ZEBULON — Pike County Clerk Teresa Watson, addressing members of the Pike County Board of Commissioners on behalf of County Manager Bill Sawyer at Tuesday night’s meeting, said the county currently has a general fund balance of $9,014.85, with $10,000 cash reserves on hand for the general fund, a fire fund balance of $118,513.49 and an E-911 balance of $73,561.54.

Watson then reported that the application for an $800,000 Tax Anticipation Note (TAN) loan, which was approved at a July 21 special called BOC meeting, has been completed and officials anticipate bank notification regarding the line of credit later this week.

Additionally, Watson said both the county’s hiring freeze and moratorium on all but essential spending remain in effect.

Watson later announced a bit of upbeat economic news — Kevin Teate, director of the Pike County Parks and Recreation Authority, wished to address commissioners regarding the Pride of Pike celebration.

According to Teate, the annual Fourth of July event was a success and raised sufficient funds to allow the $1,000 BOC donation made toward the community function’s costs to be returned.

Commissioner Roosevelt Willis then addressed those present, offering an explanation regarding his tardiness at the July 21 special called meeting.

Willis said he was not informed of the meeting and explained he typically receives scheduling notification in the form of a phone call and e-mail, both of which he denied receiving, only being told his presence was needed when County Attorney Rob Morton called him at 2 p.m. to inquire if he would be in attendance.

Willis said he then arrived at the special called meeting as soon as possible.

“I was late getting here by eight minutes. It was all but done when I got here,” he said. “I would like to note for the record that I was not notified of that meeting.”

The board then considered a request for a special exception (SE-10-04) from Charles and Eunice Guthrie for a General Home Occupation to sell handmade arts and crafts, furniture and antiques from their residence.

The request was approved with a 3-0 vote with the requirement of an annual business license, and parking, fences, signage and buildings all subject to relevant county codes and ordinances.

Willis, Commissioner Tommy Powers and Commissioner Don Collins then voted 3-0 to approve an annual agreement with the Pike County Parks and Recreation Authority.