The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners voted Aug. 5 to donate $15,000 to the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation to support a housing study to be completed by the Montrose Group. The motion carried unanimously, with Commissioners Finley, Holiday and Copley voting yes.

County officials framed the contribution as part of ongoing efforts to address population decline and housing needs. The commission previously discussed the county's housing challenges during the meeting and thanked staff and interns for work connected to housing and property analysis.

The Montrose Group will conduct the study; the meeting record does not specify a timeline, deliverables or how the county will use the study's recommendations. The county did not specify funding sources beyond the one-time donation. Commissioners did not attach conditions or a reporting schedule during the motion.

The donation was placed by motion on the consent portion of the agenda and approved during the Aug. 5 session. No amendments or opposing votes were recorded.