Sponsor: Public Works
Title
title
Certification of the Maximum Tax Levy for the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority
end
Recommendation
recommendation
Approve the proposed maximum tax levy to finance the 2027 Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority Budget in the amount of $36,219,703.
end
Background and Rationale
body
Minnesota Statute 275.065 requires Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority (RCRRA), as a special taxing district, 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 Board of Commissioners on August 25, 2026.
An important provision of the proposed property taxes law is that the approved tax levy for the 2027 RCRRA budget cannot be more than the proposed maximum tax levy certified by the RCRRA.
The RCRRA will approve the final 2027 Supplemental Budget and Property Tax Levy in December 2026.
end
County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The 2027 RCRRA supplemental budget and tax levy allows the RCRRA to deliver projects that have a positive impact on users of all races and abilities. RCRRA transit projects are part of the Ramsey County All Abilities Transportation Network, whose policy is a commitment to creating and maintaining a transportation system that provides equitable access for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, health, education, abilities and economics.
Community Participation Level and Impact
The development of the county’s transit and transportation projects as part of its All-Abilities 2050 Transportation Plan, Transit and Transportation Investment Plan, Transportation Sales and Use Tax Capital Improvement Plan, and Transportation Improvement Plan utilize highly effective, transparent, and creative community engagement to connect with and hear a range of different voices and perspectives for the projects. This community engagement is embedded into, and occurs throughout, the lifecycle of existing and future RCRRA transit and transportation projects.
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 RCRRA is $36,219,703, which is flat from the approved 2026 levy of $36,219,703.
Last Previous Action
On September 3, 2026, The Economic Growth and Community Investment Service Team presented the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority 2027 supplemental budget to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.
On August 25, 2026, the County Manager presented the 2027 supplemental budget to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.
Attachments
None.