Sponsor: Public Works
Title
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Approval of the 2026-27 Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority Budget and the 2026 Tax Levy
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Recommendation
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1. Approve and adopt the 2026 Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority budget of $18,813,407 and the 2027 budget of $18,788,290.
2. Approve and adopt the 2026 Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority tax levy of $37,285,643, a 2.94% increase over the 2025 Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority tax levy.
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Background and Rationale
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The proposed 2026 Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority (RCRRA) budget is $18,813,407. The proposed 2027 RCRRA budget is $18,788,290. RCRRA certified a proposed maximum tax levy of $37,285,643 for 2026 on September 23, 2025, which represents an increase of 2.94% from 2025 and is the maximum allowed under state law.
RCRRA Operations CIP 2026 RCRRA TOTAL
Budget $ 17,313,407 $ 1,500,000 $ 18,813,407
Revenue (-) $ 2,911,725 $ - $ 2,911,725
Fund Balance (+) $ 20,731,462 $ - $ 20,731,462
Subtotal $ 35,133,144 $ 1,500,000 $ 36,633,144
Est. Tax Delinquency $ 625,781 $ 26,718 $ 652,499
Total Tax Levy $ 35,758,925 $ 1,526,718 $ 37,285,643
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The 2026-27 RCRRA proposed budget and tax levy allows RCRRA to deliver projects that have a positive impact on users of all races and abilities. RCRRA transit projects are part of the Ramsey County All Abilities Transportation Network, whose policy is a commitment to creating and maintaining a transportation system that provides equitable access for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, health, education, abilities, and economics.
Community Participation Level and Impact
The development of the county’s transit and transportation projects as part of its All-Abilities 2050 Transportation Plan, Transit and Transportation Investment Plan, Transportation Sales and Use Tax Capital Improvement Plan, and Transportation Improvement Plan utilize highly effective, transparent, and creative community engagement to connect with and hear from a range of different voices and perspectives for the projects. Community engagement is embedded into, and occurs throughout, the lifecycle of existing and future RCRRA transit and transportation projects.
There were two public hearings incorporated in the budget process that included opportunities for public comment:
• Tuesday, September 22, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. - Ramsey County Courthouse, Council Chambers - 15 West Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55102.
• Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. - Ramsey County Courthouse, Council Chambers - 15 West Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55102.
Information on the 2026-27 proposed budget and 2026 proposed tax levy is available at:
<https://www.ramseycountymn.gov/your-government/budget-finance>
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority approval and adoption is required for the 2026-27 Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority proposed budget and the 2026 Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority proposed tax levy. The amounts approved with this action are reflected in the 2026-27 proposed budget as presented to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.
Last Previous Action
On September 23, 2025, the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority approved setting the 2026 proposed maximum tax levy of $37,285,643 (Resolution R2025-014).
On September 18, 2025, the Economic Growth and Community Investment Service Team presented the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority 2026-27 budget to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.
On September 2, 2025, the County Manager presented the 2026-27 proposed biennial budget to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.
Attachments
None.