Ripon Area Fire District Meeting

RIPON, Wis (WRPN)- The Ripon Area Fire District Governing Board last night amended the district’s budget a second time for the purchase of a new fire engine.

It was discovered the price of the engine is $898,000 not $998,000 as was previously thought. The amended budget will have to be approved by the City of Ripon and Towns of Ripon and Nepeuskun and come back to the board for adoption before the truck can be purchased.

Discussion about amending the district’s bylaws generated some hard feelings. A statement was read during public comment that it was felt the towns of Ripon and Nepeuskun were being coerced by the city, City Administrator Adam Sonntag and Mayor Ted Grant into approving amended bylaws so that the city will approve payment for the new truck.

A board member said they’ve always had some disagreement but have been able to work things out. Eventually the board approved forming an ad hoc committee with representation from the towns and the city to look at amending the bylaws.

To watch the meeting on The Ripon Channel click here.