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Commission deadlocks on Industrial Park lien release; special meeting set
Summary
A 3–3 tie prevented the Van Buren County Commission from approving a lien release and $24,800 settlement for an Industrial Park property owner, prompting a special called meeting on April 30, 2026 to reconsider the matter.
Business owner Barry Austin addressed the Van Buren County Commission on April 20 seeking relief from a lien on his Industrial Park property, which houses a slaughter house and storage units.
Commissioner Jordan Delong moved to release the lien, provide a deed correction and accept payment of $24,800 to resolve the issue; Commissioner Terry Hickey seconded the motion. Delong said he believed Austin had acted "in good faith." On a roll call vote, Commissioners Michael Chandler, Terry Hodges and Chairman Cale Crain voted no while Delong, Terry Hickey and Michael Woodlee voted yes, producing a 3–3 tie and causing the motion to fail.
Following the tie, Commissioner Michael Woodlee moved and Commissioner Terry Hickey seconded a motion to schedule a special called meeting for Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. The motion to schedule the meeting passed by voice vote. The commission did not resolve the lien release itself; the special meeting will revisit the matter.
The minutes do not record additional debate or any further public comment on the lien. No legal settlement documents or title changes were recorded in these minutes; the outcome remains unresolved pending the special called meeting.
