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Ripley aldermen approve several contracts, audits and funding moves; pension rate increased
Summary
The Ripley Board of Aldermen approved a consulting contract to upgrade a local substation, awarded the annual audit, approved equipment and permits, and adopted a higher employer pension contribution rate for the coming fiscal year.
The Ripley Board of Aldermen approved a slate of routine items and several contracts during its regular meeting.
The board approved a consulting contract with Fisher Arnold to upgrade the Tupperware substation, a project described at the meeting as needed to meet power requirements for incoming aluminum companies. Chair moved the item forward and the board approved the contract after a roll-call vote.
The board also authorized an annual audit contract with ATA for $30,100 to cover city accounts for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. "It's the audit for the coming upcoming year, with less than a 3% increase," the Chair said during discussion.
Members approved the purchase/upgrade of a 2012 bucket truck for the public works department at an estimated $25,000 to replace an aging 1999 vehicle. Public works staff explained the upgrade would improve safety and reach.
A beer permit application for Benjamin Everkins, doing business at the cited Ripley address, was reviewed by the police chief, who said the applicant met qualifications; the board approved the permit.
The board adopted amendment number 3 to state contract 77734-44 to update contact and invoicing language related to an existing grant used for police academy candidate funding; members clarified the amendment did not change substantive grant terms.
On benefits, the board approved a change to the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) employer contribution rate to 8.42%, effective at the start of the next fiscal year on 2026-07-21, with members noting the increase and its expected effect on long-term employee contributions.
The body also approved a reimbursement resolution authorizing certain public-works expenditures (streets, sidewalks, drainage, splash pad and amphitheater restroom improvements) to be reimbursed from proceeds of notes or bonds previously authorized in the budget.
Several items were handled by voice vote or roll call without extended debate. Where budgets or fund transfers were required for approved purchases, members recorded motions and seconds and proceeded with the votes. The board scheduled budget hearings and set procedural dates in advance of budget adoption.
The meeting closed with no additional formal business.
