Staff Writer

Charlene Rogers is just one of the smiling faces looking on as the City of Thomaston improves the electrical system on Bethel Street.

“We've always had good service with the city, and this will make it even better,” Rogers said. “During a storm it didn't take much for one of the lines to go down. It's nice to see we are getting new poles and new lines. It's been a long time coming and I'm glad to see it.”

Work on Bethel Street should take about another four weeks as the crew from Marable-Pirkle Inc. finish installing the new lines.

Electrical Superintendent Cornelius Ivey said the first phase of the project was contracted out, and the City of Thomaston will finish phase two.

“Getting them to re-conduct the wire frees us up to finish our projects,” Ivey said. “The problems we had on Bethel Street were because they are using number two copper wire. It is around 50 years old and needs to be updated.

“This is another way to ensure good service is provided for all our customers. Just another major upgrade.”

Ivey and his crew recently finished upgrading Shasta Drive and more plans are in the works.

“Thanks to the Mayor, City Council and City Manager we have been allowed to stop problems before they start,” Ivey said. “It is important to us that our customers receive great service.”

Phase two of the Bethel Street project will include setting new poles. The total cost for the project is about $95,000.

Wendell Pritchett, supervisor for Marable-Pirkle Inc., said the project is going well.

“I'm very thankful things are going smoothly,” Pritchett said. “Everyone has been very nice.

“We've done a lot of work for cities, and Thomaston is right up there. They are a great group of people. We couldn't ask for anything more.”