Birmingham state herald., 1896-12-03

self with view to realize upon some of 1 them. We have collected thus far from | this source, $27410.
 I would recommend that the city code be recodified, as the present one was got ten out six (6) years ago and since ths n numerous new ordinances and amend ments and repeals of old ones have been
 ordained. Ali of which only exist in
 manuscript form, thus rendering the city laws uncertain and inaccessible to the
 public. Respectfully submitted. (Signed) RICHARD V. EVANS, Cry Attorney. MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. Under the head of the "City Jail" l have directed your attention to the ad-
 mirable manner in which the city phy- sician has handled his department In his surgical operations on the hurt ana wounded he has often been aided by eth CT physicians, who thus deserve the
 hearty thanks of this board for this dis interested service.
 CHARITY. I have nothing new to add about this depart ment The city has been almost powerless to help and had to leave much of the practical operation of 1t to the noble women of the United Charities and to the county. A sad statement, but a true one.
 LICENSES AND TAXES. The collection CT licenses III loJo ifdo been easier since the city won in the su- preme court. To date 2,172 in number, amounting to S67 S03 as against a total of 2.oS2 and S67, 59S. 49 in 1895. The estimate is that $5000 additional will be collected in 1896.
 STREET AND POLL TAXES. A remarkable instance of the energy and push of man is shown in the re- port of these taxes from January l to November l. 1896, never equalled here before. Street tax total, $13,926; poll, white, $2,9S7.50; colored, S1.159, total, Si,- 14150.
 IMPROVEMENT TAXES. After much hard work by Chairman | Gillespy and others, this vsxed question 1 has almost reached a final solution and will present but little trouble to the lnI- coming board to finally adjust it. The amount of hard work done In this department cannot be even estimated by the average citizen. I take this oppor- tunity to put on public record. that this board and the city, owe Alderman Gill; lespie a large debt of thanks for his skilled services rendered entirely without charge. Had the city paid him as an at torney, the amount would be measured by thousands of dollars.
 FINANCE. | Again I am compelled to state that no l brief mention of this department, the basis Of all our existence, can begin 10 | reach the merits of the case. The aud | itor's report should be most carefully studied to do this
 All that can reasonably be hoped is to hold things together, trusting that a reasonable increase of the tax rate can be secured, or that Birmingham will be allowed to assess for city, separate from state and county taxes. Either will ac- complish the desired end, viz: increase of revenue.
 With the already fearful bonded debt out against us, increasing by accumula- ton of unpaid interest at the rate of $50- 900 per annum, the ultimate outlook is gloomy and oppressive, coupled as it is with the uncertainty as to whether an in- crease in the tax rate can be secured. It will need clear hands and wise counsel to devise a safe and honorable solution. Reference is again made under this head to my report of last year. Considerable confusion exists on account of the clash between the expiration of the terms OF office of the mayor and board of aldermen and the close of our fiscal year. This should Ee remedied.
 From the best estimate I can make af- | ter consultation wit the chairman of the | finance committee, it is my belief that the new board by business methods and care | fu1 economy coupled with revival of pros l perity can run the city as at present mapped out, and even hope to better it in l some directions l The following sta tement is made of the 1 salaries paid in November, 1894, and l October, 1896, showing a net yearly de- l crease in this administrations favor in l the running expenses of the city of about 1 S20,G GOO over that of each of the two for
 | mer years.