Ramsey County Proposes $966 Million 2027 Budget, 8.25% Property Tax Levy Increase
RAMSEY COUNTY: Ramsey County is proposing a nearly $966 million budget for 2027 that would increase the county’s property tax levy by 8.25%, as officials point to federal funding reductions, state and federal cost shifts and increased staffing needs at the county jail.
County Manager Ling Becker presented the proposed 2027 supplemental budget to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners. The proposal totals approximately $965.7 million, a 4.5% overall increase, and includes a property tax levy of approximately $464 million. The proposed levy would increase by about $35.4 million, or 8.25%.
County officials say part of the financial pressure comes from changes to federal funding and requirements involving programs such as SNAP and Medicaid.
According to Ramsey County, expanded work and eligibility requirements for SNAP and Medicaid are expected to require 17.5 additional full-time positions at a cost of approximately $1 million. The county also estimates it will face an additional $3 million in costs in 2027 as the federal match for SNAP administrative expenses decreases from 50% to 25%.
A SNAP benefit cost-sharing requirement expected to begin during the final quarter of 2027 is projected to cost the county another $2.26 million. Altogether, Ramsey County estimates the changes will increase its costs by approximately $6.2 million.
“Counties are facing an unprecedented fiscal challenge,” Becker said. “Federal actions and state cost shifts are pushing more responsibility — and more of the cost of delivering essential services — onto counties and local property taxpayers.”
Additional staffing at the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center is another component of the proposed budget.
An independent staffing study by Matrix Consulting Group found that recurring reliance on overtime at the detention center reflected a structural staffing gap rather than a temporary workforce shortage, according to the county.
Ramsey County is adding 32 positions at the detention center, including eight unfunded positions. Commissioners previously unanimously approved transferring up to $1 million from the county’s general contingency account to the Sheriff’s Office 2026 operating budget, allowing recruitment and hiring to begin immediately. The proposed 2027 budget would provide ongoing funding for the positions.
County officials say the additional positions are intended to reduce reliance on recurring overtime and are not an expansion of detention center services.
Approximately 47% of Ramsey County’s budget is currently supported by property taxes.
The county says its property tax levy has increased by an average of 4.2% annually over the past decade, which it says is the second-lowest rate among counties in the seven-county metro area. During the most recent five-year period, the county says its levy increased an average of 5.2% annually, again ranking second-lowest in the metro.
The proposed 8.25% increase for 2027 is therefore above the county’s recent historical averages.
“An 8.25% increase is significant, and I recognize what that means for residents and businesses already facing higher costs,” Becker said. “But Ramsey County’s record is clear: we have consistently controlled levy growth and managed taxpayer dollars with discipline.”
Ramsey County says departments will also be directed to reduce costs and find efficiencies during 2027. Those efforts are expected to include limiting hiring to critical positions, reducing discretionary and consultant spending, maximizing non-levy funding and lowering technology costs.
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote on the proposed 2027 supplemental budget and property tax levy on Dec. 15. Public hearings on the proposal are scheduled for Sept. 10 at 5 p.m. and Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.