Commissioners grant 90‑day extension to Solid Rock Lodge on past solid‑waste fee foreclosure

Mr. J. T. Fleming spoke to the Martin County Board on Aug. 8 seeking relief from a solid‑waste availability fee assessed back to 2008 for a property used by Solid Rock Lodge. Fleming said the property lacked a trash can and that the local chapter does not own the building, which he said belongs to a Grand Lodge that had been asked to assist.

Tax Assessor Elisha Hardison and Tax Collector Christie Blevins told the board the tax office had documented prior actions and that the matter was turned over to the Irvine Law Firm for foreclosure after a May 4, 2018 deadline was missed. Hardison’s review showed the lodge had not paid availability fees and the current balance including foreclosure and attorney fees totaled about $3,700.

Commissioners discussed options including additional time to secure payment or a waiver. Chairman Elmo “Butch” Lilley recommended allowing 90 days for the lodge to contact its Grand Lodge and arrange a payment plan. Vice Chairman Tommy Bowen moved to leave the bill and foreclosure fee in place but grant a 90‑day extension to allow a payment plan; Commissioner Joe R. Ayers seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The extension preserves the foreclosure filing while providing the lodge time to seek assistance and negotiate payment terms.