Sponsor: Public Works
Title
title
Personnel Complement Increase in the Public Works Department
end
Recommendation
recommendation
1. Approve an increase in the personnel complement of the Public Works department by 7.5 Full-Time Equivalents.
2. Adjust the Public Works 2027 Operating Budget to increase revenue from the Local Option Sales Tax Fund in the amount of $1,200,000.
end
Background and Rationale
body
In 2025, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners (Board) directed the use of Regional Rail Authority funds and Sales and Use Tax revenues from a singular major transit project toward a broader use of those funds that support an increase in transit service countywide. These investments represent wider geographic reach and include projects such as the Bronze Line as well as Arterial Bus Rapid Transit projects like G Line, H Line and J Line. The addition of the Building Stronger Together initiative also presents an increase in the Public Works program. Legislative changes have resulted in increased investments in transit-supportive and multimodal infrastructure, all through the Transportation Advancement Account, funded by a regional sales tax.
On April 14, 2026, the Board launched the Building Stronger Together initiative, which targets investment to help catalyze vibrancy countywide and specifically in downtown St. Paul. The range of funding allows for more connective pathways in the way residents and visitors can move from place to place. These investments are intended to attract residential and commercial growth, and as a result, strengthen the tax base for Ramsey County as a whole.
To best support the implementation of major capital projects, Public Works will need to first strengthen staffing to ensure thorough and timely completion. Fortunately, the increases in the Public Works program funding help support the delivery of capital improvements without increasing the General Levy. The positions requested will increase communications and Right-of-Way support, project management, and overall maintenance and operations in Public Works. In total, Public Works is requesting an increase in personnel by 7.5 Full-Time Equivalents to execute the increased program responsibilities.
end
County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Ramsey County is the most racially and ethnically diverse county in Minnesota. Recognizing disparities experienced by many in the county, Public Works commits to leveraging the hiring of 7.5 Full-Time Equivalents to reflect a more equitable workplace, with a workforce and leaders that reflect the people who live in the community.
Public Works, in partnership with Human Resources, will connect with a diverse array of community partners to advertise employment opportunities, collaborate with community leaders to raise awareness, and build relationships to make the most of the hiring opportunity.
Community Participation Level and Impact
As this is regarding internal operations, there is no community participation level or impact.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
This Request for Board Action will increase the Public Works approved 2027 operating budget by $1,200,000. The positions will be funded by a $1,200,000 shift from the Local Option Sales Tax fund and will not have an impact on the levy.
Last Previous Action
On June 10, 2025, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved projects for Ramsey County Transportation Sales and Use Tax Capital Improvement Plan funding (Resolution B2025-118).
On December 17, 2024, the Regional Railroad Authority directed Public Works staff to develop a plan to utilize Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority Property Tax Levy and Ramsey County Local Options Sales Tax funds previously identified for the Riverview Corridor (Resolution R2024-022).
On February 27, 2024, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners authorized the County Manager to set up an account for the Transportation Advancement Account funds (Resolution B2024-038).
Attachments
None.