MENTONE — A section of Mentone’s infrastructure may require some upgrade, according to Water Superintendent Josh Shepherd. Shepherd told the Mentone Town Council on Monday, Feb. 5, that an area of Pearl Street in Mentone has insufficient water lines to accommodate the demand.

According to Shepherd, one user on the street uses a large quantity of water and the area in question has approximately three or four homes all sharing a one-inch water line. “It’s just something that should have been done a long time ago,” Shepherd said. The board took no action, as further investigation is required. Shepherd said it is likely that a six-inch line will be required to meet the needs in that area. Shepherd told the board that he roughly estimates the cost of the upgrade will be in the area of $20,000.

Shepherd also informed  the board that utility worker Chase Jones is approaching his one-year anniversary of working for the city and suggested the board approve Jones for testing that would certify him to work with city water systems. The board approved the request and agreed to pay for any books Jones might need as well as the cost of registration, which is $500.