The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-03-02

1t Is plain that the 1898 appropriation
ordinance cannot provide for more
than about $4,000 more than was pro-
vded in the appropriations for the
fiscal year now ending. Last years
appropriations amounted to S2S5, 241.20
exclusive of S5S,54S for sinking fund
and interest for which provision Is
made independent of the general city
expenses. During 1898 1926, 100 will be
available for general city items accord
ing to the city controllers estimate.
The Democratic majority of the joint
estimates committee does not appear to
realize the condition of affairs, or, II
they do, are pursuing an unbusinesslike
way to meet the situation. On account
of their majority of one on the commit
tee they have been privileged to pursue
their own plan. This consists of cut
ting down the 1898 estimates of $685.
093. 40 to the revenue of 1926, 100 instead
of n quicker, fairer and easier method,
that Of raising the 1897 appropriations
of $2S5,241.25 TO the estimated revenue
for 1898. The latter method would only
involve the elimination of a few i'm
pr1vement items of 1887 and the dis
tribution among the different depart
ments of the balance necessary to
make the total S295, 100.
MUCH CUTTING NECESSARY.
In addition to amendments amount
| ing to s117, ,963.50, suggested after the
regular department estimates had been
printed, the committee began its work
with department estimates amounting
to $40 .N93.4C more than the revenue.
| on Monday evening the committee
| Topped off S54,735 which leaves $1S, S,25S.4 40
to be cut away. exclusive of the amend
ments. The estimates which haven't
been revised are those of the fire, build
ing inspectors, board of health, public
library, park. board of appeal general
city and deficiency departments.
| Last year the fire department was
appropriated SAL 5000. This year Chief
Hickey estimates S4S,391.09 as an
amount which is absolutely necessary
and submits a supplementary estimate
approved by the joint fire department
committee of councils amounting to
S60.S50. The larger items of the supple
mentary estimate are $9.250 for the
| purchase of five alarm systems, $4,000
| for a fire headquarters in the rear of
the City Hall, $4,000 for a site and
building for Crystal Hose company
| and a considerable sum for the extra
horses, permanent men and equipment
The board of health wants $12,700
an increase of S6,170. OF this sum $500
is for crematory repairs termed "ab-
solutely necessary" $4,000 for the pur.
chase of a crematory lot, s400 for ar
increase in the secretary's salary, $10C
for chemist fees, 5000 for an addtiona
1-sanitary officer and $500 extra for Office
expenses.
WHAT LIBRARY WANTS.
The Scranton Public Library asks fol
S12, $50 or SLIGO more than last year
Of the increase $3.50 is mentioned a:
positively necessary for extra help anC
increased salaries and $500 is for new
sidewalks.
The large sum of $16,947.25, an in
crease of $12,347.25, is asked by tn,
park commissioners, $14.S35 for Ma
Aug park, $l,S62,25 fer Connell parl
and $3.50 for Woodlawn park. This de
Hartment is one that the estimate
committee would like to favor ant
probably will but if it gets an increas
of $1,000 it will receive more than it
proportionate share of the $4,000 NOR
| than la ST wear 10 ha distributed