During public comment, Larry Austin addressed the commission about a warranty deed he received roughly five years earlier and a subsequent notice of lien related to the property.

Austin said the deed indicated a declining balance ("Every year, $5,170 came off that amount") and that he has invested significant private funds and employs local residents. He said he received a notice of lien from a "Mr. Upchurch" but had not seen the matter presented in commission minutes. Austin asked whether the county intended to enforce any obligation stated in the deed and requested a resolution so he could make business decisions.

County Attorney (unnamed) responded that executive sessions are permitted and that some meetings were confidential attorney–client meetings. The attorney said he had reviewed available documents and described the deed language and minutes as "clear as mud," saying it was not obvious what obligations, if any, remained and that the county’s obligations must be determined through official minutes or resolutions. The attorney recommended assembling the relevant materials and returning to the commission so members could act in an open meeting if appropriate.

Chair and commissioners said no action would be taken without additional evidence and that the matter would not move forward until documentation was in order.

Next steps: county attorney and staff to gather the deed, notice of lien, minutes and related documents and return to the commission for consideration in open session.