Ramsey County Board Approves 8.25% Tax Levy Increase for 2026

The Ramsey County Board unanimously approved an 8.25% increase in the tax levy for 2026 and a reduced operating budget during a meeting held on December 11, 2023. The decision marks a decrease from the previously proposed maximum levy of 9.75%. The approved operating budget for 2026 totals $924,063,479, while the budget for 2027 is set at $962,473,868.

The latest budget adjustments reflect a shift from earlier proposals, which included a $929.25 million budget for 2026 and $968.45 million for 2027. According to county officials, the adjustments were made following community feedback and discussions regarding budgetary concerns.

Impact of Federal and State Mandates

County officials indicated that the budget cuts were necessary due to various pressures, including rising costs and limited revenue growth. Approximately 46% of the county’s budget is derived from property taxes. District 6 Commissioner Mai Chong Xiong highlighted the challenges posed by cost shifts from federal levels, which have adversely affected the county’s safety net. “This budget reflects the reality, and that the board has made intentional choices to reduce that impact as much as possible,” said Xiong.

The board has also faced increasing demands for services due to state and federal mandates. County Manager Ling Becker noted that the most recent cuts were intended to provide the county with flexibility to adapt to these challenges while maintaining essential services.

Budget Cuts and Community Concerns

The approved budget includes several cuts, notably a reduction in state-mandated burial assistance funding for low-income residents in 2026. Additional cuts impact the Ramsey County Sheriff’s proposed community engagement funding and contributions to the Ramsey County Historical Society. District 1 Commissioner Tara Jebens-Singh expressed concern about the effects of these cuts, stating, “We heard folks who were feeling the pain about shifts in services that were happening within their staffing units, within their community.”

During the county’s truth in taxation hearing on December 11, residents raised questions about county spending with non-profit partners. Becker clarified that this spending accounted for around 4% of the county budget in 2024 and is not the primary driver of cost increases. Most increases stem from personnel costs and rising service demands.

“Ramsey County does not provide unrestricted donations,” Becker explained. “It funds nonprofits through contracts to deliver specific, often state-mandated, services.” She assured the community that county staff conduct regular performance monitoring to ensure effective service delivery and compliance with county policies.

For further details on the budget changes approved by the Ramsey County Board, interested individuals can visit the county’s website at tinyurl.com/3sjr5uz2.