurance tools. Since April, over 2,700 residents used the online application tool.
    • Despite these improvements, Ali stated: “We do not have the capacity to manage the workload created by HR1.” The request is for 17.5 FTEs (16.5 eligibility specialists + 1 supervisor), which would cost an estimated 0.25% increase on the property tax levy.
  • Commissioners expressed support for the proactive approach, noting the challenge of hiring and training (6–9 months). Commissioner Zhong questioned whether delays in implementation would reduce the need; Ali responded that delays may increase penalties and uncertainty, so hiring now is strategic.
  • County Manager Becker noted the total HR1 fiscal impact could be $13 million, with additional $6 million for long-term support services by 2028. He emphasized using contingency funds to start hiring quickly.
  • Commissioner Jabin Singh highlighted the flawed federal payment error rate formula, stating it “is designed to remove people off of public benefits.” Director Ali stressed that the staffing request is about preventing eligible residents from losing coverage due to workload.
  • No vote was taken; a formal request for board approval is expected on August 18, 2026.

• Employee Recognition Program Refresh – Human Resources announced a redesigned program with four award categories (Values in Action, Shining Star, High Five, One Ramsey County Award) and a formal ceremony in April.

• Election Day Reminder – County Manager reminded that August 11 is the state primary; polling places open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Voters can register on election day. He thanked election staff and partners.

County Connections & Board Updates

• Commissioners reported on National Night Out events, community meetings, and recognition of appointees. Notable: Commissioner Moran attended a family shelter work group meeting and a community meeting on cultural competencies in child welfare; Commissioner Singh attended East Metro Mental Health Roundtable and League of Women Voters events; Commissioner McGuire highlighted local festivals and the Do Good Roseville organization.
• Chair Ortega noted the lighting of the First Bank sign as a positive symbol for downtown St. Paul.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar Approved: All items except #8 passed en bloc.
• Kendall Bobula Appointed: Emergency Management Director effective immediately.
• HR1 Staffing Request: Board received presentation; will vote on August 18, 2026, on the 17.5 FTE request and use of contingency funds.
• Continued Advocacy: Commissioners expressed intention to coordinate with other counties and AMC to address unfunded mandates, and to push for state system modernization.
• Next Meeting: August 18, 2026, in Council Chambers.