Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1884-03-14
THE CONDITION OF OUR COUNTY
FINANCES.

ANNAIos
A prominent buyer OF county war
rants writes that he will not, for some
time to come, pay over 80 cents on
the dollar for county warrants. These
certificates Of indebtedness have, dur
ing the past year, brought as much as
92l cents on the dollar; but the gen
tleman referred to is either losing
confidence in our ability to pay our
debts, or he is actuated by very nat
ural desire to get the warrants at as
low figures as possible.
The letter was quoted to Times
reporter, yesterday, and having since
given the matter considerable thought,
we have come to the conclusion that
there is nothing alarming in it. More,
in view Of the facts in the case, we
look upon it as merely speculative
move. While the subject of county
indebtedness is ono that calls for the
most earnest consideration at all times,
there is nothing particularly alarming
in the condition of the finances of
Alturas county at present. True, the
INDECENT sick are costing us mint of
money; but, now that the TINES is
calling attention to this, and thus in
dcating the danger, remedial meas
ures will be taken at the earliest OPP
portunity that will regulate this
branch Of expenditure, without Sc
rious injustice to any of the parties
interested
Aside from this, there Is no YER,
big "leak," or channel of expense open
at least, none that we have as yet dis
covered, but one. The District At
torney makes charges that we cons'de
contrary to law. For instance, HI
claims that he has right to charge
his regular fee for every criminal cas'
brought in any court in the county
whether he appears or not; that, il
fact, he has a ri ght to call for tn
docket of every justice of the peace
or other official presiding over ar
court in the county, copy the list O
cases, and charge the county the reg
ulal fees for the same. That is t
say, that he can demand compensa
ton for services which he never rem
.dered! We hope that we are nc
misrepresenting District Attorne
Bruncr. If we are, our columns ar
open to him, free of charge. En-
Such claim seems exceedingly ridi,
ulous and preposterous. But tn
County Commissioners entertain
different opinion, since they allow h
bills; and we will be compelled
refer to this matter again.
We have debt of some $1,000
1either already accumulated, or whi'
will have accumulated by tie end
the current year unless preventi'
measures are taken). This debt W
have to be provided for in some wa
by the next Legislature if not befor
and the county made to pay its bl|
in cash. BY putting the county on
cash basis, the running expenses
the county government can be reduce
fully one-third; and this and I
gradual. but rapid, increase of tax
bic property, will in three or 70
years, at furthest, put us out OF del
with surplus in the treasury. Tn
the taxes can be reduced to so eel
on the 500 valuation.
1t is therefore evident that our w
rants, bearing 10 per cent. intere
would be a very desirable investms
even at par; and we have no do'
that as soon as our paying resour'
become known to investors, they v
not only not permit our warrants
fall below 80 cents, but will scram
for them at 95 cents and even mo
From the present outlook we exp
to see county warrants reach par BET
ueAt fall.