Port Director Ross reported to the Cleveland County Court Commission on June 2, 2025, that the ComStat building is in poor condition: wiring has been stripped, windows are broken, and debris remains inside the property. Ross said he could not find records showing rent payments since December of the prior year.

Ross told the commission the tenant is on a month-to-month lease and that county staff have not received a payment since December, though rent and late charges were recorded through that month. Commissioners discussed whether the tenant had vacated; administrative staff later said the tenant remained on a month-to-month basis and that communications and written notices should be forwarded to Ross to aid follow-up.

Commissioners asked Ross to contact the tenant and report back at the next meeting with options for resolving unpaid rent and for cleaning or securing the building. Ross said he would reach out and requested any written communications be provided to him, including ACH or banking information for payments if available. The commission voted to authorize Ross to follow up and return with a recommendation, and the motion carried.

The commission also discussed cleanup costs and who would be responsible for remediation if the tenant does not remedy interior damage and debris. Ross will consult with county counsel and report options, including termination of the month-to-month lease if payments are not made and property standards are not met.

No eviction or lease-termination action was taken at the June 2 meeting; the commission’s decision was to authorize staff outreach and to bring recommended next steps to the commission at a subsequent meeting.