Paris, TN – In the regular monthly meeting of the Paris Utility Authority Board of Directors, the meeting began as usual with the approval of monthly minutes and financials.
The Board then voted to approve the fiscal year 2021 audit reports for both Paris Utility Authority and the Paris BPU Trust (Round Up) prepared by Alexander Thompson Arnold, PLLC. Following the vote to approve the audits, the Board also approved a motion to retain Alexander Thompson Arnold, PLLC to prepare the audit for Fiscal Year 2022.
“At Paris BPU, we place a great emphasis on fiscal responsibility,” said Paris BPU President & CEO, Terry Wimberley. “I am pleased that we can once again report no findings on our annual financial audit. Our dedicated and competent accounting team deserves much credit for their diligent work throughout the year.”
A motion was passed to accept the low bid of $103,976 from Siemens for the purchase of two 69kV and one 15kV substation breakers for the Puryear substation. The breakers are part of the upgrades to the Puryear substation related to the solar interconnection with Silicon Ranch discussed at previous meetings. The cost of the breakers has already been accounted for and funds have already been received from Silicon Ranch for the purchase. Allen & Hoshall along with Paris BPU staff evaluated the two bids received.
The final item of regular business was the approval of a motion to engage Allen & Hoshall to provide engineering design services for a TDOT utility relocation project. TDOT will be constructing a new industrial access off Hwy 79 South to serve Tosh Farms in Henry that will affect a number of Paris BPU poles. Allen & Hoshall will provide drawings and specification documents related to the relocation that will meet all state requirements. The work authorization is set not to exceed the amount of $23,380 and a portion of the fees will be reimbursed by TDOT.
In his President’s report, Wimberley introduced his employee guest, John Sutton. John serves as the Wastewater Foreman and has been with the utility since May 2007 when he was hired on as a Wastewater Pipe Layer. He transitioned to his current role in October of 2015.
The December meeting of the Board will take place on Tuesday, December 28, 2021.
About Paris BPU – Established in 1938, Paris BPU is a municipal utility that provides electric, water and wastewater services to residents of Paris and Henry County as a means of promoting economic development and enhancing quality of life in the community. Serving over 21,000 homes and businesses, Paris BPU strives to provide reliable, safe and affordable services to our community.