Pike commissioners stress importance of registration for public gatherings, announce $5 million in relief

Anyone organizing a public gathering on Pike County property, such at the courthouse lawn, must register at least five business days prior to the event, commissioners said. To obtain a permit, file an application in person or by mail at the Administration Building, 506 Broad St., Milford.

The county does not require payment or insurance, they said, and strives to protect the right to free assembly, as guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution. But they must be given ample time to set up and secure an appropriate location.

All of the commissioners said protecting health and safety is their priority, and that they must not learn third hand about gathering on county property.

COVID-19 relief

The Pike County Commissioners on July 15 announced more than $5 million in COVID-19 relief funding available for small businesses.

The commissioners said all eligible business owners should look to the PikeForward.com website for assistance in filling out forms and applications. Rob Ruiz, the director of human services, can be reached at rruiz@pikepa.org 570-296-3434 if further assistance is needed.

Small business owners are urged to contact the Hailstone Economic Group for assistance.

Pike County audit

The commissioners wrote an engagement letter hiring the accounting firm Zelenkofske Axelrod (ZNA) to conduct an audit of the county’s finances.

ZNA specializes in auditing governmental entities of all sizes. Their practice has almost doubled over the last decade.

The purpose of an engagement letter is to set expectations on both parties. When they accepted Pike County as a client, ZNA entered into a binding contract that solidified audit arrangements and delineated the terms and costs of the agreement.