Sponsor: Finance
Title
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Certification of the Maximum Tax Levy for the Proposed 2027 Property Tax Notices
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Recommendation
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Approve the proposed maximum tax levy to finance the 2027 budget in the amount of $463,988,946. The breakdown between the General County and Library levy is as follows:
General County $445,943,527
Library $18,045,419
Total $463,988,946
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Background and Rationale
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Because the property tax levy makes up almost half of county revenue, it plays an essential role in allowing the county to carry out its strategic priorities. Minnesota Statutes 275.065 requires the County to certify a proposed maximum tax levy to the County Auditor by September 30, 2026.
The proposed maximum levy is set at the level required to support the Proposed 2027 Supplemental Budget which was presented to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners on August 25, 2026. This includes the increases associated with the expanded work and eligibility requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid as well as the increase for the Adult Detention Center at the Sheriff ‘s Office. More information on the supplemental budget and what the property tax levy goes to support can be found on the Ramsey County Budget and Finance website <https://www.ramseycountymn.gov/your-government/departments/finance/budget-finance>.
An important provision of the property tax law is that the approved tax levy for the 2027 budget cannot be more than the proposed maximum tax levy that is certified.
On September 21, 2026, the Joint Property Tax Advisory Committee (JPTAC) met to adopt a maximum joint levy amount. JPTAC consists of elected or appointed officials from the City of Saint Paul, Ramsey County, and School Independent School District 625. JPTAC meets to make appropriate recommendations for the efficient and effective use of property tax dollars raised by each jurisdiction for programs, buildings, and operations. The main purpose of JPTAC is to coordinate setting policies on budgets and taxation that jointly affect the citizens and taxpayers in the City of Saint Paul who are served and taxed by the three units of government.
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners will approve the final 2027 Supplemental Budget and Property Tax Levy in December 2026.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The 2027 supplemental budget and tax levy allows Ramsey County to deliver services across the county that advances goals laid out in the strategic plan including advancing racial and health equity and shared community power.
Community Participation Level and Impact
Two public hearings are incorporated in the budget process and scheduled for the public to comment on the 2027 supplemental budget. The public hearings are scheduled for:
• September 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. - Ramsey County Courthouse, Council Chambers - 15 West Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55102
• December 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. - Ramsey County Courthouse, Council Chambers - 15 West Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55102
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The 2027 proposed levy for the county is $463,988,946, which is an increase of $35,361,744 or 8.25% from the 2026 levy of $428,627,202.
Last Previous Action
On August 25, 2026, the County Manager presented the proposed 2027 supplemental budget to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.
Attachments
1. None.