Public Meetings - Ramsey County, Minnesota

The Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) met on January 13, 2026, in Council Chambers at the Courthouse Room 300. Although the agenda listed a 10 a.m. start, the meeting was called to order at 11:18 a.m. according to the minutes. All seven members (Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Ortega, and Chair Xiong) were present, along with County Manager Ling Becker and Assistant County Attorney Scott Schwahn. The board unanimously approved the agenda, the prior meeting’s minutes, and three administrative items related to housing funding, environmental cleanup, and wealth generation. Consent Calendar - Motion by Miller, seconded by Ortega, to approve the January 13, 2026 agenda. Passed unanimously. - Motion by Ortega, seconded by McGuire, to approve the January 6, 2026 minutes. Passed unanimously. Discussion Items - Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing Funding (Item 3): The board accepted $1,300,000 from the Metropolitan Council for the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing program. The resolution (H2026-004) authorized the County Manager to establish a project within Community & Economic Development and to enter into necessary grant agreements. No discussion was held; the motion by Ortega, seconded by Miller, passed unanimously. - Environmental Response Fund Grant Awards (Item 4): Ella Mitchell, Redevelopment Program Manager, presented the awards. The fund, administered for over 20 years, supports cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater, as well as lead/asbestos abatement, to prepare sites for redevelopment. Solicitations occur twice yearly with application deadlines of May 1 and November 1. This round received four applications; three were recommended because the fourth obtained full funding from another source. Awards were: - Roseville Economic Development Authority, Twin Lakes Technology Center: $500,000 - GloryVille LLC, GloryVille: $200,000 - JB Vang, Hamm’s West End Development: $200,000 During discussion, Commissioner Miller asked about award frequency, and Commissioner McGuire asked about award limits. Mitchell explained that eligible amounts are tied to cleanup costs and noted the program is scheduled to sunset on January 1, 2028; Ramsey and Hennepin counties are coordinating advocacy to extend it. Commissioner Moran asked about applicant volume and learned all four projects received at least some funding. Commissioner Ortega requested a one-on-one briefing. The motion by Miller, seconded by Jebens-Singh, passed unanimously as Resolution H2026-005. - Allocation of 2026 HRA Levy for Wealth Generation Programs (Item 5): Max Holdhusen, Deputy Director of Community & Economic Development, presented the request, standing in for Tanisha Trice-Johnson. The board approved allocating $2,350,000 of the 2026 HRA levy to wealth creation initiatives, primarily the First Home program. In 2025, the program closed 38 loans, 84% of which were to first-generation buyers, and 15 loans were for manufactured homes. Applications for the First Home program are rolling and in high demand; funds were largely exhausted by August 2025, reopened with a smaller amount in the fall, and approximately $200,000 will roll over into 2026. Commissioner Miller asked about the application process, and Commissioner Moran asked about loans versus grants. Holdhusen clarified: first-generation buyers receive a zero-percent forgivable loan forgiven after 20 years; first-time buyers receive a zero-percent deferred loan; rehab loans are forgiven after 10 years; and critical repair is a small grant for immediate fixes. Commissioner Ortega requested that the information be sent to the entire board. The motion by Ortega, seconded by Jebens-Singh, passed unanimously as Resolution H2026-006. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous (7-0). - Approved the agenda and minutes. - Accepted $1,300,000 in Pathways funding and authorized related agreements. - Approved Environmental Response Fund grants totaling $900,000. - Approved $2,350,000 for wealth generation programs. - The County Manager is authorized to execute grant, loan, and other agreements as described. - Staff will provide program information to the full board and arrange a one-on-one briefing on environmental response funds. - Ramsey County will join Hennepin County in advocating to extend the Environmental Response Fund program beyond its January 1, 2028 sunset.

The Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority met on January 6, 2026, at 9:46 a.m. (agenda listed 10 a.m.) in Council Chambers - Courthouse Room 300, Saint Paul, MN. All seven commissioners were present: Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Xiong, and Chair Ortega. The meeting lasted approximately four minutes and covered approval of the agenda and minutes, election of officers for 2026, and appointments to outside committees. All votes were unanimous 7-0. Agenda and Minutes Approval - Agenda of January 6, 2026: Approved. Motion by Moran, seconded by McGuire. Unanimous. - Minutes from December 16, 2025: Approved. Motion by Miller, seconded by McGuire. Unanimous. Policy Items - Election of Chair for 2026: Commissioner Moran nominated Commissioner Ortega as chair, seconded by Commissioner Xiong. Motion passed unanimously. (Resolution R2026-001) - Election of Vice-Chair for 2026: Commissioner Jebens-Singh nominated Commissioner Xiong as vice-chair, seconded by Commissioner Moran. Motion passed unanimously. (Resolution R2026-002) - Election of Secretary/Treasurer for 2026: Commissioner Moran nominated Commissioner Miller as secretary/treasurer, seconded by Commissioner Jebens-Singh. Motion passed unanimously. (Resolution R2026-003) - Appointments to Outside Committees for 2026: Motion by Jebens-Singh, seconded by Xiong. Approved unanimously. (Resolution R2026-004) Corridor Updates - None. Adjournment Chair Ortega declared the meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m.

The Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) held a brief organizational meeting on January 6, 2026, to approve routine items and elect officers for the coming year. Although the agenda listed a 10:15 a.m. start, the meeting convened at 9:51 a.m. and adjourned at 9:54 a.m., according to the minutes. All seven members were present: Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Ortega, and Chair Xiong. The County Manager and an Assistant County Attorney were also present. Consent Calendar - Agenda Approval (2026-018): Motion by Miller, seconded by Ortega, passed unanimously to approve the January 6, 2026 agenda. - Minutes Approval (2026-019): Motion by McGuire, seconded by McMurtrey, passed unanimously to approve the December 16, 2025 minutes. Discussion Items - Election of Chair (2026-020): Commissioner Miller nominated Commissioner Xiong, seconded by Commissioner McGuire. Xiong accepted. Motion passed unanimously, resulting in Resolution H2026-001. - Election of Vice-Chair (2026-021): Commissioner Jebens-Singh nominated Commissioner McMurtrey, seconded by Commissioner Moran. McMurtrey accepted. Motion passed unanimously, resulting in Resolution H2026-002. - Election of Secretary (2026-022): Commissioner Miller nominated Commissioner McGuire, seconded by Commissioner Moran. McGuire accepted. Motion passed unanimously, resulting in Resolution H2026-003. Key Outcomes - All three officers were elected without opposition or further nominations. - The HRA unanimously approved the agenda and prior meeting minutes. - The meeting adjourned at 9:54 a.m. Note: The agenda listed the meeting start time as 10:15 a.m., but the minutes and transcript reflect a 9:51 a.m. start. This discrepancy is noted.

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met on January 6, 2026, at 9:03 a.m. in Council Chambers, Courthouse Room 300. All seven commissioners were present. The meeting included the election of officers for 2026, adoption of rules and committee assignments, approval of routine administrative items, and discussion of the county's newspaper publication contract. Chair Ortega announced he will not seek reelection in 2026. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda of January 6, 2026 (Motion by Xiong, seconded by McGuire; unanimous 7-0). - Approved the minutes from December 16, 2025 (Motion by Miller, seconded by Moran; unanimous 7-0). Discussion Items - Election of Chair for 2026: Commissioner McMurtrey nominated Commissioner Ortega as Chair, seconded by Commissioner Xiong. No other nominations. Approved unanimously (Resolution B2026-001). - Election of Vice-Chair for 2026: Commissioner McGuire nominated Commissioner Xiong as Vice-Chair, seconded by Commissioner Moran. No other nominations. Approved unanimously (Resolution B2026-002). - Rules of Procedure for 2026: Motion by Miller, seconded by Xiong. Adopted unanimously (Resolution B2026-003). - Appointments to Standing Committees for 2026: Motion by Jebens-Singh, seconded by Xiong. Approved unanimously (Resolution B2026-004). - Appointments to Outside Boards and Committees for 2026: Motion by McMurtrey, seconded by Miller. Approved unanimously (Resolution B2026-005). - Appointment of Members to the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority for 2026: Motion by McGuire, seconded by Jebens-Singh. Approved unanimously (Resolution B2026-006). - Appointment of Members to the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority for 2026: Motion by Miller, seconded by Xiong. Approved unanimously (Resolution B2026-007). - Cancellation of Board Meetings in 2026: Approved cancellation of ten meetings (dates listed in agenda). Motion by Moran, seconded by Miller. Unanimous (Resolution B2026-008). - Contract with Press Publications, Inc. for 2026 Newspaper Publications: Awarded contract at rates of $7.05 per column inch for Official Newspaper (Vadnais Heights Press) and $17.73 per column inch for the other newspaper (White Bear Press). Commissioner Moran raised questions about the vendor list diversity and outreach process. County Manager Becker explained the procurement process via DemandStar and the state statute requirement. Commissioner Xiong noted the need for broader awareness of contracting opportunities. Motion by Moran, seconded by Miller. Unanimous (Resolution B2026-009). County Connections - County Manager Ling Becker reported that the county is monitoring potential federal funding impacts on SNAP, HUD Continuum of Care, child care, and emergency management, but services have not yet been affected. She also announced the 10-year anniversary of the Ramsey Washington Recycling and Energy Board (established December 31, 2015), highlighting its success in waste diversion and regional coordination. Outside Board and Committee Reports - Commissioners shared updates on their external activities, including attendance at the inauguration of St. Paul Mayor Khalid Her, volunteering at Catholic Charities, meeting with HRA awardees, and participation in the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District Commission. Several commissioners emphasized the importance of cross-jurisdictional collaboration and community engagement. Board Chair Update - Chair Ortega thanked the board and staff and announced that after 32 years on the board, he has decided not to seek reelection in 2026. He stated his commitment to supporting colleagues and staff during the transition year and stressed the need for operational excellence and long-term vision. Key Outcomes - All agenda items were approved unanimously with no dissenting votes. - Chair Ortega and Vice-Chair Xiong were elected for 2026. - The board adopted the 2026 Rules of Procedure and made committee appointments. - Ten board meeting dates were cancelled for 2026. - A contract with Press Publications, Inc. was awarded for official newspaper publications in 2026. - Chair Ortega announced his retirement at the end of 2026. - The meeting adjourned at 9:46 a.m.

The Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) met in regular session on December 16, 2025, at 10:15 a.m. (actual session began at 11:12 a.m. per minutes) in Council Chambers, Courthouse Room 300. All seven members were present: Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Ortega, and Chair Xiong. The meeting approved two consent items, allocated $2.99 million in HRA levy funds for housing development by emerging and diverse developers, and approved the 2026-27 budget and 2026 property tax levy. Consent Calendar - Agenda of December 16, 2025 – Approved unanimously (motion by Ortega, seconded by Moran). - Minutes from December 2, 2025 – Approved unanimously (motion by McGuire, seconded by McMurtrey). Discussion Items Allocate 2025 HRA Levy for Housing Development Projects by Emerging and Diverse Developers Staff presented: Jerica Gomez, Multifamily Development Specialist, and Tenecia Johnson Trice, Economic Development Specialist. They reported that the HRA had 27 eligible applications requesting $10.3 million in total. The committee recommended awarding $2.99 million to eight projects, which will produce 47 units of affordable housing. One award was in the suburbs (St. Anthony Village); the remaining seven were in Saint Paul. Commissioner McGuire asked about geographic balance, and staff noted that marketing is countywide but only one suburban applicant applied. Commissioner Miller inquired about total units; staff later confirmed 47 units for $3 million. Tenecia Johnson Trice highlighted that the third year of the EDD program has driven deeper affordability: seven of eight funded developments include units at 50% and 30% of Area Median Income (AMI), a shift from the previous 60% AMI standard. Commissioners expressed strong support, noting the program builds community capacity and influences structural change in affordable housing. The motion by Miller, seconded by Ortega, passed unanimously (7-0). Resolution H2025-015. Approval of the 2026-27 HRA Budget and the 2026 Property Tax Levy Chair Xiong presented the item, noting it is part of the overall county budget process. The proposed budget totals $14,016,819 for 2026 and $14,227,071 for 2027. The 2026 total HRA tax levy is $14,266,482, a 5.02% increase over the 2025 levy. Chair Xiong explained that some administrative costs were shifted from the general tax levy to the HRA, allowing greater flexibility and supporting HRA staff and programs. No further discussion occurred. The motion by Miller, seconded by McMurtrey, passed unanimously (7-0). Resolution H2025-016. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda (agenda and minutes) approved unanimously. - Allocation of $2.99 million in 2025 HRA levy funds for emerging and diverse developers approved, supporting 8 projects and 47 affordable housing units. - 2026-27 HRA budget and 2026 property tax levy (5.02% increase) approved unanimously. - Meeting adjourned at 11:27 a.m.

The Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority met in regular session on December 16, 2025, at 11:03 a.m. (agenda called for 10 a.m.) in Council Chambers, Courthouse Room 300. All seven commissioners were present: Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Xiong, and Chair Ortega. The meeting adjourned at 11:12 a.m. Key actions included approval of routine items, a lease agreement, and a significant amendment to the 2026 tax levy. Consent Calendar - Agenda of December 16, 2025: Approved by unanimous vote (Motion by Miller, seconded by Xiong; all ayes). - Minutes of November 25, 2025: Approved by unanimous vote (Motion by Xiong, seconded by Jebens-Singh; all ayes). Administrative Items - Lease Agreement with Delta Golf Enterprises dba DG Pilot, LLC for Retail Space at Union Depot: Approved unanimously (Resolution R2025-018). The agreement covers 2,432 usable square feet at a negotiated rate of $2,432 per month, from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, with two two-year renewal options at an increased rate. The Chair is authorized to execute the lease, and the County Manager may execute future amendments with no financial impact. Policy Item: 2026-27 Budget and 2026 Tax Levy - Original proposal: Approve a 2026 budget of $18,813,407, a 2027 budget of $18,788,290, and a 2026 tax levy of $37,285,643 (a 2.94% increase over 2025). - Amendment offered by Chair Ortega, seconded by McMurtrey: Change Recommendation 2 to a 0% increase, setting the 2026 tax levy at $36,219,703. Chair Ortega explained that after consulting with staff and hearing from constituents at the Truth in Taxation hearing, the financial impact of holding the levy was "very minimal" given long-term project funding projections. Commissioner Xiong thanked Ortega for being responsive to residents who testified about the overall levy, noting every bit helps keep money in people's pockets. Commissioner Miller added context that the decision aligned with earlier levy reductions in the general fund and library levy, noting that retaining library service hours would have caused a 3.5% increase in the suburban library levy. All members voted aye on the amendment. The main motion as amended then passed unanimously (Resolution R2025-019). Corridor Updates - Commissioner Xiong reported on a meeting with the Eastside Funders Group attended by Chief of Staff Maria Sarabia. Updates included the name change of the Purple Line to the Bronze Line, anticipation of full road reconstruction on Maryland and White Bear Avenues in Saint Paul, and lessons from construction mitigation funds for businesses (e.g., on Arcade and East 7th). The Funders Group asked about studies of business impacts, current rents, business cycles, and the number of businesses affected. Construction is expected to begin in four to five years, providing lead time for outreach. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of the meeting agenda and previous minutes. - Unanimous approval of the lease agreement with Delta Golf Enterprises. - Unanimous approval of the 2026-27 budgets ($18,813,407 and $18,788,290) and the amended 2026 tax levy ($36,219,703, a 0% increase from 2025). - No other motions or votes; corridor updates were informational.

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met on December 16, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in Council Chambers, Courthouse Room 300, Saint Paul, MN. All seven commissioners were present: Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Xiong, and Chair Ortega. The meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m. and adjourned at 11:01 a.m. Key actions included approval of the 2026 tax levy of $428,627,201 (an 8.25% increase over 2025), adoption of the 2026-2027 operating budget ($924,063,479 for 2026 and $962,473,868 for 2027), and approval of the 2026-2027 Capital Improvement Program. Numerous administrative items were approved, including a lease for a new Public Health Clinic in Maplewood. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda of December 16, 2025 and minutes of December 2, 2025 (both unanimous). - Agreement with the City of Saint Paul for Recording, Cablecasting and Webstreaming Services: Approved for January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027, with an option to renew for one additional two-year period. - Cancellation of the December 23, 2025 Board Meeting: Approved. - Benefits Policies Update: Approved comprehensive updates to Employee Benefits Policies to comply with legislative changes and clarify existing practices, including revisions to holiday, floating holiday, vacation, sick leave, leave of absence, and separation pay sections. - Settlement Agreement in Ellen Kirchman v. Ramsey County: Approved a $95,000 settlement (Court File No. 62-CV-25-1495). - Gift from Ramsey County Library Friends: Accepted a $20,000 gift to the Ramsey County Library. - Gift from Ramsey County Library Friends: Accepted a $250,000 gift for the Project Design and Ideation of the Mounds View Library; authorized establishment of a project budget. - Grant Agreement with the City of Saint Paul for Familiar Families Pilot Program: Accepted a $500,000 grant for the period December 20, 2025 through December 19, 2026, to support up to five families experiencing chronic homelessness (expected to serve at least 60 individuals annually). - Lease Agreement with Northern States Power Company: Approved a lease for 236.5 square feet at 360 Wabasha Street North, Saint Paul, from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030, total amount $18,024. - Lease Agreement with Minnesota Board of Public Defense: Approved office space leases at the Juvenile and Family Justice Center, Law Enforcement Center, and Suburban Courts facility for January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030, at the county's blended rate. - Lease Agreement with MSP/Beam, LLC: Approved a 180-month lease for 20,900 square feet at 1850 Beam Avenue, Maplewood, with a ten-year renewal option. Approved the 2025 Public Health Clinic project budget of $1,500,000 and authorized fund transfers (up to $340,000 from the 2015 Public Health Clinical Facility project and up to $1,160,000 from county capital fund balances). - Annual Authority for Procurement Requests: Approved for Financial Assistance Services, Community Corrections, and Social Services departments to enter into certain expenditure agreements without solicitation through December 31, 2026. County Manager Becker reported that in 2024, Financial Assistance Services did not use this authority, Community Corrections had four contracts ($10,000 expenses), and Social Services had 36 contracts ($3.5 million), representing 1% of total procurement spending. - 2026 Salary Rate for the Ramsey County Attorney: Set at $231,768 effective the first full pay period after January 1, 2026, with continuation of deferred compensation, administrative allowance ($110/month), transportation allowance ($150/month), and cell phone allowance ($55/month). Discussion Items - Item 7 – Gift from Library Friends ($250,000): Commissioner Miller pulled the item to acknowledge the Friends' ongoing support and a bequest for Mounds View Library improvements. Approved unanimously. - Item 12 – Lease with MSP/Beam, LLC (Public Health Clinic Relocation): Commissioner Xiong pulled the item for discussion. County Manager Becker, Property Management Director Jean Krueger, and Public Health Director Amy Caron presented. The current clinic at 555 Cedar Street has long-standing structural, mechanical, and electrical issues and is not conducive to clinical services. After years of searching for suitable space, the former Alina Clinic in Maplewood became available. The 20,900-square-foot space is smaller but efficiently laid out, located across from the Maplewood Mall, county service center, and transit hub. The county will develop a transition plan, including community notification and staff listening sessions. Some services (syringe exchange, outreach) will remain in downtown St. Paul; the mobile unit will continue to be used. The 555 Cedar property will be evaluated for higher and better use. The lease is for 15 years with early termination options; no purchase option was included to avoid adding property to the tax rolls. Commissioners expressed support, emphasizing the need for communication and a smooth transition. - Item 13 – Financial Assistance Services Annual Authority for Procurement: Commissioner Xiong requested data on usage. County Manager Becker provided the statistics. Future annual authority requests will include year-over-year data. Approved. - Item 17 – Approval of the 2026 Tax Levy: Considerable discussion. Commissioners acknowledged the impact on taxpayers and the need to balance services with affordability. The levy was reduced from the maximum of 9.75% to 8.25% after public input and internal adjustments. County Manager Becker clarified that nonprofit funding is through contracts for specific services, not unrestricted donations; only 4% of the budget goes to nonprofits, and many are state/federally funded. The levy includes a countywide levy of $411,139,562 and a suburban-only library levy of $17,487,639. Approved unanimously. - Item 18 – Approval of the 2026-2027 Operating Budget: Approved. - Item 19 – Approval of the 2026-2027 Capital Improvement Program and the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Program Plan: Approved. County Connections & Reports - County Manager Becker reported on the AMC conference, including a session on the African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act, and noted the county opened the Law Enforcement Center for overnight shelter during cold weather. Highlighted record attendance at Union Depot's European Christmas market (over 25,000 visitors on Saturday) and other holiday events. - Commissioner Zhang reported on AMC amendments for using local/state affordable housing dollars for administrative costs (passed) and making homeless funding permanent. Expressed concerns about data center policy and SNAP cost shifts; submitted a minority report on data centers. Joined the SNAP subcommittee and discussed potential cost shifts to counties. - Commissioner McGuire reported on attending the AMC conference, Extension committee racial equity training, and holiday events. Noted that reduction of chloride (road salt) is a focus of the Ramsey County League of Local Governments. - Commissioner Miller reported on becoming chair of the AMC Tribal Relations Committee, touring the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District, and upcoming in-district hours. - Commissioner Moran reported on presenting the name change of the Master Gardener program (now University of Minnesota Extension Garden Education Volunteer Program) at the Extension board meeting. Toured the downtown St. Paul Service Center, praising improvements. Participated in an Ecolab homelessness roundtable where Ecolab committed $20 million (plus an additional $3 million) toward a five-year plan aiming to raise over $100 million. - Commissioner McMurtrey reported on an AMC property tax refund amendment (to make refund automatic or improve outreach), Medicaid subcommittee meetings, and meeting with the Como/Front Dale Business Collaborative. - Commissioner Ortega reported on the AMC conference, audit committee work, meeting with the Saint Paul mayor-elect, and community events including the union depot tree lighting and Polar Express train. - Chair Ortega thanked all, noted the importance of the automatic property tax refund, and adjourned. Key Outcomes - All administrative items were approved unanimously via roll-call votes. - 2026 Tax Levy Approved: $428,627,201 (8.25% increase over 2025). - 2026-2027 Operating Budget Approved: $924,063,479 for 2026; $962,473,868 for 2027. - 2026-2027 Capital Improvement Program and 2026-2031 Plan Approved. - Lease for new Public Health Clinic at 1850 Beam Avenue, Maplewood, approved; project budget of $1,500,000 established. - Benefits Policies updated to comply with Minnesota law. - Settlement of $95,000 approved. - Gifts of $20,000 and $250,000 accepted. - Grant agreement with City of Saint Paul for Familiar Families Pilot Program approved. - Annual procurement authorities renewed for three departments. - County Attorney salary set at $231,768 for 2026. - December 23, 2025 board meeting cancelled.

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners held a Truth in Taxation public hearing on December 11, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers to receive public testimony on the proposed 2026-2027 biennial budget and property tax levy. County Manager Lane Becker presented an overview highlighting a proposed 2026 budget of $929,256,000 (a 6.5% increase) and a proposed maximum levy increase of 9.75%. The county faces fiscal pressures from federal/state funding changes, employee investments, and growing demand for core services. The final adoption vote is scheduled for December 16, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - Susan Miller (North Oaks) expressed strong support for libraries as essential spaces for social cohesion, noting encounters with diverse community members. - Julie Colmine (St. Paul, library staff) opposed the proposed elimination of five full-time equivalent positions and the entire substitute staffing budget, stating current staffing levels are lower than 25 years ago and below state averages. - Joe Crow (White Bear Lake) supported the budget despite the levy increase, blaming federal Medicaid and SNAP cuts for the county's constraints. - Jess Gould (North St. Paul, children's librarian) detailed impacts of substitute budget elimination, including forced schedule changes, staff working sick, and reduced public access. - Jeff Vance (White Bear Lake) reported a 230% property tax increase since purchasing his home in 2001, with proposed taxes rising to $11,000–$12,000. - Mary Joe Malica (New Brighton) expressed support for tax-funded services but anger at the federal "one big beautiful bill" that shifted costs to counties. - Courtney Billing (Falcon Heights, Friends of Ramsey County Library) requested reconsideration of a $590,000 cut (0.06% of county budget), noting library staffing per resident is already below Minnesota's average. The cut would close Shoreview Library on Fridays and reduce programs. - Andrew Irvin (White Bear Lake) supported the budget's goals but raised concerns about federal threats to Medicaid waiver services for individuals with disabilities. - Sebastian Stoss (Circle Pines) opposed the levy increase, demanding a comprehensive audit of $38.4 million spent on 213 non-governmental organizations without competitive bidding or independent audits. He cited Anoka County's $592,000 NGO spending for contrast. - Shauna Peters (Coombe Rapids) represented the detox program losing 43 staff, questioned the addition of director positions while cutting frontline workers, and claimed only half of affected staff received job offers. She stated the detox billed for 96% of contacts. - Thomas Biggs (St. Paul) expressed concern about unsustainable property tax increases and unresponsive assessors, citing two nearby homes sold below assessed value. - Pat Heverland (Roseville, Charles Cabinets owner) reported a 46.87% business tax increase over nine years, two-thirds of annual revenue going to property taxes, and opposed $38.4 million in NGO grants without voter approval. - Beth Artner (White Bear Township town board supervisor) cited a $4,000 tax increase in two years, criticized parks and recreation practices, and suggested cutting bus routes (calling the Rosedale line "millions of dollars") and bike infrastructure. - Tim David (White Bear Township chair) noted his township reduced its levy from 8.29% to 7% after a resident vote, and asked Ramsey County to evaluate every program for core necessity and performance. - Karen Zumulin (Maplewood) reported a 65% tax increase since 2019 and called for a zero levy increase, offering to audit the budget for free. She questioned $13 million for housing stability and $135 million for social services. - Brian Dobel (McAllister Grovin) cited a 28% tax increase in two years (to $12,400), urged focus on essential services like public safety, and warned that high taxes drive out businesses and residents. - Greg Blease (St. Paul, Insight St. Paul) noted Ramsey County had the highest county tax rate among metro counties despite the smallest levy increase from 2020-2025. He urged using funds from the Port Authority's tax increment district to reduce the levy. - Ethan Warren (nurse at Ramsey County Detox) criticized County Manager Becker for using an electronic device during testimony and questioned why the county outsourced its displaced workers program while laying off 43 detox employees. - Athula Abhaivatva (Maplewood, retired) stated his taxes rose from $5,618 (2019) to a proposed $7,988 (2026) — a 5.16% annualized rate exceeding Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (3.73%), inflation (3.78%), and metro wage growth (4.23%). - Greg Copeland (former Maplewood city manager) criticized commissioners' salary increases (now $107,000 plus $7,000 expenses) and called for 3% across-the-board cuts. - Mike Trenda (Maplewood, retired carpenter) noted his 10.85% tax increase versus a 2.8% Social Security increase, urging the county to limit its budget increase to 2.8%. - Stephen Shigaman (St. Paul) advocated for a California-style Proposition 13 property tax cap and criticized spending on a bus line to 3M and the Riverview streetcar project. - Jerome Gettler (St. Paul) argued that property taxes are forcing residents out, saying "we can't take it" and that private property owners are on the hook for failed government policies. - Aaron Haska (Roseville) reported neighbors on fixed incomes facing 10.5% to 16% valuation increases with no improvements, and accused the county of using Zillow values for assessments. - Jagdeep Singh (Shoreview) noted a $250 million contingency fund (twice the required amount) and asked why the county couldn't use that to avoid a levy increase. He also alleged his 11.92% increase just missed the threshold for a state refund. - Brandon Foxworth (Maplewood) stated property tax increases are "untenable" and will price people out of their homes. - Heather Ritchie (east side St. Paul, nurse) reported a $2,500 increase since 2021, criticized lack of auditing of county spending, and said she cannot afford a tutor for her special-needs daughter because of taxes. - Judy Alcott (St. Anthony Village, 81 years old) questioned grants to NGOs, specifically citing the St. Paul Yacht Club and the University of St. Thomas (endowment $700 million), and demanded public disclosure of all grant recipients and amounts. - John Johnson (White Bear Lake, retired former county employee) stated his proposed 2026 tax increase is 26.69% (county share up 36.77%), rising from $10,488 (2023) to $21,588 (2026). He said he is being "taxed out of my house." - Beverly Farriher (White Bear Lake) acknowledged her own 19% county tax increase but urged commissioners to genuinely hear the anger and provide detailed analysis publicly. - Udoka Afuido (St. Paul) challenged a 40% increase in taxable market value (from $343,000 to $461,000) with no improvements, noting a recent appraisal valued the property at $325,000. He demanded transparency on comparable sales used and accountability for valuation errors. - Ken Martin (Little Canada) said the tax environment makes it impossible for his children to afford homes and urged the county to provide stable, predictable tax increases tied to the property's purchase price. - Cassie Heyman (former North St. Paul, library worker) noted the proposed budget eliminates the entire detox unit (43 layoffs) while adding 110 full-time equivalents including a deputy county manager and five admin directors. She stated library assistants earn under $20/hour and shelve 3 million materials annually. - Colton Green (St. Paul, veteran) reported his taxes rose from $2,800 to $3,000 in one year, worked 60-70 hours/week, and demanded transparency: "You guys are failing at your job." Discussion Items - No discussion items; the board listened to public testimony without response, as per the hearing format. Key Outcomes - The public hearing was closed after all registered speakers were heard. County staff will review testimony and post answers to general questions on RamseyCountyMN.gov/budget. - The Ramsey County Board will vote on final adoption of the 2026-2027 budget and property tax levy on December 16, 2025.

Note: The official minutes indicate the meeting occurred on December 2, 2025, but the provided meeting date is December 8, 2025. This summary follows the provided date while noting the discrepancy. The Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) convened in regular session at 10:37 a.m. on December 8, 2025, in Council Chambers – Courthouse Room 300. Members present: Jebens-Singh, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, Ortega, and Chair Xiong. Commissioner McGuire was excused. Also present were County Manager Ling Becker and Assistant County Attorney Scott Schwahn. The meeting was called to order and adjourned at 10:38 a.m. Consent Calendar - Agenda Approval (Resolution 2025-508): Motion by Miller, seconded by Jebens-Singh, to approve the agenda of December 2, 2025 (as printed in the minutes). Passed unanimously (6 ayes, McGuire excused). - Minutes Approval (Resolution 2025-509): Motion by Ortega, seconded by Miller, to approve the September 23, 2025 minutes. Passed unanimously (6 ayes, McGuire excused). Discussion Items - Fall 2025 Obligation of HRA Levy Toward Critical Corridors (Resolution H2025-014, Agenda Item 3): Sponsors from Community & Economic Development presented a proposal to obligate $1,900,000 of the HRA levy toward Critical Corridors projects. The recommendation included approving specific projects and funding amounts and authorizing the County Manager to execute necessary grant, loan, or other agreements, with amendments, consistent with federal, state, and local regulations, and in a form approved by the County Attorney’s Office. The commissioners discussed the allocation and its alignment with corridor redevelopment priorities. Key Outcomes - Critical Corridors Funding Approved: Motion by Miller, seconded by Jebens-Singh, to approve the recommended projects and $1,900,000 in funding and authorize the County Manager as described. Passed unanimously (6 ayes, McGuire excused). - Adjournment: Chair Xiong declared the meeting adjourned at 10:38 a.m. Summary of Votes: All votes were unanimous among the six members present, with Commissioner McGuire excused. No public comments were recorded.