The record-union., 1891-11-17
FIRE DEPARTMENT MATTERS.
They Are Discussed by the Commits
sioners and City Trustees.
With the Result that the Present
Manner of Conducting Its Affairs
VIII Not be Disturbed.

The City Trustees and Fire Commits
sioners held a joint meeting last evening
to consider the question recently raised
by City Auditor Young, who, in looking
over the Paid Fire Department Act, found
that 1t did notpermit of higher salary for
the Chief Engineer than 500, nor for the
Assistant Engineer than 800. There was
question also as to whether or not the
expense Of maintaining the third engine
company could legally be allowed.
Commissioner We'll thought a very en-
barrassing condition of affairs existed.
He believed that citizens who took an in
terest in bringing up these technical
points and in hampering the fire depart
ment were not of the stamp that was de-
sirable in Sacramento. He had consulted
lawyers, and was informed positively
that the department had no more power
TO raise salaries than it had to establish
additional companies, and that Engine
Company No. > was being maintained
without the authority Of the charter.
Trustee Conklin said he believed that
Mr.. Nlel was wrongly informed. 1t was
unreasonable to suppose chat the Act for
| bade the formation OF new companies at
ter the department was first organized. In
his opinion, a dozen companies could be
established in sacramento, if necessary,
and they could be maintained at the eX-
pense Of the city.
Mayor COmstOck said that, according
TO his idea. the Fire Commissioners had
Just as many pow ers as the School Board.
The latter raised salaries whenever il
pleased, and built new schoolhouses
when it was necessary.
Trustee Conklin said he was inclined
haIInUn n sol api2 Nf l,r
Chief and Assistant could be raised by
consent of the Board Of Trustees. The
! question, however, was Just as new to the
Trustees as to the Fire Commissioners.
Commissioner Morrison believed there
was 10 question about the authority Of
the board to maintain Engine No. 3.
! Mayor ComstOck agreed with HIM
! Mr.. We'll said he was confident that Of
tcers OF the department who had served
and retired, could come back and demand
money that was due them. In many
cases the salaries had been cut down, most
noticeably in the case Of the Secretary.
The law provided that his salary should
be $40, but the present Secretary was
Wiling and anxious to serve for S25.
which amount he was receiving. He
might demand that he be allowed his full
S75 for back time.
Trustee Conklin said there was not the
least desire on the part of the Trustees to
hamper the FIRE Department. The Audi
tor had discovered a hitch in the law,
and was in duty bound to lay the matter
before the proper authorities. He also
wanted to protect himself and his bonds
men.
! Commissioner Morrison said he was
satisfied that the Trustees were anxious
to act in harmony with the Fire Commits
sioners. lie believed they would agree
/ to do anything that the Commissioners
| thought best.
The Mayor and NIr. Conklin assured
Mr.. Morrison that he was correct III his
! views, and Mr.. Morrison then suggested
that the affairs Of the department be let
alone and allowed to run as they were
running at present. A way might be
| found to pay the Chief and his assistant
the salaries which they have heretofore
been receiving.
Commissioner Howard said he believed
1T would be time enough to shake hands
with the devil when you met him." In
his judgment the department had better
60 right along until its actions were dis
puted.
This seemed to be the unanimous opin-
ion, and the meeting adjourned.