, 1888-05-03

! ID1Tu ZvlO 3b
| Btidge street........." 56S ~
Monroe street""........ 1,S2l SS
Total ....................S23,1 16s 5S 1928, 16s 5S
/
6ranu tOtal...,..' So4, 2O3 90
Total receipts. ts......."."...."... $40, 800 20
Total nditures...........,...... GA, 203 So
Balance April 10, 1sss......." s 8, 1856 Al
The city has derived its revenue
from taxation and licenses. 1t is inn
possible for me at this time to make
any estimate of the amount to be re-
Quired during the current year, it will
depend largely on the nature of the
improvements to be made and the
requisite amounts demanded by
rapidly increasing and growing city.
The revenue derived from the licenses
granted to saloons under the present
tariff will add largely to the general
fund of the city. From the statement
made, see no reason why the taxes of
the city should not be less this year
than last, and undoubtedly will be ii
tie affairs of the city are economically
administered. The finances Of the
water fund are C, rtainly encouraging,
and will no doubt yield larger rev.
enue during the present year than
they did during the past L would
recommend that the treasurer make
quarterly state meut,aud that the same
be published in newspaper OF the
city, showing the receipts of all money
and from what funds, also the amount
of all expenditures and from what
fund. BY so doing the tax payers will
have an opportunity to know where
and how their money has been ex-
pended.
Streets aud alleys.-Much might be
said on this important matter, but
probably there is no subject so we'll
understood pertaining to city affairs
as this one. More than one-half OF
the revenue raised during the past
year was for the purpose of improving
and grading streets, and it Is gratifying
to know that the property owners have
so generously responded to their as
sessments. Howard street is however
an exception to the rule. There is
now due from a portion of this street
SO, 500 to the City of Spokane Falls.
This matter is now in litigation and l
hope you will see that il is prosecuted
vigorously, and to the end that each
and every one should bear an equal
proportion of taxation. We have laws
for that purpose, and / wish to say,
with no uncertain sound, let them be
enforced. We have now several streets
under process OF grading, and it is to
be hoped, you will assist in the good
work by such ordinances and prSvis'
| ions as may be necessary to their con-
dition. Gentlemen, call your special
attention to the nature and general
provisions of contracts made by and
between the contractor and the city
| i'm the matter OF grades also, the man
ner in which the city has assumed the
obligations Of grading the streess. The
law fully contemplates that property
on the streets (both sides) should be
assessed for sufficient amount to
pay for the grade. Thisis as it should
be, but we often find large sum OF
money charged to the city for failure
to collect from delinquents on street
| believe this can be largely remedied by
requiring strict regulations in ordering
grades. 1t should be made impera-
tive that strong petition be obtained,
showing beyond doubt that there lis
not only majority, but large one,
by property owners and residents,
asking that the work be accom- plished,
and who will also be as ready and will
! lineto pay for the benefits derived
thereirom.
The rapid growth Of the city dc
mands liberality in public improve
ments of this nature, and it is hoped
YOU will look favorably upon every
reasonable proportion. The matter
of accepting public work is too often
overlooked. The condition OF the
work is Of vital Importance to the city,
as all further expenditures thereon
comes from the general fund. whereas
il the work should be properly let, and
fully completed, all claims will be
against the property owners on the
street. A contract should be COM
plete in itself. All necessary work
should be ordered to make II street
com plete, even in detail. Plans and
specifications should not be changed
after a contract is once awarded with
ont urgent public necessity requires
such change. Changes are too often
made ior the benefit Of nnscrupulous
contractors, who are aciuated 10y self
h, rather than motives of public con-
Germ.
FIRE AND WATER.
Spokane Falls may we'll feel proud Of
these two departments. The question
of water is one that is OF vital impor-
tance, not only to u part, but the en-.
| tira city The lease of mower now held