The Pike County Commission voted Tuesday to honor a request by Pike County Probate Judge Wes Allen for assistance with the installation of automatic doors at the Pike County Courthouse.

Allen said the automatic doors could be activated with a push of a button, making entering and exiting the courtroom easier for the elderly and those with disabilities.

The total cost of the automatic doors will be $5,300. The Probate Judge’s Office will pay for the installation and hardware at a cost of $5,000. The Pike County Commission will pay to run electricity to the two doors at a total cost of $300.

The commission voted to approve Allen’s proposal and Allen said he was thankful for the commission’s approval of the request.

“I want to thank the Pike County Commission for approving my proposal, which will give the disabled and elderly taxpayers easier access to their courthouse,” Allen said. “Tonight is a perfect example of the great things we can accomplish when we all work together to make Pike County a better place.”

The Commissioners approved County Engineer Russell Oliver’s personnel requests for those who have completed their probationary period. However, Oliver’s request for the purchase of asphalt reclaiming equipment could not be considered because of the absence of Commissioner Ray Goodson.

A previous vote on the equipment ended in a tie.

Commission Chairman Homer Wright said once a tie vote occurs all members of the commission must be present for another vote to be taken.

The commissioners commended the county road department on its efforts to mow the county right of way. Oliver expressed appreciation and said he would pass the word along “to the guys who do the work.”

The commissioners briefly discussed needed repairs to the roof of the Pike County Jail. They were in agreement that a metal roof would possibly be the best way to go in dealing with the roof issue at the jail.

The commissioners tabled making a decision on the appointment to the Wiregrass RC&D.

Allen presented a Mental Health Awareness Proclamation declaring May 27, 2015 Mental Health Awareness in Pike County. The commissioner approved the proclamation which acknowledged that mental health is a part of the overall health and helps to sustain an individual’s thought process, relationships, productivity and ability to adapt to change or face adversity.

The proclamation stated that one in 17 adults live with mental illness such as major depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia and that early identification and treatment can make a profound difference in the successful management of mental health and recovery.

Because every citizen and community can make a difference in helping end the stigma that too often surrounds mental illness and discourages people from getting help, the Commission’s support of the proclamation is an effort to increase public understanding of the importance of mental illness and to promote identification and treatment of mental illness.