Ramsey County Board Approves 8.25% Levy Increase, Cuts Budget

The Ramsey County Board has unanimously approved an 8.25% tax levy increase for 2026 and a reduced operating budget for both 2026 and 2027. This decision, made on December 11, 2023, reflects a decrease from previous proposals, which included a maximum tax levy of 9.75% and larger operating budgets of $929.25 million for 2026 and $968.45 million for 2027. The board’s approved operating budget now stands at $924,063,479 for 2026 and $962,473,868 for 2027.

The adjustments to the budget were influenced by community feedback and aimed at addressing various financial pressures facing the county. According to County Manager Ling Becker, the board made these choices to maintain flexibility in managing county operations. She noted that shifts in funding from the federal level have adversely affected the county’s ability to provide essential services.

Budget pressures have been compounded by rising costs, limited revenue growth, and increasing service demands. Approximately 46% of the county’s budget is funded through property taxes, and officials have highlighted that both state and federal mandates for services are also contributing to financial constraints.

Budget Cuts and Community Impact

The approved budget includes several cuts, notably to state-mandated burial assistance for low-income residents, funding for community engagement initiatives from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, and contributions to the Ramsey County Historical Society. Tara Jebens-Singh, a commissioner representing District 1, commented on the significance of these cuts, stating, “We heard folks who were feeling the pain about shifts in services that were happening within their staffing units, within their community. So those are very real. They weren’t taken light-heartedly.”

During the county’s truth in taxation hearing, residents expressed concerns regarding spending on non-profit partners. Becker clarified that this spending represented around 4% of the county budget in 2024 and emphasized that the primary drivers of cost increases stem from personnel costs and rising service demands, rather than non-profit funding.

Ensuring Accountability and Transparency

In response to community concerns, Becker reassured the public that Ramsey County does not provide unrestricted donations to non-profits; instead, it funds them through contracts to deliver specific services. She added that county staff engage in regular invoice reviews and performance monitoring to ensure that funds are utilized appropriately, thus reinforcing accountability.

The oversight of these processes is reinforced by the county’s chief compliance and ethics officer, who collaborates with the internal auditor to uphold compliance with legal requirements and county policies.

For additional details regarding the budget changes and their implications, residents can visit the county’s official website at tinyurl.com/3sjr5uz2.