The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-10-15

bUIuCbcA W nave ~ OOu9s
Alderman Garrett called attention to the
Effectiveness Of the electric light at Broad
way corner Of Rodney, and the light COM
mittee will investigate.
Alderman Thompson. chairman Of the
special committee having in charge the ex-
animation of Ex-Treasurer Douglas books,
read the following report:
Gentlemen:-Your. committee appointed
for the purpose of examining into. the af-
fairs of the city of Helena beg leave tossub-
init the following report:
Az per resolution introduced in the city
council, the contract covering the work in
question was awarded to John 8. NJ. Neill.
In view of the amount of work involved,
the investigation proceeded as rapidly as
was consistent with thorouQhness. The in
vestigation has extended through the years
1887, 1883 and 1889, or in all period Of
three years, a much longer term than was
originally contemplated on the part of the
city council, or by the expert to whom the
contract was awarded. That the work has
been thoroughly and carefully done is best
shown by the accompanying letter and re-
port. We have the pleasure to inform You
that while the investigation has failed to
We ase sd 10 4.
that the system of bookkeeping that has
heretofore been adopted and at present
prevails in the various city Offices warrants
IL radical change therein.
| We therefore recommend that an expert
|bookkeeper be employed for the purpose Of
busted to the advanced needs of the city.
's'' 'ssp JOHN Y. rHoupsos,
G. p. CONNOLLY,
@. B. GARRETT.
Mr.. Neill's report included several sheets
communication, which Alderman Thomp-
son read:
Having. investigated the books Of the
city treasurer from April, 1887. to April,
1880. would respectfully submit the fol-
lowing report az the result Of said invests
cation. There was turned over to Mr..
Barden. BY his predecessor, Mr.. Clewell,
April ID, 1887, 81, 821.76, all Of which went
to the credit of the general fund. On Jan.
l, 1883, MI. Barden reports his balance cor
rectly. but he has not apportioned it cor
sheet transmitted herevith). On April 10,
1887, when Mr.. Barden turned over his
office to Mr.. Douglas. he reports his balance
las $17.4O in excess of what il should be
and transmitted the amount to him. The
error was caused BY accounting for tax
receipt twice and several small errors in
~ to the division Of funds.
On April p 1880. when Mr.. Douglas
turned over his Office to Mr.. Folk he re-
(ports his balance as $3.50 in excess Of
what it should be and transmitted the
amount to him. The error was caused by
Stubs. amounting in all to $117.59, aud the
failure to report license No. 3067, amount
lung to $A, thus leaving q balance in his
favor Of $3.50. The balance was also very
Incorrect as to the division Of the various
funds.
havc deemed 1t necessary to make my
report cover three years instead Of two and
II &hSrpk V,1Nzn ~ - A~1~
tain me in my view Of this matter. You
vii note that the city. books on April 20,
|l69O, shows balance in the sewer fund Of
1886. 20; this should be 1885,. 50, also that
the general fund instead Of having bal
sncs & Of ao @ should Md show deficit # e..
bonds, and while this may not b neceesarv
for one who is familiar with the affairs Of
|the city treasurer's Office. it should be done
|to preserve q clear record of the city
Finances.
Aside from the above there is nothing de-
[manding special notice. except an explana-
lion OF the attached warrants, which moro
|pfoperly belong to the Office Of tho city
|,lerk and are submitted herewith without
comment. Upon my own experience, / can
Inot say that think the aystem Of book
Keeping, a. used, would Impress the tax
payers with the clerical ability Of the city
sreasurers Tor the past three years; though
shere is nothing in the nature Of q defalca-
lion, there i much to condemn in the gene
al incompetent and slovenly appearances Of
the work, and think it would be greatly
10 the bensfit Of the city il it should have
md to insist that the books should GORE.
spond thereto. The bonded Indebtedness
Il the city. O. shown by the books, Il $780,
100. This 10 for the sewer bonds. under
stand there 10, in addition to this amount,
1919, 600; but NO mention il made of the fact
years. and think that the books should
show fully all the resources and liabilities
If the municipality. In regard to the dis
nnd that he received Isl, 646.s6. and that
the time rolls, some eighty mine in number,
amount to ~. 916.n. There seems TO be :
pay roll missing. which, with $7l1.56.
amount paid a. freight for castings, and
lime that appears to be paid twice, would
&ikely Approximate the amount received.
% Anumber Of the pay rolls names appear
hat Ate not upon the time books Of the va
sioua aforemen. In the case Of ]. ": Knee,
Inspector (see roll Nos. 81 and S7), he APP
pears upon each roll for the same period Of
lime. and Was evidently allowed to draw
Alary twice. All papers and data in con-
nection with this report arc herewith trans
Jom 6. N. NEIL
The warrants which Nj. Nsill referred to
sere dsvn By tho former city clerk In fa-
'or Of Edward Lppinoott and N. r. Wal
era They were al issued on Nov. /, 1883,
hnd read % follows:
10. s,sss-Edward Lppineott fer work
L. .. sssGid1asd Ippiaeo;t;ii.. p i:ii;:s " %
Teal Tor ths montA ........ lNl n
E. @ + T W.sss o: spssi csie. ;.is %
man ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. ....... 100 %