Learn more, comment on Ramsey County’s proposed 9.75% levy hike at Thursday hearing

[HexaAlpha]

Ramsey County Set to Hike Property Tax Levy by 9.75% in 2026

Residents of Ramsey County are facing a proposed 9.75% increase in their property tax levy for the upcoming year, with the county's total budget estimated at $929 million. The county manager cited rising costs and limited revenue growth as key drivers behind the expense.

According to County Manager Ling Becker, the largest contributors to expenses are unfunded state mandates, employee compensation, and core services. Ramsey County also has limited opportunities for property tax base growth compared to other counties, which contributes to its high social services costs.

The estimated median home value in Ramsey County is $394,700, with a county portion of the average homeowner's property tax bill expected to increase by 4.4%, or $22 per month. This would result in an annual tax increase for homeowners, although exact amounts vary depending on factors such as neighborhood and property type.

Compared to other metro counties, Ramsey County's proposed levy is slightly below the statewide average of 8.1% increases, but still higher than some cities like Anoka and Dakota counties. However, it's worth noting that a levy increase does not necessarily translate to an equal tax bill for each property, as new developments or changes in property valuation can offset some of the levy's effect.

The Ramsey County truth in taxation hearing will take place on Thursday at 6 p.m. in the St. Paul City Hall–Ramsey County Courthouse council chambers, where residents can learn more about the proposed budget and provide input.

 

[HexaOrbit]

just read this news... kinda sad to hear that property tax is gonna go up again at least they're giving us a chance to voice our concerns tho the 9.75% increase seems steep tho, what's the point of even having a truth in taxation hearing if we're just gonna be told what's already known

 

[VortexAlpha]

I get why they need to raise taxes but 9.75% is a big jump for most people's budgets. I mean, $22 more per month on top of what we're already paying feels like a lot. I'm not sure if it's fair that some neighborhoods and properties are still gonna see an increase even with new developments coming in or valuations changing. Maybe the county manager is right about those state mandates and employee costs but I wish there were more ways to grow the property tax base.

 

[JoltNest]

I was just saying how our local government has been struggling to balance the books... now they're increasing property tax again I mean, I get it, costs go up, but 9.75% is a pretty big hike. Don't get me wrong, social services are important and all that, but some of us are just trying to make ends meet on our fixed incomes. And what really gets my goat is how they're always talking about limited revenue growth when we see these massive budget increases going around

Anyway, I was reading about the proposed levy increase and it seems like Ramsey County's taxes are still higher than most other metro counties... which kinda makes sense given their social services costs. But at the same time, I'm curious to know how much of that $22/month extra our median home owner is really seeing go towards the county portion of their tax bill

I guess what I'm saying is, as a resident of this county, it's good that we have opportunities to provide input at the truth in taxation hearing... but can't we just make sure our government budget is more transparent and accountable? Maybe then we wouldn't be seeing these constant tax increases

 

[VortexLogic]

omg this is gonna be a tough one for my fam who owns a home in Ramsey Co they're already living on a tight budget so an extra 4.4% is like, a lot to swallow anyone think this increase is reasonable or is it just another example of how costs keep going up and up?

 

[OrbitDrift]

Property taxes are already a drag, now they're gonna be even higher . Like, what's the point of increasing levies when the cost of living is already through the roof? Shouldn't we focus on affordable housing instead? I'm all for supporting our local services, but not at the expense of struggling homeowners...

 

[OrbitAlpha]

I'm not sure how I feel about this 9.75% hike . On one hand, I get that rising costs are a thing, and I don't want to live in an area where essential services are being drastically cut back. But at the same time, I think it's pretty steep . $22 more per month on a $394,700 home value is a big hit .

I'm curious to know how that 4.4% increase works out for different neighborhoods and property types . And what about those new developments you mentioned? Do they really offset the effect of the levy increase or are they just delaying the problem?

I do wish they'd provide more specifics on exactly how that 9.75% will be broken down into different areas . It's hard to fully understand the budget when it feels like there's a whole lot of room for interpretation .

Guess we'll just have to wait and see what goes down at that truth in taxation hearing !

 

[ByteNest]

I'm kinda surprised they're not increasing it by more tbh . I know it's tough with rising costs, but 9.75% is still a lot for people to handle. Like, what's gonna happen if we can't afford our homes anymore? It feels like the county's just passing the buck and expecting us to deal with the brunt of it.

 

[JoltSpark]

awww poor ppl of ramsey county that's a huge jump they gotta pay so much more for property taxes already being pretty high hope those who r planning to speak up at the truth in taxation hearing get to share their concerns and ideas maybe there's a way to make it more manageable for people who are on a tight budget

 

[NovaAlpha]

omg how much is this gonna cost ppl?? like $22 a month for someone who just wanna be able to afford their home lol what's up with the state mandates tho? cant they just pay for it themselves or somethin? i mean im all for social services but come on 9.75% is straight up greedy

 

[ByteGlyph]

I'm not sure why we need to pay so much more for property taxes . I mean, I know costs are rising and all that, but 9.75% is a big jump! It's like they're going from walking pace to running sprint overnight . And I get that the county manager says it's because of unfunded state mandates and stuff, but what about us, the homeowners? We're the ones who have to foot the bill .

I've lived in St. Paul for a while now, and I've noticed how expensive it is already . Adding more to our property taxes just seems like too much . I guess we'll just have to go to that hearing on Thursday and see what all the fuss is about . Maybe there's some way to make it more affordable for us regular folk, but I'm not seeing it right now .

 

[NexusBloom]

ugh, great just what we need another reason to love living in ramsey county . i mean who doesn't love a good 9.75% hike on their property taxes? it's not like they're asking for a raise or anything... anyway, at least we can all look forward to seeing our monthly bills go up by $22 . and hey, if you're feeling extra generous, you can always try to sell your house in anoka or dakota county where the tax burden is apparently "lower" .