County buys building for animal shelter site

Pike County commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of a mobile building from Zebulon at their Tuesday, July 30 meeting.The county will pay $1 for the building and the expenses related to moving it. Zebulon mayor Mike Beres said the building was acquired by the city in the early 1990s when it bought the property from the board of education. It has been used as the Head Start building, a Southern Crescent classroom, offices for the water department and as the city’s maintenance department but has been unused for several years. ’We no longer use the building and council decided unanimously to sell it to the county for $1. The building is in fairly good shape and we’re just glad to turn it over to the county,’ said mayor Beres. ‘This is something that will hopefully help the citizens of Pike and Zebulon. It would be perfect for what Pike is needing it for. Other than replacing a few boards and the facade on the outside, it doesn’t leak or have any major issues. This is a cooperative effort to help the county and we’re striving to do what we can to benefit Pike citizens.’The building has two large rooms, two bathrooms and air conditioning and heating units that are operational. County commissioners approved the funds required to move the building. A formal bid process will take place before Pike decides who will move the building. ’We estimate the cost to move the building to be a little more than $5,000. That’s included in the budget for animal control,’ said interim county manager Rob Morton. Zebulon city council members hope moving the building will free up space around the city park for possible expansion. ’This will open up the city park so citizens can see it much better, especially the playground area,’ said mayor Beres. ‘I have to commend council for all their work on this, particularly current council members William Thomas and David Woods.’Mayor Beres said former mayors Larry Lynch and Bobby Blalock also have been working toward providing citizens a recreational area. Plans for the park include adding an additional playground and a walking track.