Sponsor: Sheriff's Office
Title
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2026 Salary Rate for the Ramsey County Sheriff
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Recommendation
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1. Set the annual salary for the Ramsey County Sheriff at $203,510 effective January 1, 2026.
2. Authorize the continuation of the contribution to deferred compensation consistent with that approved for non-represented employees for 2026.
3. Authorize the continuation of the uniform/clothing allowance of $1,375 for 2026.
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Background and Rationale
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The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners is required by law to set the salary of the elected Ramsey County Sheriff. State law requires that the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners set the salary of the Ramsey County Sheriff by resolution.
The longstanding custom and practice for setting the annual salary for the Ramsey County Sheriff is to invite the incumbent to make a written salary request to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners. A salary request from the incumbent is attached.
When requesting a salary for 2026, the following factors were considered:
• The salary of the Sheriff’s Chief Deputy now exceeds the salary of the Sheriff. This is due to county-wide classification and compensation restructuring and cost-of-living adjustments provided to all other county employees.
• From 2019 to 2025, the Sheriff requested only two salary increases, partly due to financial pressures related to COVID-19.The Sheriff’s salary remained unchanged from 2019 through 2022, and again from 2023 through 2024.
• In 2025, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s salary was the lowest in the seven-county metro area. For reference, the 2025 salaries for the sheriffs in the metro area are: Anoka County, $214,240; Carver County, $204,322; Dakota County, $221,115; Hennepin County, $224,820; Scott County, $198,652; and, Washington County, $217,552.
For the above reasons, a salary of $203,510 is requested for 2026. This represents a 9% increase and sets the Sheriff’s salary slightly below the Chief Deputy. As per past practice, it is also requested to continue the contribution to deferred compensation consistent with that approved for unclassified employees and a uniform/clothing allowance of $1,375 for 2026.
Violent crime in Ramsey County has decreased by 53% from 2022 to September 2025. This significant reduction reflects the strength of ongoing partnerships between law enforcement, community organizations, and community. It also underscores Ramsey County’s continued support and investment in public safety, community trust-building, and violence prevention.
Even with this increase, the requested salary likely sets the Ramsey County Sheriff’s salary the lowest in the seven-county metro area in 2026.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Upon approval, this action provides increased transparency in the setting of the salary of a key county position who is elected to serve the residents of Ramsey County. In the Sheriff’s Office broader work, racial equity remains a priority, including establishing terms and conditions of employment that support recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce.
Community Participation Level and Impact
There is no community engagement with this board action.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Funds are available in the Sheriff’s Office allocated personnel funding in the 2026-2027 proposed operating budget.
Last Previous Action
On December 17, 2024, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners set the 2025 salary of the Ramsey County Sheriff (Resolution B2024-276).
Attachments
1. Letter to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners - November 4, 2025