Sponsor: County Manager's Office
Title
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Abolish the Enterprise and Administrative Services Department Ordinance - Waive the First Reading and Set the Public Hearing Date
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Recommendation
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1. Waive the First Reading of abolishing the Enterprise and Administrative Services Department Ordinance.
2. Set the Public Hearing date of November 3, 2026 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, to afford the public an opportunity to comment on abolishing the Enterprise and Administrative Services Department Ordinance.
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Background and Rationale
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The Enterprise and Administrative Services (EAS) department was established in 2021 to support the Information and Public Records (IPR) Service Team. EAS provided various levels of support to IPR, including administrative support, contract and enterprise services, and project management. EAS aligned IPR and countywide functions that supported the county’s goals and strategic priorities including effective and efficient operations, strong Residents First service models, and accountability in all business operations and practices.
On December 16, 2025, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved the 2026-2027 operating budget and as part of the budget, the functions of the department were phased out. Enterprise services, including navigator services and service centers, began to operate under the Financial Assistance Services department by the end of 2025. This action reflected a broader organizational realignment to decentralize project support, streamline administrative services to avoid duplication of county-responsible services, and to support operational needs.
The Ramsey County Home Rule Charter section 5.01.A.1 requires that certain acts of the Ramsey County Board shall be by ordinance, including: “Establish, structure, merge or abolish any county department, office, agenda, board or commissions, except as provided for in this charter.”
The Ramsey County Home Rule Charter section 5.02 states each proposed ordinance shall receive two readings: first, at the time it is presented, and second, at the time of the public hearing as required by law. Both readings may be waived if a copy of the ordinance is supplied to each member of the County Board prior to its introduction. In accordance with these requirements, the proposed Abolishment of the Enterprise and Administrative Services Ordinance was provided to each commissioner prior to its introduction on October 13, 2026. Therefore, the first reading may be waived by duly made motion and majority vote.
The Ramsey County Home Rule Charter section 5.02 states that every proposed ordinance shall hold a public hearing as required by law. A notification of the public hearing, which includes the draft ordinance will be publicized in advance of the public hearing. This action sets the date of the Public Hearing as November 3, 2026, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Council Chambers.
Persons who intend to testify are encouraged to sign up online at ramseycounty.us/chiefclerk or contact the Chief Clerk at 651-266-9200 prior to November 3, 2026. If in-person testimony is not feasible, comments may alternatively be provided via the following methods:
• Email: chiefclerk@ramseycounty.us
• Written letter to: Chief Clerk, 15 West Kellogg Blvd, 250 Courthouse, Saint Paul, MN 55102
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☐ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
There is no specific racial equity impact associated with the proposed action.
Community Participation Level and Impact
On September 22, 2025 and on December 11, 2025, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners held two public hearings to receive testimonies regarding the approved 2026-2027 operating budget.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this board action.
Last Previous Action
On December 16, 2025, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved the Ramsey County 2026-2027 operating budget (Resolution B2025-246).
On November 2, 2021, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved the Proposed Enterprise and Administrative Services Department Ordinance (Ordinance Resolution B2021-242).
Attachments
1. Proposed Ordinance
2. Proposed Schedule of Events
3. Public Hearing Notice