HICKMAN COUNTY — The Hickman County Commission voted to release $50,000 from a previously pledged $550,000 commitment to a local shelter group so the group could begin site preparation for a shelter building.

A commissioner who serves on a small oversight group with the mayor and the shelter's friends organization moved to release the funds; the commission approved the motion by roll call.

The presenter said the friends group had not finalized its contract for building the shelter but had closed on the property and was ready to start site work. "They've not finalized their contract on the building of the building yet, but they're closed on that. They are ready to do the site prep," the commissioner said.

The motion authorized the county clerk/finance office (Crystal) to release $50,000 of the county's pledge so the shelter group could begin dirt work. Commissioners recorded unanimous "yes" votes among those present; two commissioners were absent.