MauryTHINKS

The Maury County Regional Planning Commission wants an attorney to take action against an auctioneer because of allegations he violated a state statute.

The commission voted Monday to authorize a lawyer to seek recourse against Carl L. Brooks. The commission accused Brooks of auctioning parcels of less than five acres without proper approval from the county’s planning board.

State law requires lots of less than five acres or otherwise constituting a subdivision receive approval from the planning commission before their exhibition or sale. Failing to do so constitutes a misdemeanor offense.

Brooks said he has obtained an opinion from an attorney that indicates he was in compliance with the law.

Legal opinions obtained by the county offer a different interpretation.

“The county has one opinion, and we have another,” Brooks said after the vote.

He declined to comment further about the board’s decision.

The commission also denied granting approval to four one-acre parcels on Cecil Farm Road auctioned by Brooks.

Planning commissioners allege Brooks has auctioned off other parcels in the past without proper approval before the sale.

Will Dale recently retired as county attorney, and planning officials said they aren’t sure who will provide legal representation.

Read more at Columbia Daily Herald Online