The Orrock Township Board did some housekeeping for 2026 by holding its organizational meeting before the regular board meeting. 

The board agreed that Anne Felber should remain as Chair and that Paul Ellinger should remain as Vice-Chair.  Two changes were made to committee assignments:  Dalton Keiderling will replace Felber on the Finance Committee and the Road Committee. All other committee assignments remained the same.

The board ratified a resolution to update mileage reimbursement to match the federal rate from 70 cents to 72.5 cents per mile. Supervisor compensation was also passed. Supervisors will receive $150 per month and must attend at least one meeting. Road Authority and Chair will receive $175. 

Sheriff’s Report

Commander Ben Zawacki from the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office was present to give the annual report. Comparing 2023-2025, he noted that most criminal activity decreased compared to previous years. 2025 had 1,716 calls for service, which included nine assaults, two narcotics cases, eight DUIs, two criminal sexual conduct cases, 11 thefts, and eight criminal damage to property cases. Several officers retired, and eight new Patrol and Transport Court Security deputies were hired. 

2025 Fiscal Audit

Ellinger noted a $2,000 increase in the fee from accounting firm Schlenner Wenner & Co. In response, Supervisor Bryan Adams explained that townships were having difficulty finding audit companies. The board then approved signing an audit engagement letter authorizing Schlenner to conduct the 2025 audit.

Ann Lake Update

Discussion continued about the Ann Lake boat landing. Felber discussed a proposal to give the property to the Department of Natural Resources with Senior County Planner Marc Schnieder at Sherburne County. He believed the land could be transferred to the DNR using a quick claim deed because it was between two public entities. Adams wondered if something could be done so that the Ann Lake Improvement Club could still retain the use of the storage building they constructed on the property. After some discussion, it was decided that further talks were needed with both the DNR and the ALIC before a final decision could be made.

ALIC President Steve Mockenhaupt was present and objected to transferring the land to the DNR, asserting that the DNR would not be able to maintain it due to budget constraints. He also said the club would have to remove the dock at the landing if the DNR takes over.      

West Eagle Lake

Ten companies submitted bids for the West Eagle Lake Road Improvement project. Knife River Corporation was awarded the project for $776,791.