Advisory Boards & Committees

The Ramsey County Special Board of Appeal and Equalization is required by statute to meet every June. It hears appeals from taxpayers concerning the assessment of their property. The Special Board is granted the statutory authority to adjust the assessed value as it deems appropriate.

To review real estate taxes. The purpose of the board is to provide fair and objective forum for property owners to appeal their valuation or classification

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.

Provide citizen participation for the planning process as outlined for the County Capital Improvement Program, from a broad base of citizens.

The district is led by a five-person Board of Managers that guides CRWD implementation of the goals and objectives set forth in its Watershed Management Plan. Board managers generally manage water and related resources in the Watershed District, which includes portions of Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Maplewood, Roseville and Saint Paul. Board managers are residents of the watershed district and serve a three-year term.

Watershed Management Plan: https://www.capitolregionwd.org/watershed-management-plan/

The committee advises the Ramsey County Board and the Saint Paul City Council on public health programs and services, actively participates in policy development, determining community health needs and engages in public health advocacy. This Committee consists of 23 members, of which the Mayor appoints 10 and the Ramsey County Board appoints 13.

Members advise and consult on critical corrections policy initiatives including the comprehensive plan for the development, implementation and operation of the correctional programs in Ramsey County. Formal recommendations to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners are made at least annually concerning the plan and its implementation during the ensuing year.

Members must be veterans. Members direct operations of the camp, which is located on Big Marine Lake. The board is made up of representatives appointed by the Ramsey and Washington County Boards, the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.10 members, 2 are county-appointed.

Members encourage individuals and organizations to make the best use of activities in the areas of agriculture, horticulture, home economics, 4-H and related subjects.

The duties of the members of the Extension Committee, shall be to encourage the cooperation of all individuals and organizations to make profitable use of extension activities. It shall elect its own chair and vice-chair, who shall serve for one year.

The Ramsey County Parks & Recreation Commission advises the Parks & Recreation department and Ramsey County Board of Commissioners on matters relating to the planning, development and operation of the county's parks, trails, open space and recreation facilities.

Board members' duties include: to hear disciplinary appeals by veterans relating to discharge or suspension to review other disciplinary appeals after an Administrative Law Judge has heard them to hear non-disciplinary appeals and to review the Human Resources department as directed by the county board.

The Charter Commission is a 17-member body responsible for maintaining Ramsey County's Home Rule Charter.

The charter is like the constitution for county government, spelling out its duties and responsibilities. Ramsey County is the only one of Minnesota's 87 counties to be governed by home rule - all others are governed by state laws.

The commission's duty is to periodically review the charter and propose necessary amendments and reviews and recommends proposals from the public. The commission has the authority to submit proposed amendments to an election.

Charter Commission members meet quarterly every year. All meetings begin at 7:00 PM, unless noted otherwise. The Charter Commission meets at locations throughout the county. Agendas, minutes, and location information will be posted 3 days prior to each meeting date.

The Ramsey County Library Advisory Board provides advice and make recommendations to the Library department and Ramsey County Board of Commissioners on matters regarding integrated county service delivery that impacts or is enhanced by library services.

The district is guided by five members who oversee the preservation and improvement of the water resources and related ecosystems in eastern Ramsey County and western Washington County. Four managers are appointed by Ramsey County and one by Washington County. The district includes portions of Gem Lake, Little Canada, Maplewood, North St. Paul, Roseville, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake. Managers must be residents of the watershed district.

Residents Experience Advisory Council will prioritize projects and identify challenges that residents experience. The goal of the Council is to guide the county in making county services better and improving resident and employee experiences countywide. Ramsey County residents will provide recommendations in service delivery and facilities to make it easier to get county services and resources needed to thrive. The Advisory Council will ensure that resident perspectives lead countywide decisions and make recommendations in improvements that provide greater accessibility, efficiency, and service delivery to residents and clients that Ramsey County serve.

The managers govern the Rice Creek Watershed District and manage the water resources within it. Managers must be residents of the district and serve a three-year term.

Managers consists of five members - two are appointed by Ramsey County. The district includes portions of Arden Hills, Blaine, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Mounds View, New Brighton, Roseville, St. Anthony, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, White Bear Lake and the Town of White Bear.

The district is led by a five-person Board of Managers that is responsible for the control and management of the water resources in the VBWD. The VBWD primarily lies in Washington County, but includes a portion of Ramsey County the cities include parts of North St. Paul, Maplewood and White Bear Lake.  Four managers are appointed by Washington County and one by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.

The Waste Reduction Advisory Committee provides feedback and ideas on how trash and recycling are managed in our county. Members assist in the development of Ramsey County's Solid Waste Management Plan. This plan guides Ramsey County’s work in reducing waste, increasing recycling, and supporting a healthy community.

The committee will meet 3 - 4 times to discuss and provide input on solid waste management goals and policy direction.

This joint board provides broad community leadership in all areas of workforce development, develops a comprehensive countywide strategy to the community's workforce development needs under the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, and provides oversight and policy direction to the Workforce Solutions department. The 33-member WIB is comprised of business, education, labor, economic development, and elected officials who are appointed by either the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners or the Saint Paul City Council.