Sponsor: County Manager's Office
Title
title
Presentation of the Proposed 2026-2027 Biennial Budget
end
Recommendation
recommendation
None. For Information Only.
end
Background and Rationale
body
Chapter 3.30.k of the Administrative Code provides that the County Manager shall prepare and submit the annual budget proposal and capital improvements plan proposal to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.
On September 2, 2025, the County Manager will present the proposed 2026-27 Biennial Budget. This will be followed by a workshop session presented by the County Assessor and County Auditor, who will provide information related to impacts on property taxes.
Following these kick-off presentations, each service team will present their budget proposals in Council Chambers per the schedule below:
- Sept. 15, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – Strategic Team
- Sept. 16, 2025, 1:30 p.m. – Information and Public Records
- Sept. 18, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – Economic Growth and Community Investment
- Sept. 19, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – Health and Wellness
- Sept. 22, 2025, 8:30 a.m. – Safety and Justice
Two public hearings will be held in the Ramsey County Courthouse - Council Chambers, Suite 300 to give community members an opportunity to provide testimonies directly with the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners on the proposed 2026-27 budget and proposed 2026 tax levy:
- Sept. 22, 2025, 5:00 p.m. – First Budget Public Hearing
- Dec. 11, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – Truth and Taxation Public Hearing
More information can be found at Ramsey County Budget and Finance: https://www.ramseycounty.us/your-government/budget-finance
end
County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Ramsey County is one of the most racially and ethnically diverse counties in the state of Minnesota, with more than 40% of residents being people of color. More than 130 languages or dialects are spoken in Ramsey County. Racial equity is a required component in Ramsey County’s Strategic Plan and Performance Measures, which guide and influence each Service Team’s budget allocations and community investments. Departments are also required to address racial equity impacts specifically in their budget submissions.
Hearings before the board, along with other opportunities for discussion and input on the budget and spending priorities, provide transparency and grants residents the opportunity to hold county leadership accountable to ensure the budget works toward achieving Ramsey County’s vision of a vibrant community where all are valued and thrive.
Community Participation Level and Impact
For this particular presentation, the community participation level is to inform. However, community input is woven into all service team budget proposals and service teams will speak to how they engaged community in the development of their budget during their budget presentations to the board. Two public hearings will also be held in Council Chambers to give community members an opportunity to share feedback directly with the Board of Commissioners (as noted above).
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
This presentation is the first in a series (as noted above) to set the financial direction of the organization for the next biennium.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
1. Presentation