Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-02-27

the sinking fund, so there would be nothing
gained by Mr.. Binders plan.
Mr.. Keating also explained that in its
deliberations the subcommittee had con-
sidered that $12, 600 would not be sufficient
to buy lots, build engine houses and equip
them. By placing the sum for that pur-
pose in Chief Browns appropriation he
could use it and as much more as he felt
his department could stand for that pur-
pose. Mr.. Binder said that he would be
satisfied with the ordinance under those
conditions.
This ended the discussion of the ordi-
nance, and it was afirmatively recommended
to Councils by a unanimous vote. The
Finance Committee also considered num-
Der of claims for refunding of property,
business and water taxes which were re-
ferred to the proper officials for report.
There will be special meeting Of Com
mon Council at 8 P. NJ. to-day to consider
the ordinance as recommended.
OPINIONS ON THE ORDINANCE.
Controller Morrow said: II am satisfied un-
der the circumstances. 1t was not what it
might have been, but could with safety have
even gone little higher in the millage, in view
of the increased expenditures made necessary
by the deficiency, the public works projects
The public was long ago acquainted that an in
crease nthe millage would be necessary and 1t
ought to occasion no great surprise"
W. A. Magee, Chairman of the Finance Com
mittee of Councils-I think the ordinance is
the most conservative one of that nature which
has been presented for nine years, and do not
see how the increase could have been avoided.
Taking into consideration the mistake IN the
assessment estimates last year, for which the
assessors are by no means to blame, as they
were considerably helped by the courts after
ward: the falling of in the number of liquor
licenses, the increase in educational work. the
500 600 for park purposes and other items, am
sure the committee has done well not to make
the increase larger
Last year knew it was triennial year in
which all calculations are based on estimates,
and 1 wanted the millage placed at l3, which, if
it had been done, would have let US of for IA
mills this year, but was overruled. The present
ordinance is based not upon supDositions, but
on actual facts and figures. and expect we
will reach a I3 mill levy next year. The city
can afford to pay the Is this year on account of
the unprecedented prosperity, and think we
shall have no cause TO regret the action by
next February"
Chief E. NJ. Bigelow-In considering the
advance OF the levy it should be understood
that the public improvements for this year are
greater than IN any previous one. and II we get
good things we must expect to pay for them.
The results of the years work will show value
received for the public taxation or 1 am very
much mistaken, when the growth of the city
and its requirements are taken into consider
alton.
Chief Brown, of the Department of Public
Safety: Beyond the fact that my department
has 10 supply Is additional policemen and two
engine houses for the protection of the people,
which hope will be good value for the money
allowed, think a reasonable view of the In
creased taxation will indorse it. The city is
prosperous. has been well protected and work
has been plenty, so that there is but little room
for grumbling at the prospect of paying for
much-needed improvements"