2024 Legislative Priorities

The purpose of this discussion is to review the 2023 Legislative Outcomes and 2024 Legislative Priorities for the City of Ramsey.  Attached is a draft 2024 Legislative Priority document for review.  The document recognizes many priorities which have been identified in the past, as well as some new ones.  At an earlier work session discussing Employee Sick and Safe Time requirements, it was suggested the topic of ESST be placed on our 2024 priority list.  The reasoning behind the suggestion stemmed from the benefits package many government agencies already offer regarding sick time.  You will find the topic listed on the draft document, but no objective has been identified.  Since the adoption of ESST by the State, it has been clarified that elected officials are not eligible for the earnings.  However, other categories of employees remain eligible that are non-traditional or seasonal employees.  For example: Firefighters, Election Judges, temporary Seasonal workers.

Mr. Mario Nozzarella, IDTS Medical, Inc., will be in attendance to discuss plans for a proposed medical project in which he plans to request state funding for.  This project could fall under the city's legislative priorities due to the process for IDTS to obtain funds.  The city's involvement may come in the form of administering state funds to IDTS.  Mr. Nozzarella will provide further details at the meeting.  As for seeking state funding, Mr. Nozzarella would be responsible for the efforts required at the Capitol.  This support would promote economic development within Ramsey.  IDTS currently occupies space in the second story of the VA Clinic with plans to completely build out the second story.  Further development around the VA Clinic is also potential due to IDTS' long term plans.

State Rep. Niska and Sen. Bahr have been invited to this meeting.

2023 Legislative Priority Outcomes:

• Sales and Use Tax Exemption ranted for the Water Treatment Plant
• $3.2 million in State Bonding proceeds awarded for the construction of the Water Treatment Plant
• TIF 14 (The COR) project deadline was extended to November 2026 to incur eligible expenses
• JLEC legislation which allows Anoka County to levy funds for the purpose public safety improvements and equipment was extended.  An extra provision added to this, proposed by JLEC, exempts the levied funds from being included in the county’s tax rate.
• LGA funding increased state wide and a new formula was adopted.  Unfortunately, Ramsey did not benefit from these changes.
• The Homestead Market Value Exclusion value was increased to $413,800.

Brian Hagen, City Administrator

Provide direction for final adoption on January 23, 2024.