Sherburne County Board appoints Rupp as auditor-treasurer

She will fill out the term of Diane Arnold, who is retiring

by Joni Astrup

Associate Editor

The Sherburne County Board of Commissioners has appointed Loraine Rupp to be county auditor-treasurer when current Auditor-Treasurer Diane Arnold retires July 9.

Commissioners approved Rupp’s appointment in a 5-0 vote Tuesday.

Rupp is finance officer in the auditor-treasurer’s office. She has been with Sherburne County for 26 years.

Under state law, the County Board had to appoint an auditor-treasurer to complete the balance of Arnold’s term, which ends on Jan. 4, 2027. State statute does not allow for a special election to fill the position.

The job was advertised and more than a dozen people applied. Three applicants, including Rupp, were interviewed.

“Loraine Rupp was the clear consensus recommendation to the County Board for appointment to the position of auditor-treasurer,” according to a memo from County Administrator Bruce Messelt to county commissioners.

After commissioners voted to appoint Rupp to the post, she was sworn in by Sherburne County Recorder Michelle Ashe.

Several of the auditor-treasurer’s office staff attended Tuesday’s county board meeting to support Rupp as she was sworn in.

“We’re excited to have Loraine step in and serve out the rest of the auditor-treasurer’s term,” said County Board Chair Gregg Felber. “Her experience and knowledge will equip her well to take over when Diane leaves and not miss a beat in leading our fine staff.”

The starting annual salary is $126,000.

Messelt said at Tuesday’s meeting that Rupp is “exceptionally qualified as well as exceptionally talented.” He anticipates a seamless transition as Arnold steps down.

Arnold is retiring after 34 years with Sherburne County, the last 17 of which have been as elected auditor-treasurer.

She commended the board for appointing Rupp.

“You’ve made an excellent choice. She will do an awesome job,” Arnold said.

According to the county’s website, the responsibilities of the Sherburne County Auditor-Treasurer Department are:

• Manages the county’s investments and checking account.

• Computes taxes for real and personal property.

• Receives real estate tax payments.

• Collects assessments and delinquent taxes.

• Manages forfeiture of property for delinquent taxes.

• Collects and distributes gravel tax production tax to appropriate entities.

• Administers elections, and issues driver’s licenses, county liquor licenses and other miscellaneous licenses.