Sponsor: Public Works
Title
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Set Public Hearing Date for the use of Ramsey County Transportation Sales and Use Tax Funds
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Recommendation
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Set the Public Hearing date of June 3, 2025, at 9 a.m. or as soon as possible thereafter, in the Council Chambers, third floor of Ramsey County Courthouse, 15 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55102 to afford the public an opportunity to comment on the revisions to the list of projects eligible for the Ramsey County Transportation Sales and Use Tax funds.
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Background and Rationale
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To provide a safe and efficient multi-modal transportation system, the Ramsey County Board approved the imposition of a one-half percent sales tax and $20 excise tax on new vehicles (Sales and Use Tax) consistent with the requirements of Minnesota Statute 297A.993 by Resolution B2017-143 on June 13, 2017. The projects identified in resolution B2017-143 have either been completed, are still in development or are no longer being pursued. New projects may be added to utilize the Sales and Use Tax if they are designated by the county board following a public hearing. Holding the public hearing will allow the county board to revise the list of projects eligible for Sales and Use Tax funding by removing those that have been completed or are no longer being pursued as well as by adding in new projects. The Sales and Use Tax funding will be dedicated to these projects by resolution following the public hearing at the next board meeting on June 10, 2025.
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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 the state of Minnesota. An improved multi-modal transportation system will benefit all residents of the county, including communities of color and Native Americans who are more likely to benefit from increased investments in transportation projects consistent with Ramsey County’s All Abilities Transportation Policy. All transportation capital construction projects, including roadway, bridge, trail and sidewalk and transit projects will include workforce inclusion goals consistent with the Transportation Improvement Program they are adopted into. These goals currently are 32% minority and 20% women in the construction workforce.
Public Works also has a goal of 5% growth year over year for use of Certified Small Business Enterprise (CERT SBE) companies on its construction projects. The CERT SBE companies are further categorized into minority and female owned businesses that can be contract with on Public Works’ professional/technical and construction agreements.
Community Participation Level and Impact
A public hearing provides the opportunity for the public to provide direct input on the projects identified for Sales Tax use. Additionally, the selection of these projects was informed by the 2050 All Abilities Transportation Plan which included engaging with more than 1,500 residents, city, county and township officials throughout its development.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Revision and approval of the list of projects that are eligible for use of Ramsey County Transportation Sales and Use Tax will allow for the allocation of existing and future sales use tax proceeds to newly identified projects. This includes re-allocation of funds that were previously committed to projects that have been completed or are no longer being pursued.
Last Previous Action
On June 13, 2017, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved the Imposition of One-Half Percent Sales Tax for Transportation Improvements (Resolution B2017-143).
Attachments
1. Public Hearing Notice