Budget & Finance
Ramsey County uses its two-year (biennial) operating budget to monitor revenue and expenses, and to improve financial management and strategic planning. The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is used to fund projects such as major equipment purchases and construction or renovation of facilities. Annual financial reports present the county's financial position, along with historical trend data and demographic information.
Explore current budget revenues and expenditures in the Open Finance section of our Open Data Portal.
2020 - 2021 budget
Approved budget
- 2020-2021 Approved Biennial Budget (PDF)
- Operating budget resolution A (PDF)
- Capital budget resolution B (PDF)
- Capital budget 2020 finance resolution (PDF)
- Detail of Adjustments 2020-2021 (PDF)
- Regional Rail Authority budget resolution (PDF)
- Fee schedule for 2020-2021 budget (PDF)
- News release
- Video and documentation from Dec. 17 board of commissioners meeting - budget approval
Proposed budget and reference materials
- Article: "2020-2021 proposed budget submitted to county board"
- 2020-2021 Proposed Operating budget book (PDF)
- Video of proposed budget presentation, Aug. 6, 2019
- County Manager's proposed budget presentation (PDF)
- County Assessor's mid-year update presentation (PDF)
- County Auditor/Treasurer: Trends affecting payable 2020 property taxes (PDF)
- 2019 community indicators presentation (PDF)
- 2018 financial overview and fund balance report presentation (PDF)
- 2018 Fund Balance Report (PDF)
- View the complete budget schedule
- Submit feedback or sign up to speak at a public hearing
- Responses to questions raised during the 2020 supplemental budget process
- Video and resources from the Nov. 25 Public Hearing
- Proposed golf course portfolio realignment
Current capital improvement budget and plan
The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a six-year plan for facility, equipment and infrastructure needs. The capital budget consists of those projects funded in the first two years of the CIP. An advisory committee consisting of up to 14 citizens appointed by the county board and staff reviews requests and makes CIP recommendations to the board. These documents are PDFs.
Current financial reports
Bond information
Ramsey County's current general obligation bond ratings are:
AAA Standard and Poor's
Aaa Moody's
Ramsey County received “Triple A” bond ratings from both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s rating agencies for its 2019 bond sale. Both rating agencies also assigned a stable outlook for future Ramsey County bond ratings.
Ramsey County has maintained these highest possible bond ratings from both Moody’s (Aaa) and Standard & Poor’s (AAA) since 2001. The Aaa/AAA ratings result in reduced interest costs on bonds sold to finance the county’s capital projects. These ratings also put Ramsey County in a select group of counties nationally. Only 65 out of more than 3,100 counties and county equivalents in the United States are rated Triple A by both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, putting the county’s credit rating in the top 2.1% of counties nationally.
Ramsey County is the only county in Minnesota to hold the top bond ratings from both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, along with earning all three GFOA annual awards for excellence for its CAFR, PAFR, and Distinguished Budget Presentation. Ramsey County’s bond rating (Aaa/AAA) is higher than the U.S. Federal Government (Aaa/AA+) and the state of Minnesota (Aa1/AAA).
Both rating agencies noted the county’s vibrant local economy, growing tax base and low unemployment rate. They also mentioned the significant redevelopment projects occurring in the county, specifically Rice Creek Commons, Riverfront Properties, Allianz Field and the former Ford plant. Also cited was Ramsey County’s very strong management supporting stable operations and healthy reserves, a low debt burden, and strong budgeting practices and budget performance.
Current year
All documents are available in PDF format.