RecordingTranscript availableAnalysis ready5:46

Regional Rail Authority (RRA) Board Meeting, August 12, 2025.

Anoka CountyTuesday, August 12, 2025
Watch on original source

2026 Regional Rail Authority proposed budget and tax levy

Northstar commuter rail service suspension

Status of regional rail debt service payments

Full Document Analysis

Votes (2)

Approval of meeting minutes for December 3rd and January 7th

PassedUnanimous

Moved by Gomesh · Seconded by Breaststead

Approval of the 2026 Regional Rail Authority budget and tax levy

PassedUnanimous

Moved by Gomesh · Seconded by Jeepson

Notable Quotes (2)

Anoka County paid a great deal or a great percentage of the actual capital costs of the train and the train will be decommissioned as of January and we have another year of debt service to pay on that.

— Schulty
Debt serviceExplaining the financial obligation regarding the train.

Northstar will be suspended as of January of 2026. And that is when the buses start. When you look at the number of buses that are coming through it's it's a large amount.

— D. Goodman
Northstar serviceProviding details on the shift from rail to bus services.

People (3)

D. GoodmanExecutive Director

Presented the 2026 budget and provided updates on the Northstar rail service transition.

1 quote

“It is kind of sad actually I have to say. For me, when I first came to the county 24 years ago, regional rail was voiced upon me.”

Reflecting on the history of the regional rail program.

SchultyChair

Chaired the meeting and commented on the debt service financial commitments.

1 quote

“It wasn't obvious that we're sort of going to be paying for a dead horse.”

Describing the continued debt service payments for decommissioned rail assets.

GomeshCommissioner

Moved to approve the meeting minutes and the 2026 budget.

Places Mentioned

Anoka County

Events & Meetings (2)

  • December 3rd (Meeting minutes approval)
  • January 7th (Statutory and organizational board meetings)

Ordinances & Resolutions (1)

2026 Budget/Levy

Approval of the 2026 Regional Rail Authority proposed budget and tax levy.

Transcript