Ramsey County's Detox Center Set to Close, Library Staffing Cuts Loom
The cost-cutting measures in Ramsey County's 2026 budget are hitting close to home for residents, particularly those struggling with substance abuse and access to critical services. The county's longstanding detoxification center, which has been a lifeline for many, is set to close its doors by the end of December, leaving 43 workers without jobs.
The decision comes as part of the county's efforts to outsource services to more cost-effective providers, sparking concerns among advocates that vulnerable populations will be left to fend for themselves. Detox worker Shauna Peters, who lost her job in the restructuring, spoke out about the devastating impact on those most in need.
"We have received asinine internal job opportunities that none of us qualified for," Peters said, highlighting the lack of consideration for frontline staff in favor of managerial positions. "Detox saves lives – we can't let that be compromised."
Meanwhile, library workers are facing an uncertain future with the proposed cuts to staffing. The Shoreview branch, one of the busiest libraries in the state, is set to close on Fridays, and smaller branches may have to shut down entirely when staff call in sick.
"I'm worried about the services we could and should be offering our community," said Cassie Heyman, a library associate in digital services. "We care about digital literacy – we want to offer computer classes. But how can we with this lack of staff?"
The cuts have sparked outrage among residents, who say they're fed up with seeing essential services like the library and libraries' vital programs being chopped in favor of more administrative positions.
"It's simply property taxes, and the fact they're out of control," said Patrick Heavirland, proprietor of Charles Cabinets. "You can't tell me that in a more than $900 million budget you can't find some waste and fraud – and program on top of program that overlap each other."
The proposed 9.75% tax levy increase has also drawn criticism from homeowners, who say they're already shouldering an unsustainable burden.
"I don't think the continued reliance on property taxes to fund city services or county coffers is sustainable," said Thomas Biggs. "We need alternative funding sources – it's time for change."
The future of Ramsey County's budget and its commitment to vital public services hangs in the balance as the board of commissioners prepares to finalize the 2026-2027 budget and tax levy on Tuesday.
The cost-cutting measures in Ramsey County's 2026 budget are hitting close to home for residents, particularly those struggling with substance abuse and access to critical services. The county's longstanding detoxification center, which has been a lifeline for many, is set to close its doors by the end of December, leaving 43 workers without jobs.
The decision comes as part of the county's efforts to outsource services to more cost-effective providers, sparking concerns among advocates that vulnerable populations will be left to fend for themselves. Detox worker Shauna Peters, who lost her job in the restructuring, spoke out about the devastating impact on those most in need.
"We have received asinine internal job opportunities that none of us qualified for," Peters said, highlighting the lack of consideration for frontline staff in favor of managerial positions. "Detox saves lives – we can't let that be compromised."
Meanwhile, library workers are facing an uncertain future with the proposed cuts to staffing. The Shoreview branch, one of the busiest libraries in the state, is set to close on Fridays, and smaller branches may have to shut down entirely when staff call in sick.
"I'm worried about the services we could and should be offering our community," said Cassie Heyman, a library associate in digital services. "We care about digital literacy – we want to offer computer classes. But how can we with this lack of staff?"
The cuts have sparked outrage among residents, who say they're fed up with seeing essential services like the library and libraries' vital programs being chopped in favor of more administrative positions.
"It's simply property taxes, and the fact they're out of control," said Patrick Heavirland, proprietor of Charles Cabinets. "You can't tell me that in a more than $900 million budget you can't find some waste and fraud – and program on top of program that overlap each other."
The proposed 9.75% tax levy increase has also drawn criticism from homeowners, who say they're already shouldering an unsustainable burden.
"I don't think the continued reliance on property taxes to fund city services or county coffers is sustainable," said Thomas Biggs. "We need alternative funding sources – it's time for change."
The future of Ramsey County's budget and its commitment to vital public services hangs in the balance as the board of commissioners prepares to finalize the 2026-2027 budget and tax levy on Tuesday.
. First, we're losing a detox center that actually helps people struggling with addiction? It's like we're just kicking them to the curb 
. And now library staff are facing cuts too? I mean, what's next? Our schools shutting down? 
I get it, budgets gotta be balanced and all that, but can't they see how this affects real people's lives? 
Property taxes are already so high in our area, I'm surprised we're not seeing more of these kinds of cuts already. It just feels like politicians are only looking out for themselves right now 
. And what about the cost-effectiveness thing? Can't they find ways to make it work without sacrificing essential services? I don't think so... 
a detox center is closing and ppl struggling with addiction r gonna be left high & dry, it's like they're more worried about cuttin costz than human life 
and library staffin cuts? that's just basic community services 
this whole thing is kinda unfair, like the county is just gonna cut these essential services because it's cheaper or something... they're basically saying that people struggling with addiction don't matter, which is super messed up 
. Close the detox center? Are they outta their minds?! What about all those people who are struggling with addiction and can't get help anywhere else? It's not like they're asking for much, just a safe place to get sober. And now they're gonna have to fend for themselves? No thanks 
. This budget is a recipe for disaster, mark my words 
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A diagram might help explain this situation better:
From what I've seen, it's clear that the county is trying to balance its books by cutting costs. However, this might come at the expense of services that truly need support. 
Libraries are especially vulnerable, and it worries me when services like digital literacy classes are put on hold. We should find a way to fund public services without relying solely on property taxes! 
Ultimately, we need to find ways to support our most vulnerable populations while also managing our resources effectively. 
but seriously, isnt there like a better way to fund public services than just relying on taxes? maybe something with grants or community donations? idk
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. Maybe they should try cutting waste and fraud instead of just throwing more money at it.
. and now they're outsourcing services? what about the ppl who can't afford to pay for private treatment centers?! 
. i mean, i get it, budget stuff, but come on... can't they find some other way to cut costs without hurting ppl who need the services?! 
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property taxes are one thing but can't we find a way to fund our services without hurting people??
and library staff are worried about closing services and what they can't do without sufficient staffing... it's like they're cutting off their nose to spit out their brains 
the proposed tax levy increase is just another nail in the coffin 
We need to come together as a community and make some noise about this! 
But let's be real, this is also an opportunity for the county to re-think its budget and prioritize what really matters - I mean, $900 million is a lot of money, but maybe some of it could go towards more innovative solutions instead of just cutting services 
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. Alternative funding sources, such as increased revenue from other tax sources or innovative partnerships, could help alleviate the burden on property taxes 
I'm not surprised that property taxes are being raised, it's like we're just throwing more money at the same problems without fixing the root issues 