St. Paul daily globe., 1895-11-22
WATER OF FTHEclTY
- = s-ls1r 80
PARKER INVESTIGATING COM
MITTEE CONSIDER IT'S USE
AND COST
PURCHASE OF SUPPLIES.
SECRETARY CAULFIELD GOES
INTO THE DETAILS OF THE
DEPARTMENT.
THE NEED OF A FRONTAGE TAX.
PURCHASE OF SUPPLIES.
THE NEED OF A FRONTAGE TAX.
Practice of Charging the city
for Its water Causes Adverse
Comment.

Ihe PdrkSf lINSSllSdllis5 SOiihiii'
tee resumed its examination OF the
water department at the opening or
it's session yesterday afternoon. Sec
retary Caulfield was questioned con-
cerning the methods of purchasing
supplies for the department. 1t de-
veloped that, while the larger guam
titles of supplies were advertised
for by resolution of the board, other
supplies were purchased by order OF
the secretary, and that the water
board afterward ratifies his action.
"Then the system in vogue is prac-
tically that of one-man power" re-
marked Col Clough.
Secretary Caulfield said that the
entire expense for coal per year for
the various pumping stations,
amounted to $6,40O in round num-
bers
Col. Clough observed in this con-
nection that the city purchased
large amount of fuel, and that it
ought to obtain it at considerably
reduced prices. He thought it would
be we'll to consolidate the contracts
and provide proper system of in
spection of the quantity and quality
of the fuel delivered to the various
city departments.
Secretary Caulfield next proceeded
to enlighten the committee regard
ing the amount of water pipe laid.
He Informed the committee that 222
miles of water pipe had been laid
within the city limits.
Col. Clough wanted to know if
there was any other city Of the pop
ulation of ST. Paul that had so many
miles of water mains.
Secretary Caulfield answered with
the question, rs there any. city of
the population of st. Paul with such
an area? We supply Hamline, Mac
alester, Merriam Park. In fact,
nearly every one has city water"
The committee then wrestled with
the question of the frontage tax"
and other financial problems of the
water department. Secretary Caul-
field told what sections of the city
yielded revenues sufficient to meet
expenses and what portions failed
to do so by reason of being sparsely
settled.
Col. Clough inquired closely into
the sources of revenue of the water
department. The income derived
from the frontage tax and the pri-
vate rentals, and the amounts re-
ceived from the city departments,
which are also charged for their wat
er, were all stated. The fact that
the water department charges the
city departments for the use of
water drew forth considerable ad-
verse comment.
Col. Clough called attention to
what he considered to be the injus-
tice of making the owner of property
abutting on street that is sprinkled
pay not only a water rent and a
frontage tax, but also pay for the
water that is put on. the street, in
front of his property.
Secretary Caulfield then read a COM
prehensive tabulated- statement show
ing the comparative water rates that
prevail in several of the prominent
cities of the country. From this state
ment it appeared that the average rate
in st. Paul is less than that prevailing
in any other city named except Hart
ford, Conn. .........
Mr.. Caulfield was asked whether, if
the frontage tax were abolished the
water departments revenues from pri-
vate rentals would be sufficient to pay
the interest on the bonded debt, the
operating expenses, and the amount
that must be set aside in the sinking
fund for the redemption of the bonds.
Mr.. Caulfield said that the private
rentals would not be sufficient.
Col. Clough expressed the opinion
that the water department could fur
nish all the city departments with
water without charge and that the in
come from private rentals would pay
the bonded debt and operating expenses
and leave a handsome surplus.
Mr. Caulfisld remarked that there
would be nothing left for construction.
There is no reason why the depart
ment should eXpend any more for con-
struction and extension" said Col.
Clough. ''Those who now have water
have paid for the construction up to
udCS, anu why SHoulu lhey ne dSdlil anu
again called upon to help pay for ex-
tensions that give other people water.
Let those who desire extensions for the
benefit of their own property pay for
such improvement, not those who have
already paid for construction"
The committee then adjourned until
3:15 p. M today, when the examination
of the water department will be con-
tinued, until p. m, when the park
board will be asked to explain the
workings of that department.