Ripley approves automated‑metering hardware and engineering contracts as new industry settles in

The Ripley Board approved multiple utility procurements and engineering agreements as officials described new industry activity entering the city.

Superintendent Almond presented a Border States quote of $264,211.68 to purchase Aclara TWACS automated meter‑reading hardware on a three‑year schedule. Almond said the three‑year commitment reduces the per‑meter price and yields an estimated $103,212 in savings compared with other purchase structures. The board approved the purchase following a roll‑call vote.

The board also approved a $65,690 quote for a 2,500 KVA three‑phase transformer to match equipment purchased by the incoming industry, and it approved two engineering contracts with TLM Associates: one for Delta Regional Authority projects and one for a DRA lift‑station replacement (TLM job number 7J7345). Both engineering items passed after motions and roll‑call votes.

During discussion, members and the superintendent described prior passthrough purchases of transformers the company ordered and said those purchases were funded by deposits made by the company before the city placed the orders. The superintendent said the incoming operation is making substantial equipment investments and that the city expects to track the company's investments separately to monitor revenue effects. "They make considerable investments, millions of dollars... we will know how much they're investing," the superintendent said.

Why it matters: the purchases support Ripley Power & Light’s metering modernization and infrastructure needed to serve a new industrial customer. Board members emphasized that the new industry may increase utility load and tax revenue, though local job gains appear limited based on comments at the meeting.

Votes at a glance: Minutes for Feb. 2 (adopted); Feb. 26 financial statement (adopted); department reports (approved); off‑premises beer permit (approved); Aclara TWACS hardware purchase (approved); 2,500 KVA transformer purchase (approved); TLM Associates engineering agreements (approved).