Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-03-16
Liabilities.
Balance net debt


There may seem to be larger amount
than usual of uncollected taxes for the
year 1896. this. ] am informed by the col
lector. Is due in great measure to the
fact that a tax amounting to nearly 1880
is now in litigation and that some other
large payments of taxes have been de-
ferred but which will be paid with inter-
est
Some steps should be taken relative to
the collection of taxes assessed prior to
1894. The present collector has COM
pleted and settled with the city the col
lection of taxes for 1894, and his prompt
ness must meet with your cordial COM
mendation. butt auditors's report shows
over $4,000 due on taxes assessed 1886 to
1894. These are carried as an asset and.
If possible, should be collected and If
there are any which cannot be collected.
they should be abated and the accounts
closed. Ia
In this connection I desire to call your
attention to the propriety of changing
the beginning of the fiscal year from
March l to January l.. The suggestion
for this change is made by the auditor
and there are some reasons which would
seem to be strongly in its favor. Our
snow bills generally accrue In the months
of January and February. and these
lay in the poor department, and coming
as now, during the last two months or
the fiscal year. we are obliged to make
appropriations based not upon knowledge
but upon estimates.
Further ii the year closes the first of
January the financial condition of the city
NAV he known to all our citizens before
the March election. / commend this sug-
gestion to your careful conservation; a; -
| desire again to call you attention 10
the matter of the large discount MADE on
taxes paid before fixed date, reducc
tion was made in this discount for 1875
and a further reduction can in my judg-
ment be made to advantage. the provision
for charging interest after fixed date
would amply protect the city treasury
from any loss consequent upon the pay
ment of interest on temporary loans.
Schools.
O,r school system is complicated one.
heing in its several branches under the
control Of four distinct boards: the su-
burban schools wholly in charge OF the
experimenting school, d com5e ~ th 1e
school committee, and committee OF
two appointed by the mayor with the ad-
wise and consent Of the aldermen; the
village district Of dst 6Gefo Of board Of
directors. While no criticism IS maze
upon our schools. but. on the contrary,
thew rank high in our state, yet IL may
he q question whether equally good re-
s'1lts might not be obtained by simplify
ing the system and reducing somewhat
the expenditures. | am aware thae tnIs
change cannot be brought about by the
action
must he by the consent of the two large
districts and requiring as 1t would the ac-
| tion of the Legislature would defer any
final action for two years.
/ Highways.
| Great Improvement has been made dur
ing the past year in the condition OF the
main roads leading out. OF the city TO
neighboring towns, and speclai care care
should be taken the coming year 10 Keep
them in good condition, for over them
must come many Of those who patronize
and increase. the business OF our tra q sFs
1 We have built during the year large
amount Of sideW3lk and no d d9upa sf n
mai direction. we should do all we car
to provide suitable sidewalks walk ap D
alton you shall make for that purpose
would especially recommsnd, tn taa yoT
take Immediate steps to rebuild the wal
and sidewalk on the east side OF Marke
Square and improve the approach TO tns
town landing, believing 1t to be mucf
!. needed improvement.
City Nall.
y The advantage TO our city which come