The main discussions at the Pike County Commission meeting this week revolved around roadwork and equipment.

County Engineer Russell Oliver presented information about a wheel loader to replace one that was destroyed by fire. The 2013 930-K wheel loader, manufactured by Caterpillar, could be purchased with a five-year financing option by Caterpillar for about $182,000. Annually, the county would pay about $28,000 until the fifth year when a $64,000 balloon payment would be made.

Due to a paperwork oversight, the machine damaged by fire was not covered by insurance. It is the only machine owned by the county that is/was not covered, explained County Administrator Harry Sanders, noting that the county was able to get $1,000 by working with the insurance company on the issue, instead of not receiving any funds.

Commissioner Joey Jackson said he was “frustrated” with the situation and wanted to hear more financing options before a decision was made because he was concerned about the balloon payment coming at a time when there was age on the equipment. The other commissioners agreed it was best to wait and hear more information before making a decision.

In other roadwork news, the commission voted to award a bid for two road projects to Wiregrass Construction Company as part of a previously obtained Community Development Block Grant.

Also at the meeting, the commission recognized Tammy Powell for her achievement being named to the 4-H Wall of Fame; agreed to continue participating in a back-to-school sales tax holiday; and Pike County EMA Director Jeanna Barnes presented the county with a portion of a new Pike County Emergency Operations plan.

The Pike County Commission office will be closed in observance of Confederate Memorial Day on April 22, so the commission voted to move their meeting scheduled for that day to April 23.