By Rusty Nixon Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — While the new Pine Road project moves forward, the Marshall County Commissioners may have to take special action to keep that progress steady.

County Attorney Jim Clevenger reported to the Commissioners that while the vast majority of property owners have accepted payment for right-of-way purchase for the project, there remain several holdouts over the amount offered.
Owners of the Hayloft property that began the land contract purchase of the property in November of 2008 and are set to take complete ownership in August of this year are “…looking for more money…” according to Clevenger.
Another property owner in the area of the project is holding out as well with the LifePlex being a third holdout, although in a somewhat different position.
Clevenger said that the LifePlex was likely to give the county “Right of Entry” on the disputed section of property that would allow the work to take place with all the parties free to continue the process of negotiating a price without stopping construction.
In the other two cases, Clevenger said the county may have to consider filing a complaint for appropriation in order to keep the project from grinding to a halt.
An interlocal agreement between the county and the city of Plymouth was also presented for approval. Along with the city’s monetary participation in the project, other items were also spelled out including the formation of a board composed of the Mayor of Plymouth and Clerk-Treasurer, as well as the President of the Commissioners and the County Auditor, to oversee the details of the agreement and how they are carried out.
Clevenger said the state ordinance concerning such interlocal agreements had changed several years ago to add the special board that meets only when necessary.
He added that Plymouth City Attorney Nelson Chipman had insisted on the revision to the agreement.
Highway Superintendent Neal Haeck also presented a state permit to the Commissioners for signature allowing the county to hook the new Pine Road into S.R. 17.