Sponsor: Sheriff's Office
Title
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Proposed Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office Fee Schedule Update
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Recommendation
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Approve the proposed updated fee schedule changes for security services and civil process services.
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Background and Rationale
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The Sheriff’s Office is recommending updates to the Fee Schedule for select fees charged by the Sheriff’s Office, effective July 15, 2026. The primary rationale for this update is due to increased personnel costs associated with the 2025-2027 labor contracts as well as to help cover the costs of general liability insurance related to security services.
As part of the collective bargaining process, contracts were approved that include cost of living adjustments, market adjustments, and a faster salary progression. Mid-year market adjustments for deputies and sergeants are provided effective the first full pay period following July 1, 2026 and July 1, 2027. This provides more competitive pay consistent with the market and surrounding local governments as well as supports efforts to continue to build a more diverse workforce reflective of the community served.
For reference, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners has authority to set fees, subject to limitations provided by law. As part of its fiscal policy, the county seeks to reduce reliance on property taxes by leveraging non-property tax revenues, such as user and service fees. These fees are recommended when direct benefits to users can be clearly identified and are typically based on the full cost of service provision, including both direct and indirect expenses. In certain cases, fee levels also consider prevailing market rates for similar services. Consistent with its commitment to racial equity, the county has also advanced a county-wide initiative to eliminate criminal justice-related fines and fees, which have historically disproportionately impacted communities of color. The fee changes recommended by this action are not considered criminal.
The Sheriff’s Office recommends changes to fees for security services and civil process services to better reflect the cost of service delivery and resource utilization. Security service fees apply to the provision of personnel at various events, including but not limited to weddings, entertainment events, sports tournaments, and high school graduations. These fees are charged per deputy, per hour. Following an event, an invoice is generated and sent to the requesting party for payment.
Civil process service fees are charged for the processing and serving of legal documents. Charging for civil process services is a standard practice among sheriff’s offices. Individuals experiencing financial hardship may apply for in forma pauperis status, which, if approved, waives the civil process service fees. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office does not charge for processing or serving protection orders issued by the court.
It is recommended to:
• Increase the security services fee from $110 per hour to $120 per hour (deputy).
• Increase the security services fee from $60 per hour to $65 per hour for non-sworn security services.
• Increase the civil process deputy hourly rate from $110 per hour to $120 per hour.
The recommendations to the fee schedule are consistent with market rates for similar services and better reflects the cost of service delivery and resource utilization.
Following the board discussion last year, the Sheriff's Office met with the County Attorney’s Office to gain additional clarity regarding liability considerations. Deputies providing security services continue to act within the scope of their official duties, and liability is governed by applicable Minnesota law. The Sheriff's Office will continue coordinating with the County Attorney’s Office and Enterprise Risk Management on related matters.
The proposed fee update is intended to support cost recovery for optional services by aligning fees with current personnel costs. Staff will continue to monitor overtime, administrative costs, and service demand to ensure fees remain appropriate and will revisit these considerations as part of the next biennial budget process. The goal remains to ensure the security services hourly rate fully offset costs, including liability insurance.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
There is no racial equity impact associated with this board action. This board action is administrative only.
Community Participation Level and Impact
There is no community participation associated with this board action.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
This action is expected to generate additional sufficient revenue to cover the cost of increased personnel services. The recommended fee schedule updates will be incorporated into the 2026-2027 operating budget. A budget adjustment will be made during those fiscal years based on actual revenue collected.
Last Previous Action
On December 16, 2025, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved the 2026-2027 operating budget, which included approval of the county’s fee schedule (Resolution B2025-246).
On July 1, 2025, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved updated fee schedule changes for security services and civil process services (Resolution B2025-134).
Attachments
None.