Ramsey County 2021 Supplemental Budget submitted to County Board with levy adjustment reduced to 0%
Saint Paul, Minn. – Ramsey County Manager Ryan O’Connor today presented the proposed 2021 Supplemental Budget of $747 million to the Board of Commissioners. A 4.5% property tax levy increase that had been previously approved in Dec. 2019 for the second year of the 2020-2021 biennial budget has been reduced to 0%.
“The property tax adjustment to 0% in this proposed supplemental budget acknowledges the impact that COVID-19 has had on our families and businesses,” said O’Connor. “Although things are certainly different than they were a year ago, this proposal retains our core priorities and strategic direction that we have spent years developing in partnership with our community.”
Overall, the proposed 2021 supplemental budget totals $747,471,298, a decrease of about $15.7 million from the budget approved in Dec. 2019. Including projected 2021 revenue shortfalls and other factors, budget adjustments will total about $20 million:
- $14.2 million is proposed to come from adjustments to department operating budgets.
- $1 million in projected interest revenue reductions due to lower interest rates.
- $2 million will be offset by deferring various technology investments.
- $2.8 million will be drawn from Fund Balance - essentially the county’s savings account.
“This is the rainy day that our organization has planned for,” said Chief Financial Officer Alex Kotze. “Despite many remaining unknowns, our strong tradition of prudent investments and budgeting has put Ramsey County in a resilient position going into 2021.”
In 2021, the property tax of $326,073,145 will fund about 44 percent of the budget. The other primary revenue sources are intergovernmental revenue at $194.4 million (26 percent of total revenue) and charges for services at $150 million (20 percent of total revenue). Detailed revenue and expense information for the 2021 Supplemental Budget is available at ramseycounty.us/budget.
> Watch the video of today's presentation to the board
Over the next several weeks, the Board of Commissioners will conduct budget hearings with Service Teams and departments. Unique to Ramsey among Minnesota counties, in supplemental budget years departments provide updates on their Performance Measures – quantifiable goals that support the county’s mission and Strategic Plan. Performance Measures are available on the county’s Open Data Portal.
Residents, businesses and other stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on the supplemental budget via email, phone and at two public hearings (virtual options for participation will be available):
The full schedule is available at ramseycounty.us/budget. Hearings will be streamed live online and also available as a video archive for later viewing.
The county board is scheduled to vote on the supplemental budget on Dec. 15.
Additional Resources
Video of the County Manager’s 2020-2021 budget proposal (Aug. 6, 2019)
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to explore Ramsey County’s current budget and expenditures online at openfinance.ramseycounty.us.
Those looking for a brief and general recap of Ramsey County’s 2019 budget highlights are encouraged to view the Popular Annual Financial Report at ramseycounty.us/PAFR.
Contact:
John Siqveland, Public Communications Director, 651-746-9250.
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