May 2022 newsletter: Updated park ordinance, first-half property tax due and mental health and foster care awareness months

Ramsey County, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 05/02/2022 07:00 AM CDT

May 2022 Newsletter

- Updated park ordinance.
- First-half property taxes due.
- Mental health and foster care awareness months.
- Update for Service Center - Downtown Saint Paul.
- COVID-19 updates.
- WIC benefits expanded.
- Summer learning at Ramsey County Library.
- Proclamations.
- Upcoming events.
- In the news.

Updated park ordinance now in effect

The updated Ramsey County park ordinance is now in effect. The ordinance is designed to ensure a safe experience for park users and the general public.

Key changes include:

New park hours: 5 a.m.-11 p.m.
Regional trails open 24/7 for travel.
Allowing adaptive recreation options for people with disabilities.
Expanded snowshoe access in parks.
Changed misdemeanor penalties (maximum of a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail) to administrative citations ($50-$300).

Learn more and read the complete updated park ordinance

First-half property taxes due May 16

The payment deadline for first-half property taxes is May 16, 2022. Payments will be accepted via U.S. mail, at secure form drop-off locations and electronically via a new online payment portal.

Learn about your payment options

Understanding your statements

A short video is available to help you better understand your property tax and value statements:

Property tax refunds

Minnesota homeowners and renters may qualify for one or more state property tax refunds. Eligibility requirements change each year. You may qualify this year even if you haven’t qualified in the past.

Visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue for refund information

Mental health and foster care awareness months

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Foster Care Awareness Month.

Each of us can play a role in promoting good mental health by reaching out virtually to a friend, family member or a loved one. Ramsey County provides a variety of mental health resources.

This month we also recognize the 800 licensed foster care providers, policymakers, child welfare professionals - and others who help the 1,000+ youth in Ramsey County foster care find brighter futures and permanent homes.

Construction and entrance update for Service Center - Downtown Saint Paul

The 7th Place entrance to Metro Square is closed due to construction. Through the fall, please access Service Center - Downtown Saint Paul from the 7th Street entrance.

Gift cards now offered for all doses of COVID-19 vaccine

Now through May 31, get a $50 gift card for your first, second or booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a Ramsey County-operated clinic, while supplies last.

Get your gift card immediately after vaccination - no forms or paperwork required.
You do not have to be a Ramsey County resident to get vaccinated at a Ramsey County clinic or to receive the gift card.
For location and dates of Ramsey County-operated clinics, see our vaccine page or call 651-266-1190.

Fill up on vegetables and fruits with WIC

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) participants can receive up to $47 per family member for vegetables and fruits every month. Use the benefits to try new things, stock up on freezable favorites and make healthier snacks and meals.

WIC provides food to participants through benefits that they can redeem at grocery stores and participating farmers markets. It is a nutrition, breastfeeding and supplemental food program that helps eligible pregnant women, new mothers, babies and young children eat well, learn about nutrition and stay healthy.

Learn more at ramseycounty.us/WIC

Save the date for a summer of learning

Summer Break with Ramsey County Library begins June 1. Get registered at rclreads.beanstack.org or download the Beanstack Tracker app on your device and choose the "Summer Break" or "Teen Summer Break" program to participate.