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Ramsey County Manager Julie Kleinschmidt today proposed
to the Ramsey County Board a biennial budget of $641 million for 2016 and $655
million for 2017. This represents an average annual increase of about $16 million
or 2.5 percent from the current budget of $623 million.
“Earlier this year, the board of commissioners adopted a new
vision, mission and goals and we believe this budget delivers on those
priorities,” said Kleinschmidt. “This budget addresses new demands for child
protection, public safety and justice while also modestly expanding services
residents have always treasured such as our libraries and parks. This proposal funds
operations predictably year-over-year while providing structural long-term
financial resiliency.”
Revenues
Currently, about $270 million (43 percent) of total revenues
are raised through a tax levied of all commercial and residential properties in
Ramsey County. The 2016-2017 budget proposal calls for an overall average levy
increase of roughly $8 million (2.8 percent) each year – to $278 million in
2016 and $287 million in 2017. Ramsey County's property tax levy has not been increased since 2013.
Nearly $172 million (27 percent) of total revenues are federal and
intergovernmental grants and transfers. These revenues are forecast to
increase by an average of about $2 million per year - to $174 million in 2016 and $176 million 2017.
About $129 million (21 percent) of total revenues are from
charges for service. This amount is projected to increase to $131 million in 2016 and $136 million in 2017.
The remaining $52 million (9 percent) of revenues are from
other sources (Use of Money, Property and Sales; Other Revenue and Taxes; and
Fund Balance). This amount is projected to increase an average of $2.4 million
per year.
Expenditures
Roughly 90 percent of county expenses are for services
provided in four general areas. A number of new or expanded initiatives are proposed
in 2016 and 2017:
Health and Wellness
- Expanded child protection services and
additional child protection workers
- More probation officers, Veterans Services personnel and Boys Totem Town staff
- An initiative to address lead abatement and
other household hazards in homes
Safety and Justice
- Expanded child support services in the County
Attorney’s Office
- Additional sheriff’s deputies for facility security
and administrative support
- A multilingual community outreach program for the Emergency Communications Center
- Additional probation services to mental health,
substance abuse, DWI and veterans courts
Economic Growth and
Community Investment
- Newly
constructed Ramsey County Library in Shoreview with expanded space and hours
- Facility and access improvements at Lake
Owasso Park
- Additional youth programming at
Tamarack Nature Center
- Wheelage fee funds will allow completion of many
priority roadway resurfacing projects
Information and
Public Records
- Expanded early voting options based on expected demand for the 2016 general election
Detailed budget documents may be found at www.ramseycounty.us.
Next Steps
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners will adopt a
maximum tax levy on September 22 and is scheduled to vote on a final budget December
15.
Residents are encouraged provide feedback at two public hearings:
Contact: John Siqveland, Public Communications
Director, 651-746-9250.
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