Board of Commissioners - 2026-01-27
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved budget adjustments totaling $2.75 million to close out 2025 deficits, including $2 million for Lake Owasso Residence (a 64-bed intermediate care facility for adults with developmental disabilities) and $750,000 for the County Attorney's Office. The board also approved allocation of Minnesota Department of Public Safety grant funds for youth healing and treatment homes with a first right of refusal clause for future property sales. Much of the meeting focused on the county's response to federal immigration enforcement operations following the deaths of Alex Preddy and Renee Good.
Key Decisions (5)
Joint Powers Agreement with Dakota County for TB Control
Approved two-year joint powers agreement with Dakota County for tuberculosis control services, continuing a 16-year partnership where Ramsey County provides TB screening and treatment services and bills Dakota County up to $70,000 for referrals and cases.
2025 Budget Adjustment for Lake Owasso Residence
Approved $2 million general fund allocation to close out 2025 budget deficit for Lake Owasso Residence, a 24-hour intermediate care facility serving 59 of 64 adults with developmental disabilities. Deficit driven by overtime costs due to 20% staffing vacancy and service intensity misalignment with state reimbursement rates.
2025 Budget Adjustment for County Attorney's Office
Approved $750,000 general fund allocation to close out 2025 budget deficit for Ramsey County Attorney's Office. Total deficit approximately $1.2 million, driven by personnel costs and increased outside counsel expenses of approximately $400,000. This follows a $1 million deficit closeout in 2024.
Youth Healing and Treatment Homes Grant Allocation
Approved allocation of Minnesota Department of Public Safety grant funds for acquisition of youth healing and treatment homes, with added first right of refusal clause giving Ramsey County first option to acquire properties if sold after 10-year period.
Metropolitan Mosquito Control District Presentation
Motion to table item number eight, the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District presentation, from the January 27, 2026 agenda.
Market Signals (3)
Labor
Lake Owasso Residence faces persistent 20% staffing vacancy for residential counselors, reflecting broader industry-wide challenges in staffing 24-hour care facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Housing Demand
Saint Paul Public Schools reported approximately 7,000 students shifted to online learning due to federal immigration enforcement concerns, indicating significant community disruption affecting workforce participation.
Sentiment
County officials noted businesses closing, landlords not receiving rent, and workers unable to report to jobs due to immigration enforcement fears, suggesting economic disruption in immigrant-heavy commercial corridors.