The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-08-24
IT MAY REACH 100000
CITY's EXPENSE ACCOUNT FOR NEXT
YEAR WILL BE ENORMOUS.
Taggart Administration Would Like
10 Hold Back Appropriations Till
After Election if 1t Dared.

Next years appropriations for running
the city of Indianapolis will probably crowd
the $1.000000 mark. The total for this year
was 1913 230.43. Estimates for next year
have not yet been made by the various de-
partments, but Indianapolis has been much
enlarged by the annexation of the suburbs,
and largely increased sums will have to be
expended in street repairs electric lights,
water hydrants and like items, A large in
crease over last years appropriations will
be necessary for the Department of Public
Safety, owing to the fact that the police
and fire forces are to be considerably aug
mented latter the election" At least two
new engine houses are to be built. These
will have to be manned and equipped with
apparatus. Some additional money will be
required by the Department of Public
Health, in order to properly equip the new
Dispensary, which is to occupy quarters in
the central station, now in course OF con-
struction. What estimates will be made for
the City Hospital are not known.
Under the charter the Council is required
to pass an ordinance fixing the tax levy
and making appropriations for the ensuing
year by or before Oct. l. Between now and
that time there are but two more meetings
of the Council Sept. 6 and 20. All ordi-
nances have to lay over for at least one
meeting, so that to get the appropriations
made within the time specified they must
be introduced at the next regular meeting,
Sept G. If this is not done it will be neces-
sary to hold q special meeting.
So far the various boards have not con-
sidered what amount of money will be nee
essary for next year. Controller Johnson
will probably call their attention to this
matter in the next few days, as it takes
some time to make up the multitude Of es-
Inmates, after which he has to pass on them
item by item
a rather serious question confronts the
administration at this time. That is, wheth-
er the tax levy will have to be increased.
Last year Controller Johnson had to make
large reductions in the estimates submitted
to MN by the different boards in order TO
get through on a 60-cent levy. Besides the
increased expenses of the city following an
neXallon, there is an item of $2O, 900 for in
terest at per cent. on the $780, issue of
park bonds and the $4,000 issue of station
house bonds to meet, in addition to last
years estimates. Whether the increased
poll tax and taxable property brought into
the city by annexation have kept pace with
the increased expenses has not yet been as
tabllshed. Mr.. Johnson last year left a
margin Of but $40, 600 between estimated re-
cepts and appropriations. This margin has
been more than wiped out, SO far as next
year is concerned, by the interest item on
the $5O0,0OO issue of bonds. Figures were
show there will have to be a transfer to the
electric light fund before the year ends be-
cause of annexation. A transfer of $40 000
has already been made to the repair fund
The administration explained that it was
necessary on account of street repairs in
the suburbs. 1t was recognized as a cam
paign fund dodge. Those who are acquaint-
ed with the city's finance say that Mr..
Johnson will have to sit up nights figuring
some way to avoid increasing the tax levy.
He realizes himself that it will have to
come sooner or later, but the bare idea
nearly precipitates q case of heart disease
when it is mentioned to the mayor espe-
cially in the height of a campaign in which
he is anxious to be reelected He and his
cabinet would be very thankful if the APP
preparations could be put off until after the
election, but the charter requires that they
shall be made before Oct. 1, two weeks be-
fore the election, which occurs Oct H. There
is but one alternative that might be adopt
ed, but to resort to 1t Iwohld but prove the
administration unable tocsolve the financial
problem. The charter provides that if the
Council fails to make the appropriations
for the ensuing year before Oct. l those
made for the previous year shall stand for
the ensuing year The. appropriations made
q year ago are manifestly inadequate for
greater INDIANAPOLIS.