January 2022 newsletter: Information on COVID-19 vaccine, board of commissioners updates and Winter Reads

Ramsey County, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 01/05/2022 12:15 PM CST

January 2022 Newsletter

- Coronavirus/COVID-19 updates.
- Board of commissioners updates.
- Winter Reads.
- Help improve snow removal.
- Join a Racial Equity and Community Engagement Action Team.
- Feedback on I-35E interchange.
- Property tax refund.
- New food scraps drop-off site.
- Upcoming events.
- Employee awards.
- In the news.

COVID-19 updates

Everyone 5 years and older is eligible for vaccine

Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health offers free COVID-19 vaccines for ages five and older. No medical insurance or ID is required.

Clinics are scheduled at community centers, schools and several pop-up locations.

Schedule an appointment.
Visit the state of Minnesota’s Vax for Kids website to learn about vaccine safety and find appointments.

Booster shots available for anyone age 16+

COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are available for anyone 16 years and older who received their second dose at least six months ago.

Ramsey County has Pfizer and Moderna booster shots at our clinics, by appointment only.

Schedule an appointment

Why you should get a booster shot

COVID-19 vaccines are very effective, but new data shows protection may decrease over time. This is normal and expected.
Booster shots are common for many vaccines, like the flu shot or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis).
Why are COVID-19 vaccine booster shots necessary? - video from the Minnesota Department of Health.

Board of commissioners updates

Board of commissioners approves 2022-23 budget

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a biennial budget of $774,095,817 in 2022 and $783,166,239 in 2023 during its Dec. 21 meeting. This represents an increase of $25,257,019 (3.4%) over 2021 and an increase of $9,070,422 (1.2%) from 2022 to 2023.

Watch board meeting and view documentation

The biennial budget includes eliminating adult library fines within the Ramsey County Library system and reducing hours at the three regional libraries.

Learn more about these changes

Trista MatasCastillo elected Board Chair

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners elected Trista MatasCastillo as Chair of the Board for 2022 during its Jan. 4 meeting. Commissioner McDonough (District 6) was elected to serve as vice chair.

Watch the board meeting

Discover new books during Winter Reads

Winter Reads is a program from Ramsey County Library that encourages busy adults to delight in reading. The program runs Jan. 2-Feb. 28. Read four books and you will be entered for a chance at a grand prize.

Learn more at rclreads.org

A healthier you in 2022

Has your doctor talked to you about pre-diabetes? Ramsey County community members are invited to learn about a new free online diabetes prevention program brought to you in partnership with theNEWmpls.

Join the free diabetes prevention program

Help improve snow removal

Ramsey County is responsible for maintaining a 293-mile system of county roads including snow removal. Please help the operators of our fleet of 30+ plows improve the quality and speed of snow and ice removal by keeping these guidelines in mind:

Avoid travel during heavy snowfall. If you must travel, slow down, drive safely and stay several car lengths back from plows.
When shoveling or snow blowing, move the snow into your yard. Don't push snow from your driveway into the street, boulevard or shoulder. Piling snow in the street, boulevard or shoulder creates sight line and distance issues, which can create dangerous conditions.
Make sure your trash and recycling containers are away from the curb and located in your driveway or yard. The arms of the collection truck will still be able to reach them if they're a few feet off the street.

Thanks for your help keeping our streets safe and clear!

Join the new Racial Equity and Community Engagement Action Teams

Ramsey County Veterans Services and Financial Assistance Services are looking for community members to join two new Racial Equity and Community Engagement Action Teams.

The purpose of these teams is to bring community members with a multitude of experiences and backgrounds to the table to help make decisions that positively impact residents and the departments.

Share feedback on I-35E & CR J interchange

Ramsey County will be reconstructing County Road J between Centerville and Otter Lake roads – including the interchange with I-35E – in 2024. As the surrounding area grows, we’re working with with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Anoka County and adjacent cities to improve the roadway. We want to know how we can make your experience better, whether it’s around safety, pedestrian and bicyclist access, traffic and congestion, or access to local businesses and neighborhoods.

View the interactive online map and share your feedback today at ramseycounty.us/CRJand35.

Are you eligible for a property tax refund?

If you're a qualifying Minnesota homeowner or renter, you may qualify for one or more state property tax refunds. Eligibility requirements change each year, so even if you haven’t qualified in the past you may now.

Visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue for refund information

New food scraps drop-off site in Highland Park

A new collection site in Highland Park will make it easier for Ramsey County residents to drop off food scraps. The new site is open 24 hours a day, year-round at 800 S. Snelling Ave., Saint Paul.

With the new location, the county now has 16 food scraps drop-off sites – including all seven Ramsey County yard waste sites.