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Ripley mayor says private donors may fund purchase of Tina Turner'era house; city to delay commitment pending title review
Summary
Mayor Pritchett told the board the city is exploring a privately funded purchase of the home where Tina Turner once lived, but staff will gather title and deed information before the city finalizes any commitment.
Mayor Pritchett told the Board of Mayor and Aldermen that private donors have expressed interest in helping the city acquire the house where Tina Turner once lived in Ripley, but city staff will gather additional legal and title information before the city makes any commitment.
Why it matters: The mayor framed the possible purchase as a preservation move to stabilize a vacant historic property and to allow future steps such as placing a historic marker. The mayor said the city's role, if it proceeds, would be to ensure the house is not moved or allowed to deteriorate further.
The mayor asked the board to defer action for about a month while staff and the mayor speak with the property owner's family and obtain title and deed verifications, and an attorney's opinion on the transfer. He said there is an "oral agreement" with family representatives and that a private party is ready to contribute; the mayor emphasized he did not want to commit city funds until title and deed matters are verified.
The board did not vote on the matter at the meeting. The mayor also reminded aldermen to review the city's 2023'25 strategic plan and suggested the board may need to amend the plan later in 2025.
Next steps: Mayor Pritchett said he will continue discussions with the family and city attorney and bring more information to the board at a future meeting.
