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Fayette County sets Jan. 7 hearing after notice shortcomings in Odessa Ruiz Long estate case
Summary
Commissioners found notice gaps to multiple heirs in proceedings involving the estate of the late Odessa Ruiz Long and set a new public hearing for Jan. 7, 2026, to consider removing the executor and resolving competing claims.
A Fayette County Commission hearing on the estate of the late Odessa Ruiz Long was rescheduled to Jan. 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. after several beneficiaries said they had not received official notice of prior proceedings.
Commission staff and members spent the meeting identifying heirs—several attended in person and others joined by Zoom—and reviewing the fiduciary commissioner’s orders. County counsel briefed the commission on the record, noting that a prior determination suggested possible breach of fiduciary duty by the executor, Stephen Long, and recommending judicial review in circuit court for some related matters.
Commissioners said they were concerned that mailed notices documented in the fiduciary commissioner’s certification had not reached a number of beneficiaries who told the board they were unaware of the hearings. After a brief executive session for legal advice, commissioners said they could not guarantee service to all heirs and therefore would set a formal hearing to allow full participation and to consider the fiduciary commissioner’s recommendations.
The commission said the Jan. 7 agenda will include: the judiciary commissioner’s recommendation to remove Stephen Long as executor or fiduciary; consideration of appointments if a volunteer fiduciary comes forward (to avoid appointing the sheriff); and merits review of two disallowed claims that had been filed against the estate. Commissioners also indicated they would ask for subpoenas to ensure counsel and key participants attend.
County staff were instructed to verify addresses and improve formal notice procedures so interested parties would receive timely official notice. The commission recorded the motion to set the hearing and carried it by voice vote.
