December 2019 newsletter: 2020-21 budget, "Hub for the Holidays" at Union Depot, home financing projects

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December 2019 Newsletter

In this issue:

- County board votes Dec. 17 on 2020-21 budget.
- Union Depot and Landmark Center holiday events.
- Forgivable loans for home projects.
- Flu shots still available.
- Host a holiday "green" event. 
- Upcoming county events.
- In the news.

Mom and kids skating at Aldrich Arena

Board of commissioners votes on 2020-21 budget Dec. 17

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote on the county's 2020-21 biennial budget and 2020 property tax levy at its regularly scheduled meeting on Dec. 17.

A public hearing on the budget was held Monday, Nov. 25. Visit ramseycounty.us/budget to view a video of the event and budget materials.


Union Depot and Landmark Center holiday happenings

European market at Union Depot

European Christmas Market at Union Depot

Celebrate the holiday season with fun for all ages at Union Depot and Landmark Center!

Landmark Center

41st Annual Landmark Center Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar - Dec. 5-7
Featuring more than 70 booths of unique handcrafted gift items by the area’s finest artists.

Star of the North Concert Band holiday concert - Dec. 11
Enjoy a festive holiday concert by the Star of the North Concert Band.

Sundays at Landmark: Santa’s Workshop - Dec. 15
1 - 3 p.m.
Come for a free photo with Santa and stay for games.

Ramsey County Historical Society History Revealed: Holiday Traditions on the Prairie - Dec. 18
Staff from Gibbs Farm will present Victorian and pioneer holiday traditions as celebrated on the prairie.

Union Depot "Hub for the Holidays"

Holiday Tree Lighting and Movie Night - Dec. 6
6:30 p.m. - Tree lighting.
7 p.m. - Movie night screening of "Elf" and "Polar Express".

European Christmas Market
Dec. 6-8, 13-15 and 20-22.

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train - Dec. 10
Approximately 6:45 p.m.
Enjoy the brightly-lit train and musical performances.

Holiday Bake Sale - Dec. 14
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Shop the top Twin Cities bakeries!


Financing for home improvement projects

Graphic of house with snow falling on it.

For many homeowners, expensive utility bills and heating system repairs can be a difficult financial burden. To help, the Center for Energy and Environment has partnered with the county to offer an Energy Conservation Deferred Loan. The loan is 0% interest, has no monthly payments and is forgiven if the homeowner stays in their home for 10 years. Income limits apply.

Eligible projects include:

  • Furnace/boiler replacement.
  • Water heater replacement.
  • Attic and/or wall insulation.

Learn more about the energy conservation loan


Protect yourself and loved ones with a flu shot

woman getting flu shot

It’s not too late!

Flu peaks between December and February, but can last as late as May. Influenza is a serious viral disease that can lead to hospitalization and death.

The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get a flu shot:


Make your holiday or winter event a green one

Woman using a clearstream container

Did you know? You can reserve free recycling and food scraps containers to reduce waste at your upcoming holiday event. Clearstream containers come with quick setup instructions - plus signage - which will make recycling easy for your guests.

Reserve your Clearstream container 


Calendar icon on teal colored divider bar

Upcoming events

mother breastfeeding her child

Board of Commissioners Meeting
Tuesdays, Dec. 3 and 17

Baby Cafe (breastfeeding/chestfeeding support)
Wednesdays, Dec. 4 and 18

Fix-It Clinic
Saturday, Dec. 7

Free Open Skate and Open Hockey
Days vary

Drop-In Discovery Station: Owls Up Close
Saturday, Dec. 7

Water Gremlin Public Meeting
Wednesday, Dec. 11

Criminal Expungement Forms Clinic
Thursday, Dec. 12

CERT Certification Workshop
Wednesday, Dec. 18

Christmas Day - holiday
County offices and Library locations closed.
Wednesday, Dec. 25

View all upcoming events

Owl at Tamarack Nature Center
Newspaper icon on blue colored divider bar.

In the news