Public Meetings - Ramsey County, Minnesota

The Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) met on the morning of October 20, 2026. The board unanimously approved routine administrative items before focusing on a presentation and vote on the Fall 2026 obligation of the HRA levy, approving $478,988 in funding for Critical Corridors projects. (Note: The agenda states the meeting began at 10 a.m. CT, while the system metadata records a timestamp of 17:00 UTC for this session). Consent Calendar - Agenda & Minutes: The agenda for October 20, 2026 and the minutes from the September 22, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. The full text of the September minutes was not included in the provided material. Discussion Items - Fall 2026 Critical Corridors Levy Obligation ($478,988): - Program Presentation: Ella Mitchell, Redevelopment Manager in Community and Economic Development (CED), presented the fifth round of the Critical Corridors program. The program supports efficient land use, dense development, and transit connections. The Commercial Corridor Initiative was expanded this round to include downtown St. Paul. Of 17 applications received, 10 were recommended for funding. - Funding Balance: Commissioner Miller inquired about the funding split between suburban areas and Saint Paul. Ms. Mitchell stated the program aims for a 50/50 balance, but this round leaned more heavily toward Saint Paul due to a higher volume of competitive applications from the city. - Suburban Engagement: Commissioner McMurtry asked about barriers to suburban participation. Ms. Mitchell cited limited staff capacity in smaller cities and highlighted the department's quarterly economic development summit as an outreach mechanism. - Program Support: Commissioner McGuire expressed strong support for the program, commending the City of Little Canada for their successful application for wayfinding funds. Commissioner Jeb Singh noted how data from Urban Three supports investments in mixed-use downtowns like White Bear Lake to increase tax capacity. - Program Details: Commissioner Moran asked what "wayfinding" entails; Ms. Mitchell explained it involves signage and banners to direct people to local businesses. Commissioner Miller asked if cities partially within Ramsey County (e.g., St. Anthony) are eligible; a county official confirmed they are, noting the program's origin in addressing multi-jurisdictional corridor issues. - Future Programming: A question regarding the program's future under the Economic Development Authority was deferred to a planned workshop in November. Key Outcomes - Funding Approved: The board unanimously approved the recommended projects and funding totaling $478,988. - Agreements Authorized: The County Manager was authorized to execute the necessary grant, loan, and other agreements. - Next Steps: Staff will coordinate the downtown St. Paul wayfinding projects with the city. A workshop on the program's integration with the Economic Development Authority is scheduled for November.

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners convened on October 20, 2026, at the Council Chambers in the Courthouse. The meeting began with a roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a land acknowledgement led by Commissioner McGuire. Commissioner Jebin Singh participated remotely. The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda (2026-414) and the minutes from October 13, 2026 (2026-415). The primary focus was a detailed presentation on the final preparations for the November 3, 2026 General Election, followed by operational updates and committee reports. Consent Calendar - Agenda and Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the agenda for October 20, 2026 (2026-414) and the minutes from October 13, 2026 (2026-415) via roll call votes. - Agreement Amendment: The board unanimously approved an amendment to the single-source agreement with Compulink Management Center, Inc. (Laserfiche) for a subscription license agreement for the period of October 25, 2026, through October 24, 2031 (Item 3, 2026-392). Discussion Items - General Election Preparations (November 3, 2026): David Triplett, Deputy Director of Property Tax, Records & Election Services, provided an extensive update on election readiness. - Absentee & Early Voting: The county mailed over 30,000 absentee ballots. In-person early voting began on October 16 with four county locations, seeing over 2,700 voters on the first day alone. The Shoreview Library and Arlington Hills Rec Center saw record turnout. - New Initiatives: For the first time, the county held single-day voting events at five college campuses (St. Kate's, Hamline, St. Thomas, U of M, Concordia), averaging 115 voters per location. The county also provides accessible voting at 27 healthcare facilities. - Election Day Operations: On November 3, 165 polling places will be staffed by approximately 2,000 election judges. Over 60 training courses have been held. Security planning includes a multi-agency stakeholder team. - System Security: Ramsey County does not use modems to transmit results; all materials are physically transported by judges. The county is upgrading its voting system from Verity to Vanguard (2.0) with a contract anticipated by year-end. - County Manager's Operational Update: County Manager Baker provided an update on board-approved initiatives. - HR1 Implementation: To address increased federal requirements, 28 new eligibility specialists for the Financial Assistance Services team have been hired (17.5 funded by contingency funds, plus other vacancies). Training will take up to nine months. - ADC Overtime Reduction: Of the 32 approved new correctional officer positions, 36 were hired and 30 remain employed. Approximately 65% come from diverse backgrounds and nearly 20% are women. The county projects a $600,000 savings by year-end and $2.6 million in savings for 2027. - Commissioner Miller noted that residents in the correctional facility have reported improved conditions, such as having two deputies in each pod and less lockdown time. - Outside Board and Committee Reports: - Rice Creek Commons / Microcontrol: Commissioners celebrated the ribbon cutting of the Microcontrol building in Arden Hills. The company exceeded its hiring goal, employing over 300 people. - Veteran Homelessness: Commissioner Jebin Singh announced that Ramsey County was officially recognized by the state as the 10th and final jurisdiction in Minnesota to effectively end veteran homelessness. Since 2015, 804 veterans in Ramsey County have been housed through a sustained collective effort. - Other Reports: Commissioners reported on the District 10 meeting, MELSA library board, MESB executive committee, the opening of the Midway Diner, a tour of the Less Bestead Golf Course site in Falcon Heights, a landlord listening session for the Heading Home Ramsey County initiative, and the SPIP domestic abuse intervention project candlelight vigil. Key Outcomes - Votes: 1. Unanimous approval of the meeting Agenda (2026-414). 2. Unanimous approval of the October 13, 2026 Minutes (2026-415). 3. Unanimous approval of the Laserfiche subscription license amendment (2026-392). - Next Steps: - Public Accuracy Test for voting machines on Friday, October 24. - Approval of municipal election service contracts at the next board meeting (October 27). - Continued work on the voting system upgrade contract. - Continued workforce planning and budget addendum discussions for the 2027 budget.

On October 13, 2026, the Ramsey County Board held a workshop to receive an update on the "Building Stronger Together" (BST) initiative, a $320 million economic development plan aimed at broadening the tax base and reducing property tax burdens. Commissioner Mike Tonjon chaired the session, filling in for Commissioner Moran. The session focused specifically on the "Dynamic Downtown Strategy" component. No votes were taken during this informational session, which was led by Community & Economic Development (CED) staff. Project Overview and Scope - The BST initiative consists of two main strategies: 1) Dynamic Downtown (targeted investments), and 2) Sale of county-owned lands for redevelopment. - A previous fiscal health analysis by Urban Three, mentioned in the workshop, found that only 28% of land in downtown St. Paul is taxable, underscoring the need for strategic investment in taxable parcels. Planning and Community Engagement - Staff (Brad Moore, Max Holdeson) conducted a planning and engagement phase over the summer of 2026, interviewing a broad list of downtown partners (e.g., City of St. Paul PED, Port Authority, Downtown Alliance) and reviewing plans dating back to 1997. - Key findings from this phase included an acknowledgement of strong downtown assets (parks, riverfront, Fortune 500 companies), persistent commercial vacancies, and a limited current pipeline for office-to-housing conversions. The City of St. Paul's Downtown Vitality Fund did not fund any housing applications due to project readiness issues. Recommendations: Establishing a Dynamic Downtown Fund - Staff recommended expanding the originally proposed $50 million office-to-housing conversion bond into a broader "Dynamic Downtown Fund" utilizing the HRA and potentially the new EDA authority. - Eligible uses would be expanded to include commercial, retail, hospitality, and housing redevelopment, as well as privately-owned public spaces. - The fund would be deployed through competitive solicitations. The first solicitation is planned for January 2027, with project selections in Spring 2027 and bond sale proceeds arriving around June 2027. Projects would have 180 days to close on loans. - Additional recommendations included investing in public infrastructure along priority corridors (5th, 6th, Kellogg), streetscaping, lighting, and wayfinding, though this sparked debate about the county's role in city streets. Commissioner Discussion and Feedback - Commissioner Ortega strongly advocated for the county to "step on the gas" and move from planning to implementation, expressing concern that "all these plans are still on the shelf." - Commissioner Miller raised concerns about resource equity, questioning whether using HRA levy dollars for downtown projects could exclude other parts of St. Paul or suburban communities. She also questioned the county's role in funding streetscaping on city streets and requested clear, measurable goals tied to a five-year plan, including intergenerational wealth building. - Commissioner McGuire expressed significant frustration with the City of St. Paul's perceived lack of leadership and partnership, stating, "really city of St. Paul should be coming to the table a lot more." - Commissioner Zhang emphasized the need for clear metrics for success and measurable outcomes, expressing concern about expanding bond uses without a clear guiding plan. He requested a detailed primer on the bond mechanics and its impact on suburban versus downtown investments. - Commissioner McMurtry questioned the level of engagement with Met Transit and highlighted the underutilization of existing assets like the riverfront. Staff Responses and Next Steps - Staff responded that the eligibility area for the fund is intentionally the downtown core to maximize impact on the tax base, noting that suburban Ramsey County's HRA allocation is not impacted by this shift in the St. Paul levy. - Staff committed to developing a policy presentation on eligible uses, scoring criteria, and measurable goals to address board feedback. - Staff noted that the county's AAA bond rating allows for below-market rate loans for developers, creating a strong incentive for private investment. - Other BST projects are advancing: River's Edge (evaluating accelerated delivery methods and phasing), Rice Creek Commons (construction starting late 2026), and county-owned lands (Payne & Maryland, Frost & English), with a full update on land sales expected in December 2026. - A BST newsletter and one-pagers are being finalized for public engagement. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were made; the workshop was held for board discussion and direction. - Board members requested follow-up information, including a clear educational primer on the bond financing mechanics, a framework for coordination with the City of St. Paul, and a detailed breakdown of eligible uses and scoring criteria for the Dynamic Downtown Fund solicitation. - The next BST-related board update is scheduled for a workshop in December 2026, focusing on the sale of county-owned lands and broader strategy metrics.

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on October 13, 2026, at 9:03 a.m. in the Council Chambers of the Ramsey County Courthouse, Saint Paul, MN. Commissioners Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Xiong, and Chair Ortega were present. Commissioner Moran was excused. The meeting included a youth justice proclamation, organizational restructuring ordinances, a major ERP systems update, and committee reports. (Meeting date based on source timestamp 2026-10-13T15:15:00+00:00) Consent Calendar - Agenda of October 13, 2026 approved (Motion by McGuire, Miller). Passed 6-0. - Minutes of October 6, 2026 approved (Motion by Jebens-Singh, Miller). Passed 6-0. - Appointment to Workforce Innovation Board: Dillon Donnelly was appointed for a term ending July 31, 2028 (Motion by McMurtrey, Jebens-Singh). Passed 6-0. Resolution B2026-133. Proclamation: Youth Justice Action Month - Commissioner Xiong presented the proclamation declaring October 2026 as Youth Justice Action Month. - The effort was highlighted as a decades-long transformation of the youth justice system, noting a recent report of only one young person in the Juvenile Detention Center. Commissioner Xiong stated, "That speaks volumes to the work that we are doing together and in community." - Strong, sustained partnerships with the judiciary, county attorney’s office, sheriff’s office, public defenders, and community organizations were credited. - County Attorney John Choi asserted, "Ramsey County is really leading the way in the state of Minnesota around our work around transforming our youth justice system... to become a justice system that is for all families and kids." - Elijah Norris Holliday, Youth Justice Transformation Manager, remarked "the work's not done," a sentiment echoed by numerous other speakers. Ordinance Procedures & Discussion Items Note: The agenda listed the Proposed Environmental Services Department Ordinance (Item 5) before the Abolish Ordinance (Item 6). The meeting proceeded with Item 6 first, followed by Item 5. - Item 6: Abolish the Enterprise and Administrative Services Department Ordinance - County Manager Ling Becker described this as budget cleanup resulting from the FY 2026-27 budget process. No FTEs remain in the department. The first reading was waived, and a public hearing was set for November 3, 2026 (Motion by Miller, Xiong). Passed 6-0. Resolution B2026-134. - Item 5: Proposed Environmental Services Department Ordinance - County Manager Becker provided context, emphasizing this is the final step in organizational alignment. The ordinance will establish an Environmental Services Department within the Economic Growth and Community Investment (EGCI) service team, effective January 1, 2027. - Becker stressed that "very little will change in their day-to-day work... the transition is about organizational structure" to build on environmental health expertise and strengthen collaboration with public works, parks, and climate initiatives. The move is intended to be budget neutral. - Commissioner Miller noted the team is "building on a strong foundation" and expressed support for the transition. - The first reading was waived, and a public hearing was set for November 3, 2026 (Motion by Miller, Xiong). Passed 6-0. Resolution B2026-135. - Item 7: Presentation: Update on Project Northstar (Workday) - Deputy County Manager Alex Kotze, Chief HR Officer Patience Ferguson, and CIO Chetan Ganatra presented the update on the replacement of the legacy Aspen and Summit systems with the cloud-based Workday ERP system. - The project is a $20 million investment and is currently under budget. The go-live target is January 1, 2027, with time entry in Workday starting December 19, 2026. - Benefits emphasized include a single integrated HR/financial system, real-time budget data, monthly closes, mobile app functionality (e.g., photographing receipts), and tools for managers to monitor budgets and overtime. Patience Ferguson highlighted the intuitive interface and total rewards visibility for employees. - Commissioner Xiong noted, "this is something that residents are actually excited about... having more controls and oversight." Commissioner Jebens-Singh inquired about year-end reconciliation, and Alex Kotze confirmed the monthly close process will significantly improve budget management and reporting. - County Manager Becker praised the hundreds of staff involved in the multi-year implementation, stating, "This has been a major investment for the county, both from a time and human perspective and also from a financial perspective." County Connections & Committee Reports - County Manager Becker: Announced the ECC's "Refining Safety" series launch and the introduction of live YouTube streaming of board meetings beginning October 20, 2026, to increase public transparency. - Young Adult Career Academy (YACA): Eight participants from the 8th cohort were introduced. Catrice Davis (Workforce Solutions) noted the program is a paid 20-week career exploration internship for ages 18-25, with 63 graduates since 2021. Interns shared their backgrounds and career interests in fields from medical examination to public works. - Commissioner Xiong: Expressed strong condemnation of the Department of Justice's investigations into political opponents, calling it an "abuse of power" and affirming support for Somali American and immigrant communities. - Commissioner McGuire & Jebens-Singh: Reported on the grand opening of Microcontrol at the Rice Creek Commons development, which has already generated over 300 jobs. Additional updates were provided on active living initiatives, the Community Corrections Act Conference, and the Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center tour highlighting acute mental health capacity. - Commissioner Miller: Reported on the Safe & Strong green line initiative, the CEO Next business graduation (7 out of 20 graduates from Ramsey County), and a commissioner exchange with Kandiyohi County Commissioner Steve Gardner. - Commissioner McMurtrey: Reported on the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at the Ramsey County Correctional Facility and the Indigenous People's Day Proclamation at the American Indian Magnet School. Key Outcomes - Public Hearings Set: Public hearings for the Environmental Services Department creation and abolishment of the Enterprise and Administrative Services Department were set for November 3, 2026. - Workday Implementation Update: The board received the Project Northstar update; the system is on track for go-live on January 1, 2027, with a significant training and transition plan for all county employees. - New Transparency Tool Approved: The board endorsed the live streaming of its meetings on YouTube, starting with the October 20, 2026 meeting. - Adjournment: Chair Ortega adjourned the regular meeting at 10:33 a.m. A Board Workshop on the Dynamic Downtown Strategy was scheduled immediately following the meeting.

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on October 6, 2026, from 9:04 a.m. to 9:54 a.m. in Council Chambers at the Courthouse. All seven commissioners were present, with Commissioner McGuire attending remotely. The meeting included approval of the agenda and minutes, six administrative items (all passed unanimously), a County Manager update on homelessness and warming spaces, and reports from commissioners on community engagements. A tour of District Energy followed the meeting. Consent Calendar - Agenda Approval (2026-315): Approved unanimously (7-0). - Minutes of September 22, 2026 (2026-316): Approved unanimously (7-0). Administrative Items – Unanimously Approved - Well Sealing Grant (2026-356): Ratified a grant work plan and accepted a $125,000 grant from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources through December 31, 2029. (Resolution B2026-126) - Urban Heat Island Sensor Network (2026-371): Accepted a $747,450 grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology for a sensor network project (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2028). (Resolution B2026-127) - Heading Home Ramsey Coordinated Entry Grant (2026-380): Accepted a $181,360 HUD grant for Continuum of Care lead agency planning through August 31, 2027. (Resolution B2026-128) - County Attorney Fund Transfer (2026-370): Authorized $305,898 from the General Fund Balance for 2024/2025 invoices. (Resolution B2026-129) - Public Safety Funding (2026-394): Authorized $379,800 from the General Contingency Account for Operation Metro Surge and First Amendment protected events (January 1 – March 30, 2026). (Resolution B2026-130) Discussion Items Library Gifts and Grants (Items 4 & 5) Deputy Library Director Ray Lockman presented two items. The Friends of the Ramsey County Library provided a $150,000 annual grant for collections, programming, and improvements, used for programs and book purchases. An additional $90,000 gift is earmarked for one-time capital improvements, such as study pods at the Roseville Library, interactive children’s installations (musical instrument play, dramatic play), and other well-loved services. Lockman explained that the Friends, as an independent nonprofit, entrust the county with spending decisions. Commissioners expressed gratitude for the Friends’ volunteer efforts and support. Votes: Both items passed unanimously (7-0) as Resolutions B2026-131 ($90,000 gift) and B2026-132 ($150,000 grant). County Manager Update – Homelessness and Warming Spaces County Manager Ling Becker provided a comprehensive update on homelessness initiatives. She noted October 10 is World Homeless Day and highlighted upcoming community events. For the upcoming winter, Ramsey County is planning a modified approach that prioritizes available emergency shelter capacity for single adults, while maintaining warming and overflow spaces as a safety net. Last summer saw nearly 13,000 visits to warming spaces, 20,000 transportation rides, and an average of 85 single adults, 25 youth, and at least one family per night. For families and youth, services will continue from last year. The county is collaborating with the city of St. Paul and the Sheriff’s Office for extreme cold thresholds, including using the adult detention center lobby on the most severe nights. Becker also announced that on October 2, 2026, Ramsey County achieved an effective end of veteran homelessness, recognized by the Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness. Since 2015, 804 veterans have been housed through collective efforts. This status means a coordinated system is in place to quickly identify and house veterans experiencing homelessness, though individual veteran homelessness may still occur. In response to a question from Commissioner Xiong about low-barrier shelter options, Becker noted that Catholic Charities allows pets and storage, and additional low-barrier shelter beds are expected to be announced soon. Case management efforts recently connected 15–20 people from encampments to support, and approximately 40 individuals (20 housed, nearly 20 with pending options) have moved to other housing options. Commissioner Reports (County Connections / Outside Board & Committee Reports) Commissioners provided updates on their activities over the prior two weeks. Key themes included homelessness, housing, community engagement, and regional collaboration. - Commissioner McMurtrey reported on the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act and the “Black Table” community partnership. She toured Interface’s family shelter on Bandana Boulevard, attended a ribbon-cutting for Benjamin E. Mays Afrocentric Magnet School, and met with the legislative delegation on the 2027 budget. - Commissioner Miller reported on the RE Recycling and Energy Board (accepting $1.657 million for flail mill replacement, recycling rate increase to 53%, food waste as 35% of waste stream), snowplow operator training, Lake Links bike ride, Wild Rice Festival, office hours, and a Micah housing event. He noted the annual Indigenous People’s Day celebration on October 12. - Commissioner Xiong participated in a young adult career academy Q&A, attended the McMurray Fields groundbreaking (stormwater improvements to benefit Como Lake), the Marydale Festival, and presented the county budget to the North End Neighborhood Organization. He also joined an inner-city leadership visit to Kansas City and is planning a commissioner exchange with Kandiyohi County. - Commissioner Moran updated on quarterly mayors’ lunches (topics: e-bike regulation, election preparation, budgets), constituent conversations about Operation Metro Surge impacts, the Three Youth Violence Prevention Network, and the Rice Creek Commons JDA meeting exploring a hybrid RFP for development. She highlighted the upcoming “Sell the Ground” event. - Commissioner Xiong (second segment) reported on the Payne Phalen Community Council’s climate resiliency playbook project (seeking circle of champions) and a St. Paul Children’s Collaborative grantee event focusing on a two-generation approach. Key Outcomes - All resolutions on the agenda were approved unanimously (7-0): B2026-126 through B2026-132. - The County Manager’s updates were received as information; no formal vote taken. - The meeting adjourned at 9:54 a.m., followed by a tour of District Energy at 76 Kellogg Boulevard West at 1:30 p.m.

This meeting transcript, though incomplete (no minutes were available), focused on the supplementary budget and community priorities. Two councilmembers spoke about the mayor's proposed budget and a potential cut to the library budget. Discussion Items - A councilmember (unnamed) expressed that they had learned from community members what they truly value, emphasizing that the final budget should reflect those priorities. - Councilmember Ms. Johnson shared similar sentiments, noting she was prepared to discuss the maximum levy in depth. She referenced Councilmember Joseph's earlier point and mentioned a proposal to remove $286,000 from the library budget, stating that while some may applaud that cut, her statement was cut off before elaborating on her position. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions, votes, or next steps were captured in the available transcript.

The Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) met in regular session on September 22, 2026. The meeting was scheduled for 10:15 a.m. in Council Chambers, Courthouse Room 300, Saint Paul, MN; roll call convened at 10:16 a.m., and the meeting adjourned at 10:17 a.m. All seven members were present: Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Ortega, and Chair Xiong. Also present were County Manager Ling Becker and Assistant County Attorney Scott Schwahn. The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda, the prior meeting minutes, and the certification of the maximum 2027 tax levy. Consent Calendar - Agenda Approval (2026-365): Motion by Miller, seconded by Moran, passed unanimously by roll call vote (7 ayes). - Minutes Approval (2026-366): Motion by Miller, seconded by Ortega, passed unanimously (7 ayes) for the August 18, 2026 minutes. Discussion Items - Certification of Maximum Tax Levy (2026-349 / Resolution H2026-014): The Community & Economic Development sponsors presented a proposed maximum tax levy to finance the 2027 HRA budget in the amount of $14,072,510. A board member noted that the resolution sets the maximum levy allowed. The raw transcript renders this as 'max lobby,' but the agenda and minutes confirm the item concerns the maximum tax levy. No further discussion was held. Motion by Miller, seconded by Moran, passed unanimously (7 ayes). Board Chair Update - Chair Xiong reported no update. Key Outcomes - The board certified the proposed maximum tax levy of $14,072,510 for the 2027 Ramsey County HRA budget (Resolution H2026-014). - All votes were unanimous: 7 ayes with no nays or abstentions. - Chair Xiong declared the meeting adjourned at 10:17 a.m.

The Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority met on September 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. in Council Chambers, Room 300 of the Courthouse. The meeting approved the agenda and minutes from August 18, 2026, and addressed a key policy item: certification of the maximum tax levy for the 2027 budget. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda (2026-363): Motion made, seconded, and approved by roll call. All members present voted in favor. - Approval of Minutes from August 18, 2026 (2026-364): Motion made, seconded, and approved by roll call. All members present voted in favor. Policy Item - Certification of the Maximum Tax Levy for the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority (2026-350): The proposed maximum tax levy to finance the 2027 budget is $36,219,703. The authority moved to keep the levy increase at zero (same as last year). Motion made, seconded, and approved by roll call with all members voting aye. Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda and minutes unanimously. - Certified the maximum tax levy of $36,219,703 with a zero percent increase for 2027. - No corridor updates were provided; the meeting adjourned shortly after the vote. - Quorum present: Travis, McGuire, McMurtry, Miller, Moran, Jean (as Zhang? transcript: "Zhang" likely a variant), and Ortega. All votes were unanimous.

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9:01 a.m. on September 22, 2026, in Room 300 of the Courthouse in Saint Paul. All commissioners were present, with Commissioner Xiong arriving at 9:07 a.m. The meeting included approval of consent items, discussion and approval of the maximum property tax levy for 2027, and informational reports from commissioners on a wide range of county activities and external engagements. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda (moved by Jebens-Singh, seconded by McGuire; passed 6-0 with Xiong absent). - Approval of Minutes from September 8, 2026 (moved by McGuire, seconded by Miller; passed 6-0 with Xiong absent). - Grant Award – DNR 2025 ReLeaf Grants: Accepted $320,731 for the period through June 30, 2027 (Resolution B2026-121). - Grant Agreement – DNR Diversifying Nature Education Access: Accepted $438,000 for culturally relevant environmental education from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2030 (Resolution B2026-122). - Personnel Complement Increase – Public Works Department: Approved an increase of 7.5 Full-Time Equivalents and a $1,200,000 revenue adjustment from the Local Option Sales Tax Fund for the 2027 Operating Budget (Resolution B2026-123). - Grant Agreement – MN DPS Crisis Response Grants: Accepted $300,000 for crisis response services through June 30, 2028 (Resolution B2026-124). These items were moved en bloc by Commissioner McMurtrey, seconded by Commissioner Miller, and passed unanimously (6-0; Xiong absent). Discussion Items Certification of the Maximum Tax Levy for Proposed 2027 Property Tax Notices (Policy Item 7) County Manager Ling Becker presented the request to approve a maximum levy of $463,988,946 (General County $445,943,527; Library $18,045,419), representing an 8.25% increase over the 2026 levy. She noted that the actual needed increase was closer to 9.6%, but the recommended ceiling reflects an effort to balance service obligations with taxpayer burdens. Key drivers of the increase include: - Federal HR 1 changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility and work requirements, causing cost shifts to the county. - Additional staffing at the Adult Detention Center to ensure a safe and compliant facility. Becker emphasized that setting the maximum levy creates a ceiling; the final levy adopted in December can be lower. She outlined steps the county will take to manage the 2027 budget, including managing hiring and vacancies, reducing outside consultant use, using non-levy funding, lowering technology costs, and managing personnel costs (possible furloughs, requiring a new benefits policy). She also announced a public hearing on December 3, 2026 at 6 p.m. in the courthouse. Commissioners expressed support for the levy certification while acknowledging community concerns. Commissioner Moran noted the widespread nature of budget pressures across all 87 Minnesota counties and stressed the need for legislative advocacy for property tax relief. Commissioner Miller highlighted the fiscal discipline used to mitigate increases, including the elimination of 43 positions, and encouraged public engagement through the budget process. The motion to approve the maximum tax levy was made by Commissioner Moran, seconded by Commissioner Miller. It passed unanimously (7-0; Commissioner Xiong arrived and voted aye). (Resolution B2026-125) County Connections County Manager Becker reported on an employment resource fair hosted by Ramsey County Workforce Solutions and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development at the Roseville Library earlier in September. The event, which attracted over 150 community members, was part of the CareerForce Corner series celebrating Workforce Development Month. Outside Board and Committee Reports Commissioners provided updates on their participation in various meetings, conferences, and community events: - Commissioner McMurtrey reported on the AMC Fall Policy Conference, tours of Avivo Village shelter and YMCA Child Care, the Impact conference in Toronto, and a meeting on encampments with community partners. He also noted chairing the first GIP Tech (Joint Property Tax Advisory Committee) meeting with the City of St. Paul and St. Paul Public Schools. - Commissioner Jebens-Singh reviewed the Audit Committee’s progress on adult detention center operations and the 2025 financial audit. She highlighted the Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative’s increased attendance at weekly basic needs meetings (70-90 staff) and outlined AMC Health and Human Services legislative priorities, including long-term social services costs, SNAP/Medicaid impacts, mental health systems, infectious disease management, and child protective services. - Commissioner McGuire discussed the Legislative Team’s preparation for the 2027 session, shared updates from League of Local Government meetings on chloride reduction and flock cameras, and reported on the Impact conference keynote on livable cities. She also noted AMC Public Safety Committee priorities: emergency communications, homeland security, and mental health in jails. - Commissioner Xiong described conversations at AMC on data centers (calling for a work group on coordinated negotiations) and a panel on property tax impacts. She also attended the Heats On event fixing heaters for 50 households, toured the pipefitters training facility, and presented the budget to the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council. - Commissioner Miller reported on budget presentations to district councils, a meeting with the Rondo Land Trust CEO regarding the Sears site, a meeting with St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter on homelessness, and the Impact conference tour. She announced a new work group with property owners for Heading Home Ramsey County to address the 881-day waiting list for housing. The meeting adjourned at 10:06 a.m., with subsequent meetings scheduled: Regional Railroad Authority (10:00 a.m.), Housing and Redevelopment Authority (10:15 a.m.), and a Board Workshop on Understanding the Homelessness Response (10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.).