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Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office Contract Law Enforcement & Public Safety Services Contract Communities Budget Estimate for 2026 Introduction This document presents the 2026 Contract Communities Budget Estimate, highlighting major changes and cost drivers. This year should be viewed as an “adjustment year” or “catch up year” as employee compensation was brought in line with neighboring local governments after a significant lag. The Sheriff’s Office, with the support of the Contract Communities, advocated for competitive wages to continue to attract and retain a talented, diverse workforce. The 2026 Contract Communities Budget Estimate focuses on: • Providing competitive wages now that labor contracts are approved for 2025, 2026, and 2027. • Not requesting any additional staff, so no new positions are requested to help control costs. • Minimizing cost increases for internal services/non-Sheriff’s Office services and other line items. • Prioritizing critical law enforcement (patrol, investigations), emergency response, community outreach, and crime prevention services. • Ensuring the delivery of services under a cooperative shared model that promotes economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. In previous budget years, we worked together to address: • Long-term insurance and liability needs, including tort liability and auto insurance rates. • The sharing of costs associated with the county’s internal service fees – including rent, information services, workers compensation, and county manager fees. • Revised and updated contract agreement language. • Transitioning to a central fleet model, which provides fixed costs. • A renegotiated contract with Axon (body camera, in car camera, taser, etc.) that features a ten year term and reduced costs. The 2026 cost estimate is attached. Please remember: • The percentage increase reflected is the change from the 2025 approved budget estimate, not the 2025 adjusted budget estimate. • The 2025 approved budget estimate was not reflective of all personnel costs. This was because labor contracts for 2025, 2026, and 2027 were not approved at the time. • The actual percentage increase will be less once all labor contracts are implemented.