The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1895-03-07
THE BONDING QUESTION.

There is a very strong feeling among
many citizens of the county against
the bonds proposed TO be voted upon
on the 18th inst. It springs largely
from lack of confidence in the officials
who Will have the disbursement Of the
money. if it is borrowed, and the fear
that it viii not be devoted to the pay
ment OF The debts now outstanding.
Perhaps the doubt entertained, has
been deepened by the publication Of
the amounts appropriated for one
months pay Of selectmen. In fair
ness to those gentlemen. we Will e1-
plain that on taking hold Of county af-
fairs. they found them in such condi-
ton that nearly every day in january
YVES occupied in dihgent labor for the
benefit Of the county. 4 detailed
statement Of every days work and
seledtmen. and any one who wishes
may see what they have done and
what is charged for it. They intend to
do nothing in the dark. but will make
public their official acts and enpendi-
lures.
The Herald will do no one an injus-
tice. Intentionally. and therefore cred
its the selectmen with good intentions.
1t viii be evident TO our readers that
we have done SO in reference to the
bonds proposed. We believe the county
court viii use the money raised by the
bonds TO pay off the indebtedness
which the court has declared IS law
fully due.
In addition to that amount-near!y
S5SSS, 900, there is about $4,000 due from
delinquent property bought in by The
county for taxes. Much of this is
owing to the schools. 1t Will all have
to be paid. In consequence Of the neg
lect of nearly every part Of the county
outside OF the state road. there are
bridges and fumes and roadWay5 in a
most Wretched condition. These ought
10 be put in repair, and money is
needed for the purpose.
If the bonds are not voted, the
large amount now due viii go on
drawing eight per cent interest. Also.
as soon as new assessment is made
each year, new warrants viii be is
sued on the basis Of the years rev.
enue. and the result viii be big debt
drawing eight per cent interest. with
small prospect Of payment Of the prin-
cipaL The bonds wiz clear off pres
| ent Indebtedness and give the county
q good start with but five per cent in
! teregt to pay.
a sinking fund viii have to be pro-
| Vided for, and if the county COURT will
make a declaration Of Intentions. by
I which they viii stand pledged to the
Immediate payment Of outstanding
debts from the funds obtained by the
bonds. we believe the taxpayers will be
more likely to vote in their favor thar
many Of them seem now Inclined
| But It should be understood, now
I that the purpose and intent of the bono
! issue proposed is to pay those debts
/ II any other use was made OF the
money than that, the county court
could be enjoined from such expendi
ture. If The Herald entertained any
doubt or this matter, we would no
favor the bonding proposition for {
moment.
The selectmen expect to be able e
save the county thousands of dollars
I by the reforms they intend to effect
They think they have been just ans
economical in their expenditures 81
/ far. and invite inspection of their Ger
tined bills Of personal expenses. feel
| ing sure that those citizens who critic
ally examine them will be satisfied
| with these accounts.
The Herald is opposed to bonding OF
general principles. 1t is only becaus
of the necessities Of the present cas-
/ that We have favored the present pro
position The county is in fnancia
hole. This seems the cheapest and mos
effectual way of getting out Of it. AM
it must be remembered that this i
not a personal or party matter
Neither the selectmen nor their part,
are in this hole. it is the county. il
which I've are all equally interested
Don't look at this from prejudice o
a party standpoint: examine the mat
ter carefully and vote 1ntelligently.