County manager presents $930 million recommended budget, proposes 9.75% levy for 2026

County Manager Becker presented the Ramsey County Board with a proposed 2026-27 recommended budget on Sept. 2, framing it as a response to rising costs, limited revenue growth and state and federal cost shifts. Becker told commissioners the budget balances ‘‘immediate needs with long-term resiliency’’ and includes both targeted investments and service adjustments.

The proposal calls for a budget in the neighborhood of $930 million and recommends a 9.75% property tax levy for 2026 (and 7.5% in 2027), Becker said. She said the plan would eliminate 43 filled positions while adding staff in core, county‑responsible areas and cited an increase of about 110 FTEs in 2026 and roughly 30.5 FTEs in 2027 to support programs tied to continuing or new obligations. "This is the most difficult budget in recent history," Becker said, adding that the choices are intended to preserve essential county services.

Becker outlined five budgeting themes that guided the proposal: protecting county‑responsible services, advancing partnerships, operational excellence, sustaining long‑term fiscal health, and a one‑organization approach to service delivery. She highlighted investments to expand child protection staffing and training, modernize the emergency communications center, support emergency management and homeland security, and invest in workforce solutions and public‑benefits access.

On corrections and alternatives to incarceration, Becker described Project Bridge (presented in the meeting as "Project Bridge"), an effort to reduce overcrowding at the Adult Detention Center by relocating individuals to the Ramsey County correctional facility for extended stays and expanded programming. Becker said the approach is intended to create capacity and improve care and outcomes.

Becker said the county is disproportionately reliant on property taxes and urged pursuing a broader mix of revenue tools. She also described organizational restructuring that would take effect Jan. 1, 2026, to rebalance service teams and reporting lines.

The presentation included a schedule of next steps: departmental hearings Sept. 15–22, a joint property tax advisory committee meeting Sept. 15, a public hearing on Sept. 22 at 5 p.m., certification of the maximum levy on Sept. 23, estimated property tax statements mailed in mid‑November, a truth‑in‑taxation hearing on Dec. 11 and final budget approval scheduled for Dec. 16.

Commissioners questioned and thanked the manager. One asked why the proposal shows reductions and additions; Becker explained reductions occur where functions are not core county responsibilities while new positions support core services or replace expiring grant-funded roles. Becker also warned of federal cost shifts and cited a national estimate she attributed to the National Association of Counties about substantial cost pressures on counties nationwide.

Next steps: the board will hold department budget presentations and public hearings in September and November and is scheduled to vote on the 2026–27 budget on Dec. 16.