ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) A dispute over billed charges has led to a $2.1 million mechanic's lien against a beef plant under construction south of Aberdeen.

Scott Olson Digging of Huron filed the lien with the Brown County register of deeds against the Northern Beef Packers plant.

An attorney for the digging company says the plant has paid some of the money but more is owed for work done. He says because of change orders, significantly more work had to be done than was originally agreed upon.

An attorney who works with the plant says it has enough money to pay its bills but believes it is being overcharged.

The attorneys have met and will continue to meet to try to negotiate a settlement.

Once fully operational, the plant is expected to be able to process 1,500 head of livestock a day and employ about 650 people.



(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 04-06-08 0724CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list