The record-union., 1896-03-07
THE BOYD MAPS ACCEPTED.
Assessor Berkey Says They Are NeCeS-
Sary to His OffCe.
Explanations Made, and a Mixed-Up
Matter Finally Straight
ened Out.

AT the request of County Surveyor
Boyd the Board of Supervisors yester-
day took up his demand for S634 90 for
completing the map-books for the use
OF the County Assessor. The opinion OF
District Attorney Ryan was read, to the
effect that the demand was not legal
unless the work was ordered by the
board.
Chairman Morrison said the board had
originally ordered the work done, under
the belief that the law required the
Surveyor to do it. Subsequently, and
after portion of the work had been
done, Assessor Berkey came before the
board and objected, saying that when
he wanted the board to furnish him
map-books he would call on it for them
but that he would provide his own maps
and they would not cost the county any
thing. On the advice Of the District
Attorney, the order was rescinded and
the Surveyor was paid for what he had
done on the maps up to that time.
Assessor Berkey addressed the board
on the subject. He reviewed what had
been done in the matter from the first
and said it would have cost him at least
$500 to prepare the necessary maps or
block-books It was true he had
told the board that he would supply
such maps as he might need, but he did
not believe the county or any of its citi-
Zens expected him to go to this expense
himself for work the county should pay
for
The old map-bool1s, said Mr.. Berkey
while they could be used for assess
ment purposes, certainly were not up
to the standard of those made by Mr.
Boyd, which he (the Assessor) had
found to be the best that could be pre-
pared, the work having been done by
an experienced engineer and draughts-
man. He had accepted the books from
Mr.. Boyd and is now using them in
connection with this years assessment.
The map-books left him by his pre-
decessor cost the county $400 originally,
and it cost him (Berkey) 5000 to have
them extended These books, such as
they are, cost ST 900, while for these
perfect books prepared by Mr. Boyd
only $500 is asked. He had consulted
with Mr.. Boyd and had come to the
conclusion that he could not have them
duplicated for less money
These books had been accepted by
him, and he intended to use them for
the county. If the county should refuse
to pay for them, he would have to do Sc
himself. But it is properly a county
charge, Notwithstanding the fact that
several months ago, while laboring
under some excitement, caused by
misapprehension Of the facts and the
law-when the matter was before the
board-he had said that he would see
that the map books were ready when re-
quired and without expense to the
county.
Chairman Morrison explained to Mr..
Berkey the situation in which the board
was placed. The maps had been com
pleted by Mr. Boyd after some of the
work on them was done and the order
for them had been rescinded They
had been accepted by the Assessor from
Mr.. Boyd, but the record shows a pre-
Vious offer by the Assessor to furnish
his own books. While the board had
always paid for the Assessors maps.
its members did not wish to be placed
IN false position. Some persons might
say there was collusion between the
Surveyor and Assessor or between the
board and either one or both of them.
What the members of the board desired
was to have the matter Strengthened
out so that they might act legally and
do justice to all concerned. The sub
JSNl Ae1u DSCOiIS SOIItW0dl complicated.
The Assessor should, if he needs the
maps, apply to the board directly for
them.
Mr.. Berkey said he would do this.
His office requires the maps, the cost
is proper charge against the county.
and he formally made application for
them
Supervisor Jenkins asked Mr. Berkey
if there would be any additional ex-
pense if the map books were accepted
by the board, and Mr.. Berkey replied
there would not be-
Supervisor Todd then moved that the
books be accepted, and it was so or
dered. Dreman voted no, on the ground
that he thought that cheaper books
could be got along with. Mr. Curtis
declined to vote