October 7, 2026 - Budget Committee Meeting

The City of Saint Paul Budget Committee met on October 7, 2026, to review the mayor’s supplemental budget and 2027 departmental budget proposals. The supplemental budget uses an estimated $300,000 in additional franchise-fee revenue under the newly adopted Xcel agreement and recognizes $275,000 in election-contract savings, retaining some savings as a buffer for possible special elections. It funds restorations to parks and libraries, including the 2027 Dayton’s Bluff Library lease (about $148,000), and an additional City Attorney’s Office FTE for separation-ordinance enforcement. Members discussed involving the Council in future library lease discussions. No committee votes or contract awards were recorded.

The Human Resources presentation described proposed staffing changes and a one-time external vendor-support expense to implement a benefits system; the transcript does not clearly establish the amount. The department also cited ongoing NEOGOV onboarding implementation and proposed additional HR liaison and workers’ compensation capacity. Emergency Management presented a proposed $7.075 million general-fund budget, up about $289,890 (4.3%), with eight FTEs; officials said Ramsey County’s 911 dispatch charge accounts for most of the increase. The department reported grant-funded emergency operations center upgrades and a $40,000 budget reduction. No new procurement solicitation or vendor selection was identified.