Sponsor: Board of Commissioners
Title
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Amendment to the Administrative Code to Increase Settlement Authority
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Recommendation
recommendation
1. Amend Administrative Codes 3.40.21 and 4.03.40 to raise the settlement authority of the Ramsey County Enterprise Risk Manager and the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office Civil Division from $15,000 to $50,000.
2. Amend Administrative Codes 3.40.21 and 4.03.40 to raise the settlement authority of the Ramsey County Manager, Ramsey County Chief Financial Officer and Ramsey County Attorney, or their designees (jointly delegated authority) from $30,000 to $100,000.
3. Amend Administrative Codes 3.40.21 and 4.03.40 to raise the settlement authority of the Ramsey County Board via closed meeting from above $30,000 to above $100,000.
4. Amend the tiered claims table to Administrative Code 4.46.70 Enterprise Risk Management to read as follows:
Settlement Authority Level Authority
0 - $50,000 Ramsey County Enterprise Risk
Manager and the Ramsey County
Attorney’s Office Civil Division
Director (jointly delegated authority)
$50,000.01 - $100,000 Ramsey County Manager, Ramsey
County Chief Financial Officer and
Ramsey County Attorney, or their
designees (jointly delegated authority)
Greater than $100,000 Ramsey County Board via closed
meeting
5. Direct the Chief Clerk of the County Board to amend the Administrative Code to reflect the approved amendments.
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Background and Rationale
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The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners (Board) previously established a tiered settlement authority structure delegating authority to the Enterprise Risk Manager, Civil Division Director, Chief Financial Officer, County Manager, and County Attorney for the resolution of claims and litigation. Since adoption, increased litigation costs, higher settlement values, and evolving risk exposure have reduced the effectiveness and efficiency of the current thresholds. After reviewing claims data, litigation trends, and peer county practices, the Board recommended updating the settlement authority thresholds to better align with current conditions and allow for more efficient resolution of claims.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
This action itself does not have a measurable racial equity impact, as the action reflects current practice in Enterprise Risk Management. The County is working to establish a more robust risk management program which will include racial equity considerations throughout including being considered by the County departments during the development of the full risk management assessment.
Community Participation Level and Impact
There is no community engagement with this Request for Board Action (RBA), however, the Enterprise Risk Manager worked with other jurisdictions to inform the proposed settlement tiers.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this board action. Funding for the Enterprise Risk Management team is included in the 2026-2027 County Manager’s operating budget. The revisions proposed in this RBA reflect the current structure of Risk Management in Ramsey County.
The three funds where claims are paid are: Tort Liability, Vehicle and Property.
Last Previous Action
On April 6, 2021, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved the Amendment to the Administrative Code to Reflect Enterprise Risk Management Functions and Establishing Authority for Claims (Resolution B2021-084).
Attachments
1. Black-lined version of effected Administrative Code Chapters
2. Clean version of effected Administrative Code Chapters