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 Budget section of our Open Data Portal.
2018-2019 budget
All documents are available in PDF format.
The board of commissioners approved the 2018-19 budget on Dec. 12, 2017.
- 2018-2019 approved budget
- Approved 2018-19 line item detail
- Board resolution: 2018-19 budget and 2018 tax levy statement
- 2018-2019 Approved Fees
- 2018 - 2019 Proposed Budget Submitted to County Board (press release)
- County Manager's proposed budget presentation (video)
- County Manager's proposed budget message and overview
- County Assessor's mid-year update presentation (video)
- County Auditor/Treasurer's property tax trends presentation (video)
- 2018-19 proposed budget book (21 MB)
- 2018-19 proposed Capital Improvement Program - Plan 2018-2023 (60 MB)
- 2018 complete budget hearing schedule
- 2018 proposed fees
- Proposed fee changes
- Proposed budget detail
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 ratings
Ramsey County's current general obligation bond ratings are:
AAA Standard and Poor's
Aaa Moody's
Ramsey County has maintained this highest possible rating from both agencies since 2001. This has reduced interest costs on bonds sold to finance the county's capital projects.
Only 53 of 3,069 counties in the U.S. have a AAA rating from both agencies. Ramsey County is one of only two Minnesota counties to have received these bond ratings as well as annual awards from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for Distinguished Budget Presentation, Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and Popular Annual Financial Report.
Factors behind the county's current bond ratings include:
- Strong economic base and proximity to employment throughout the Twin Cities.
- Strong financial management with good policies and practices.
- Healthy reserves and conservative debt profile.