Tunica aldermen approve joining AFFF (PFAS) litigation over water-system damage

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Tunica on Feb. 17 approved a contract authorizing the town to join pending litigation alleging that aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) caused damage to the town’s public drinking water and wastewater systems. Town Attorney Richard W. Ryals, II reviewed the proposed agreement and recommended approval.

Alderman Lee B. Turner moved that the board approve the contract “in the form and substance presented, and that Andrew Dulaney, Mayor, be authorized to sign and deliver the same.” Alderman Valerie Hartsfield seconded the motion, which received the unanimous affirmative vote of all aldermen present (Aldermen Turner, Hartsfield, Fullilove, Pierce and Turner recorded as voting in favor; Alderman Rebecca P. Fyfe was absent). Mayor Andrew T. Dulaney was authorized to execute the contract on the town’s behalf.

The litigation, described in the meeting minutes as concerning damages to the public drinking water system and/or public wastewater system, names manufacturers, marketers, distributors and sellers of AFFF as defendants. The minutes record that the town attorney reviewed the proposed legal-services contract (listed as Appendix D) before the board voted to join the action; the minutes do not specify contract fee terms, anticipated costs, or potential recovery amounts.

The board’s action authorizes town counsel to proceed under the contract; the minutes do not record any additional direction, settlement authority, or timing for further board action. The item is listed in the meeting record as the Board’s Appendix D: Contract for Legal Services – AFFF PFAS Litigation.