 Hello everyone,
Earlier today my colleagues and I met in an emergency board meeting to take action after Governor Tim Walz enacted his Stay At Home Executive Order on March 25. As a part of this Order, local governments are required to define priority services that are integral to their communities and are critical to meeting the needs of individuals and families, particularly during this unprecedented emergency and period of increased social isolation. In order to meet the requirement of the Governor's Order, the County Board is declaring all of its 37 services as outlined on ramseycounty.us/coronavirus to be essential or priority to support the County’s ability to provide services to the community. Click here to read the resolution that was passed.
I also want to thank our State and Federal policymakers for working hard during this crisis to make sure we all have the resources we need to provide for our residents - including helping combat food insecurity and also programs to help small businesses and those out of work. Visit https://www.ramseycounty.us/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-information to learn more. This information is refreshed regularly so is a great source for the most up-to-date-information.
My physical office remains closed for in person meetings, but my office will continue to serve constituent needs that come up, and will be available via phone (651-266-8359) or email (district2@ramseycounty.us) to answer any inquiries you may have.
I wish you well as you adjust to the changes that will inevitably come in the next few weeks and months. Please be safe and healthy, and don't forget to wash your hands!
Thank you,
Mary Jo
Property tax and valuation process changes due to COVID-19
Ramsey County recognizes there are questions about property tax payment deadlines due to the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic and its impact on our community. The County is working with local and state partners on options to create flexibility for taxpayers facing financial hardship.
The existing deadline for first half property tax payments is May 15. Ramsey County is working to identify options in the weeks ahead to share with taxpayers before this deadline.
Questioning or appealing your valuation
Annual property valuation notices and tax statements for 2020 were mailed to Ramsey County property owners in mid-March. Valuation notices include your property classification, estimated market value and taxable market value, which is used to determine property taxes payable in 2021.
Digital copies of the valuation notice and tax statement are available in the tax and value lookup system.
Please review your valuation notice carefully. If you believe there is an error, now is the time to appeal or question your classification or valuation. It will be too late to appeal when proposed taxes are mailed in November. The first step in the process is to contact the Assessor’s Office about your questions or concerns at 651-266-2131.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the 2020 open book meetings will be held via phone April 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and April 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you choose to formally appeal your property value to the County Board of Appeal and Equalization, the appeal forms must be postmarked by May 8.
Learn more about appeal options
COVID-19 Case Update in Minnesota
Today’s figures from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) show that the number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in the state has increased from 576 yesterday to 629 today, out of a total 19,780 tests that have now been processed by MDH and external laboratories.
112 Minnesotans have required hospitalization for COVID-19, with 56 currently hospitalized, and 26 of those in the ICU. There are now 288 patients who have recovered and no longer require isolation. The state has now experienced 12 COVID-19 related deaths. The age range of those affected by COVID-19 ranges from 4 months - 104 years, with a median age of 46.
Click here for the most current information from MDH, including details on which counties have current cases.
MDH is working with #CovidNearYou to gather data about #COVID-19. Sign up at http://covidnearyou.org to report how you’re feeling—whether you’re healthy or have symptoms. This will help MDH learn more about the virus so they can make decisions about how to best protect Minnesotans.
Volunteering to serve our community during the COVID-19 pandemic
Volunteers play a critical role in serving our community. Ramsey County remains deeply grateful to the thousands of volunteers that donate their time and energy each year to help us deliver programs and services that enhance our quality of life.
If you are interested in volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic, the following organizations have information on local and remote opportunities.
Ramsey County is evaluating the best way to engage volunteers in our organization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most volunteer opportunities are temporarily suspended as we switch to online and phone-based service delivery. Opportunities to serve through Ramsey County will be posted to our website as they are identified.
Medical Reserve Corps
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) of Ramsey County will need additional support during the extended COVID-19 response. MRC is a countywide resource of health professionals and other volunteers who strengthen our community by preparing for and responding to public health and related emergencies.
If you or someone you know are interested in helping your community during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the Medical Reserve Corps page to learn more and sign up.
Supporting Local Businesses
We know that things are somewhat unknown right now, but when possible, we are encouraging people to support local business. We will highlight specific opportunities we know about in our newsletters. Feel free to let us know if you know of any others via email at district2@ramseycounty.us.
#TakeOutTuesday
America’s restaurants need our help! Join #TheGreatAmericanTakeout on 3/31 and order delivery or takeout to help save our nation’s struggling restaurants.
Here is a map of local restaurants that you can consider ordering from: https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/curbside/. Note: this map may change as restaurants change their plans.
Locally Made Hand Sanitizer
Many local breweries and distilleries are making World Health Organization-approved hand sanitizer. If you are having problems finding in, stores, consider these local sources!
Bent Brewstillery
 Bent Brewstillery is also producing larger containers of sanitizer for 1st responders, medical suppliers, and local companies. Interested parties can email info@bentbrewstillery.com for more information.
All Hands MN
This group is targeting people in our communities who are housed in densely populated conditions, people who come in contact with large numbers of people and are unable to social distance, and other essential workers. Unfortunately, All Hands will not supply sanitizer directly to individuals at this time.
For more information: https://www.allhandsmn.org/.
Help Finding Services for Older Adults During COVID-19
As Minnesotans are adjusting to changes due to the threats of COVID-19, access to services and other resources has become a more urgent need. Older adults are among those at greatest risk for the coronavirus and many of the familiar services that help them stay independent in their homes may not be available or may offer different or more limited services. The Minnesota Association of Area Agencies on Aging (m4a) and the Minnesota Board on Aging (MBA) are working together to ensure the needs of older Minnesotans are met quickly given the increasing and changing needs caused by the pandemic.
The Senior LinkAge Line® (1-800-333-2433) continues to be the best source of unbiased and accurate information for older adults and caregivers but now there's a new online resource finder tool at www.HelpOlderAdultsMN.org, which contains a searchable listing of services from across the state such as home-delivered meals, grocery and drug deliveries, care coordination and home care. Search capabilities make it easy to find services relatively close to home. Currently the listing includes services provided under the Older Americans Act and other readily accessed information. Read full press release here.
COVID-19 impacts on county services
Ramsey County remains open for business, but have implemented new methods of service delivery. Please do not attempt to access county services in-person at this time. This is both for your safety, as well as the safety of Ramsey County employees during this time.
If you have a question or need assistance with a county program or service, your first step should be to call the Customer Contact Center which is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
651-266-8500
Ramsey County's Customer Contact Center is a one-stop option for directing and resolving resident inquires via phone, email, social media and other means.
Ramsey County’s office phone lines are open during regular hours. If you receive a busy signal or message when calling, it’s because of the heavy cell phone call volume in the Twin Cities metro area.
If possible:
- Try calling from a landline phone.
- Try calling from a cell phone connected to another mobile carrier.
- Try calling again later.
If your issue cannot be resolved over the phone, you will receive instructions on next steps.
Executive orders from Governor Walz
These orders further strengthen Minnesota's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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