Ramsey County commission votes to place Home Rule Charter with 1% sales/use and alcohol tax on June 9 ballot

The commission adopted a resolution on the proposed Ramsey County Home Rule Charter and directed that the question be placed on the June 9 primary ballot.

Presenter said the packet contains the committee’s ballot language and that the charter would authorize a 1% sales and use tax and a 1% alcoholic beverages tax to help offset property-tax burdens for Ramsey County public-safety services. "A yes vote means you approve the enactment of the Ramsey County Home Rule Charter," the presenter said.

Commissioner (speaker 1) moved to adopt the resolution calling for the election and the motion was seconded. Chair conducted discussion about the language and confirmed the ballot wording reflects what the Home Rule Charter Committee recommended. Several members requested a roll call because the change alters how Ramsey County could govern itself; the clerk conducted a roll call in which Otis, Fritz, Brown and Wilhelmi were recorded as voting "aye." The chair announced the motion passes.

Members also discussed whether to dissolve the Home Rule Charter Committee after the election and the logistics of calling a special election if amendments are needed later. The presenter noted the statute requires publishing the charter once in the Devil's Lake Journal before the election and asked the commission to ensure that publication occurs.

The commission left open the possibility of retaining the committee until after the election to avoid procedural complications if the commission decides to call a special election later. The resolution, the presenter said, will be submitted for the June 9 primary ballot.

The commission proceeded to other business after the vote.