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MENTONE – Mentone Town Council approved an ordinance Wednesday to raise its water rates.
In the ordinance, the metered rates per month are for the first 7,000 gallons, $8.78 per month; next 11,000 gallons, $7.18 per month; next 18,000 gallons, $5.12; next 40,000 gallons, $4.60; over 100,000 gallons, $3.58.
The ordinance also states each user will pay a minimum charge in accordance with the size of the meter installed, which is $20.50 for a 5/8- to 3/4-inch line, $26.35 for a 1-inch line, $35.15 for a 1-1/2-inch line, $52.75 for a 2-inch line, $75.85 for a 3-inch line, $102.35 for a 4-inch line and $170.55 for a 6-inch line.
In February, Ross Hagan, a certified public accountant from Baker Tilly, went over the water rate study Baker Tilly did for the town.
The rate change goes in effect Jan. 1.
The council held a public hearing Wednesday for the water rates before the regular meeting. There was no public comment.
Also during the meeting, the council discussed possible guidelines when someone buys a plot in the cemetery.
Utilities Superintendent Josh Shepherd brought up the topic after an issue with a tree being cut down in the cemetery. He didn’t believe the cemetery had any guidelines at this point. He said he knew there was a cemetery board at one point, but there isn’t any more.
Shepherd said he talked with Oakwood Cemetery sexton Hal Heagy and got Oakwood’s guidelines. Council President Jill Gross said the council should look at what other cemeteries have as well as if there’s any ordinances regarding the cemetery already on the books.
Gross said the town should look into creating cemetery, zoning and a park board. She asked town attorney Andrew Grossnickle to look into if the town could do that.
In other business, the council:
• Heard from Dylan Cottrill, representing the Bourbon United Pentecostal Church.
The church booked Mentzer Memorial Park and is gathering there at 11 a.m. Aug. 12 and inviting community members to join them in a prayer walk through town. After the prayer walk, there will be food and kids games at the park.
• Approved for Shepherd to buy a John Deere mower from GreenMark Equipment, Plymouth.
• Learned the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute will be recognizing officers who have had at least 20 “driving while under the influence” pullovers in the last 12 months.
Town Marshal Jim Eads said deputy marshal Jacob Bill will be recognized by the state for having 20.
• Learned the council will have a public hearing for the 2024 budget Sept. 6 and the 2024 budget adoption date is Oct. 4.
• Learned from Shepherd that Phend & Brown will do paving possibly in August once the town receives the Community Crossing grant money.
He said he looked at the town’s streets Wednesday and is getting help to apply for the next round of Community Crossings grant money.
The council approved a motion to apply for the next round of funding.
