The Pike County Board of Commissioners at its Tuesday night meeting addressed several unfinished business-related issues as well as new business.

Commissioners approved a request from the tax assessor which will allow the transfer of funds from regular salaries to computers. This BOC request was necessary because under Pike County guidelines, County Manager Steve Marro was unable to approve the transfer; it required a majority vote of the commissioners.

Also approved was a Planning and Development request to adopt the Pike County Capital Improvements Element 2008 annual update.

The governing body also conducted a second reading of revisions to the fire district ordinance. However, no action was taken on this issue. It will instead be readdressed at a later meeting.

A request from the Downtown Development Authority Christmas parade committed to use the covered porch at the courthouse’s south entrance Dec. 5 was also approved. This vote will allow area children to visit Santa Claus during the popular annual event.

In other new business, commissioners approved a request from the Department of Planning and Development regarding the establishment of a $25 fee for fence/wall permits. This fee will be applicable only to structures over four feet in height and those that involve “life-safety issues,” said Planning and Development Director David Allen.

“It’s all about mitigating liability — having someone look at it and examine it to protect Planning and Zoning and county government,” said Commissioner Parrish Swift.

Another issue, which was also discussed at a previous BOC meeting, were several requests from residents who requested their ad valorem taxes be prorated due to structure fires resulting in the destruction of their residences.

The request was denied after discussion.

Among the concerns raised regarding these requests was who would make the determination of what level of destruction the structures suffered, insurance claim status and the fact that the taxes are assessed as of Jan. 1 each year.

BOC members also were set to appoint one member to the Pike County board of appeals. This appointment was not made due to the fact that there were no applicants, therefore, the position will now be re-advertised.

George Norris then reported to board members on behalf of the Agri-business Authority. According to Norris, much work is being done on behalf of current local agri-businesses as well as to promote the agricultural history of Pike County.

The last action taken by commissioners Tuesday night was the approval of a proclamation declaring Nov. 1 as Retired Educators Day.

The Pike County Board of Commissioners will next meet at 9 a.m. Nov. 10.