December 2017 Newsletter: 2018-19 biennial budget, free open skate, mini-grants to promote healthy living

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Newsletter   
December 2017    

European Christmas Market, 2016.
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Upcoming Events

Board of Commissioners Meetings
Tuesdays, Dec. 12 & 19
9 a.m.

European Christmas Market at Union Depot
Dec. 8, 9 & 10
Times vary

Union Depot's Holiday Bake Sale
Saturday, Dec. 9
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Active Living Ramsey Communities Quarterly Meeting
Monday, Dec. 11
2:30-4:30 p.m.

Foster Care Parent Orientation
Thursday, Dec. 14
2-4 p.m.

Fix-It Clinic
Saturday, Dec. 16
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Central Certification Workshop
For small businesses
Wednesday, Dec. 20
1:30-4:30 p.m.


Did you know?

In 2016, top funding sources for all county services included:
48% - Property taxes.
35% - Federal, State and local sources.
11% - Service fees and charges.

These funds provided services for residents, businesses and visitors including:
28% - Human services.
21% - Public safety.
11% - Transportation.
6% - Culture and recreation.
5% - Health.

Learn more about the county’s funding sources and how county dollars are invested in our community at ramseycounty.us/PAFR.


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Links and resources

Park locations

Library hours and locations

Roadwork updates

Recycling and waste collection sites map

County job opportunities 

Ramsey County's strategic priorities


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Board of commissioners votes on 2018 budget Dec. 12

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote on the county's 2018-19 biennial budget Dec. 12.

    A budget and property tax presentation and public hearing on the proposed $712 million 2018 budget was held Monday, Nov. 27 at the Ramsey County Library in Shoreview.

    Visit ramseycounty.us/publichearings to view the presentation, access budget and property tax resources, and submit your comments.


    Open skate admission is now free

    All open skate, open hockey and open turf programs are free this season at Vadnais Sports Center and Highland Arena

    Open to all ages, open skate is a great way to stay active in winter. Skate rental is available at both arenas for $5/person.

    Turf programs at Vadnais Sports Center include walking, softball, soccer and toddler open play.

    Young boys ice skating

    48 adoptions finalized on National Adoption Day

    National Adoption Day - Neubauer family

    Forty-eight Ramsey County children finalized their adoptions Saturday, Nov. 18, on National Adoption Day.

    The county's National Adoption Day event included a ceremony with remarks from county officials and staff, entertainment, and an abundance of smiles and laughter.

    National Adoption Day began in 2000 as an initiative to increase awareness of the need for permanent families for children in the foster care system. 

    If you know someone who may be interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent/family, please encourage them to visit ramseycounty.us/fostercare or ramseycounty.us/adoption to learn more.

    Read more about the county's National Adoption Day event in news articles by the Pioneer Press and KMSP.


    Grants available for health promotion

    Public Health is offering mini-grants to organizations interested in improving the health of county residents. The grants, which range from $1,500 to $3,000, are to promote healthy eating, active living and smoke-free living through policy, systems and environmental changes.

    Grant applicants must provide services or be located in Ramsey County. The application deadline is 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017.

    View more information and apply

    Funding for the grants is provided through the Minnesota Department of Health's Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) program.

    Union Park District Council painting project

    New Property Tax and Value Lookup tool launched

    The county launched a new Property Tax and Value Lookup tool Nov. 28.

    The new system provides users with enhanced property search capability. It also displays valuation and tax data in an updated user interface and continues to link to US Bank for online payment capability. 

    Visit the new Property Tax and Value Lookup


    Ramsey County in the news