Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1890-12-05
MUNICIPAL REFORM
AN INTERESTING SESSION OF TEE SPECIAL
COMMITTEE, LAST NIGHT.
A General and Prolonged Discussion Of the Whole
Subject Of Changes in the City Government
Accession in Favor Of Electric Lights.
Other Matters Deferred.

Other Matters Deferred.
The special committee appointed at
the last session OF Council to consider
and report TO Council what special leg
islatiOn is needed by the city of Wheel
ing, at the hands of the Legislature
about to meet, held it's initial session at
the City Hall, last night, and the result
ing discussion was extremely interest
ing. There were present, in addition
to Messrs. Brandfass, Hadlich, Farrell,
and Robinson, of the committee, num-
Der Of members of Council and City
officials, the latter being summoned in
order that their suggestions might be
listened to, and the meeting was per-
yaded by degree Of earnestness
which showed that the gentlemen
were convinced that the existing
state of affairs demanded attention
in several particulars, and in
addition, Indicated that there had al
ItdQN Uttu -oOA 0tAi VI thpN-AN ~
slowed upon the subject of changes in
municipal systems and methods. To be
sure. there was a great deal of random
talk, indicating illy-digeSted ideas, but
it was none the less earnest for that,
and it is altogether probable that some
good-pOSsibly great deal-will come
out of the agitation of the question, II
members of Council and of the commit
tee can be induced TO reduce their pres
ent somewhat scattered ideas into shape
before the expiration OF the present
terms of Office or the commencement OF
the Legislative session.
The committee was called to order
last evening by Mr.. Hadlich, upon
whose motion Mr.. BrandfaSS was chosen
chairman. The resolution adopted by
Council, constituting the committee,
was read, and.this done, the Chair ex-
planned that City Solicitor White was
in. and could not attend the session.
fact which was generally deplorcd.
CITY TAN MATTERS.
Mr.. Farrell opened the business of the
session, by suggesting that City Collec-
tor MylcS, who was present, be heard,
and that gentleman said one thing which
struck him as desirable was a change in
regard TO the ten per cent. interest
charged on delayed taxes. This addi-
ton to tax bills was originally designed
as a penalty, and affected real estate
only. but it was not popularity
regarded in that way, and there
was good deal OF complaint about 1t
from people who thought the legal rate
OF six per cent. was sufficient. Mr..
Myles called attention to the fact that
any action taken by the city would have
to have the cooperation OF the Board
OF Education, which body was equally
interested. Mr.. MyleS said it had oc-
CURED 10 him that 4 penalty or interest,
NJ the rate of six per cent, covering
both personally and realty, would per-
hapS be more satisfactory. The matter
was charter right, and ought to be
maturely considered. Many heavy tax
payers had no realty, and they held Oft
the taxes on their personality as long as
they chose, and the Assessor was nearly
powerleSS TO force a settlement. Last
wear the collectors had to go through
the wards six times. and then notices
had 10 be sent out through the mails.
The committee thought the City So
licitOr ought to be present before any
definite recommendation was taken by
the COMMITTEES, and the matter, after
some general discussion. was deferred.
Mr.. Myles then addressed the COM
mittee, to the effect that the entire bus
mess committed to their charge was Il
most important matter and ought To be
most carefully proceeded with. The
gentleman then withdrew.
Chairman BrandfaSS then called on
City Solicitor Thomas Thoner for any
suggestion he might have, and Mr..
ThOncr said he was in favor OF four
year term Of office instead OF two, and
cited the fact that all the county Off
GERS were elected for four years, or
longer, in support of his idea. lie
thought such an extension OF the terms
of Office would inure TO the benefit OF
the city.
This matter was then temporarily laid
aside and Mr.. Farrell brought up the
matter of revaluation of real estate
within the city. and the subject was
discussed for a long time. There was Il
general interchange of ideas upon this
point. and cOnSencuS of the commit
tees ideas was that there ought 10 be
such revaluation within the next year,
| if possible. During the discussion Mr..
Robinson said:
There is good deal OF the personal
property which pays Il higher RATE Of
taxation than realty
Mr.. Farrell-And good deal that
pays no tax at all.
Mr.. Robinson grant you that, but
take = merchants stock, honestly re-
turned. and he pays more than u given
amount of real estate.
Mr.. Farrcll-He pays dollar for dol
| lar.
Mr.. RobinSon-Yes, while the real
estate pays but from forty TO eighty per
cent.
Mr.. Farrell-Therc ought to be some
way To get that twenty to sixty per
cent. not returned. on the tax list.
Mr.. RObinSon-YeS; and another thing
| would like to see. and that is. get the
tax rate lower. To increase the valua-
ton. AT the present rate, would only be
To pile up money for some one TO blow
In.
The inequalities and differences be-
tween the city and county tax bills, on
the same piece of property, were also
discussed. and after some further tall;
the matter Of a new valuation was laid
aside.
The electric light question was then
taken up, and it was found that every
member OF the committee was in favor
of the city having the power to manu-
facture and sell electric lights. This
was talked about for time and the
committee decided to recommend Y
/ Council the revival of ;. Il. No. lO2,
pending before the Legislature when 1t
/ adjourned.
TERMS or OFFICE POUR YEARS.
The matter Of increasing the terms of
city officers from two to four years was
then taken up again, and Mr.. BrandtaSS
spoke in favor OF doing away with all
elections by the people, save for Mayor
and members of Council, aud having
! Council elect the City Clerk, Wharf
master aud Chief of Police rs it at pres
ent elects the City Collector, Receiver