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A relatively uncomplicated annexation of sections of land out of Lent Township and into the City of North Branch has been ordered by state regulators. Based on materials submitted supporting  the annexation, the MN Office of Boundary Adjustments and its administrative law division released the decision Wednesday March 1.

The area being annexed out of the township is 1,099 acres.  The Press questioned multiple sources about the status of the newly-annexed residents and who their county commissioner will be, but a definite answer is still being developed.  The OAH public information spokesperson said this would be a matter for the county.

The county administrator said staff are reviewing any pertinent information but at this time there are no changes in commissioner district borders to declare.  Lent is represented by Ben Montzka but the city of North Branch was recently re-districted (2020 census) as its own Commissioner District 1.  Administrator Chase Burnham said the issue may wait to be decided in another 10 years if or when the census shows an inequal population distribution.

According to North Branch City Administrator Renae Fry the implementation of the order sets a few steps in motion, but the annexation is immediately effective. The 9-1-1 communications system is being updated to show new jurisdictions and emergency service dispatch territory impacts.

There was no request for payments from the city to the township,  which is commonly the case to fill the gap for a period of time when property tax revenues are reduced with the loss of township parcels.  

Lent Township began a process one year ago to merge with the City of Stacy and eliminate the township.  North Branch and Chisago City are abutting Lent Township— then  the two also began an orderly annexation process to bring in specific areas.

This order finalizes the North Branch effort.  

Chisago City Council just acted on the orderly annexation parcels last week. Action finalizing this is anticipated quickly from the state. (See map from Chisago City.)

The new piece of North Branch lies on the south side of the boundary road  between North Branch and Lent —west of County Road 14 and to the east of southern Grand Avenue.

The City of Stacy still needs its final proposal to absorb all the rest of Lent Township, to be approved by boundary regulators.

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