County staff say recently acquired vehicle lacks DOT title; board to contact state agency

Staff reported to the board that a vehicle recently purchased for county use appears not to be titled to Madison County in state Department of Transportation records and that a lien from a previous owner may still be on record. The issue emerged after staff could not find the title in county files despite a purchase agreement and cancelled check.

Staff said they had contacted the seller (Tom's Auto Sales) and the DOT and that county personnel would send copies of the purchase agreement and cancelled check to the DOT to help clear the record. Supervisors discussed potential next steps, including asking the DOT whether a duplicate title can be issued to the county or whether the lien must be released by the previous lien holder. Board members also considered interim options for disposing of or scrapping the vehicle if the title cannot be recovered.

No legal conclusion was reached during the meeting; staff said they would continue to work with the DOT, the treasurer’s office and the seller to resolve the matter and report back.