The record-union., 1898-01-04

portioned is inadequate to meet the de-
nlands upon it. More money should be
set aside for this important department
of the municipal administration. The
amount apportioned last year to this
fund was IL cents upon the hundred,
but believe in order to perform prop
elly the work necessary incident to the
successful management of this branch
of the city affairs, that the fund should
be increased to at least 16 cents.
Our citizens at times complain of the
deplorable condition of some of our
streets, forgetful that very often the
condition complained of results not so
much from the inefficiency of the
street department and its officials, as
from a lack of money in the fund set
apart to street repair and Improvement.
/ feel confident that if this fund shall
be increased so as to provide more
funds for work believe is necessary to
be done on our streets, there will be
less cause for just complaint.
SEWERAGE SYSTEM
1 am also of the belief that there
should be at least three cents added
~ sAAC ol4iOuIll liOW etppOl tlOuCO W Jul
sewer fund. The sewers of the city,
main and lateral, now run into many
miles in length, and at times require
more labor and expenditure to keep
them in proper condition than the fund,
as at present fixed will allow
MORE POLICE NEEDED.
The efficiency of the police depart
ment will be greatly promoted by the
addition Of two more officers to the
present force, and also by the appoint
ment of two competent detectives,
who should be assigned to special duty
in correction with the detection of
crime and the apprehension of Grimm
ais, under the direction of the Chief
of Police; and l recommend that your
honorable board increase the force and
create the offices indicated, in accord
ance with this suggestion.
TAXES TOO HIGH.
The prevailing tax rate has appar-
emily been excessive, but past admins
trations in their desire to lessen it have
allowed but too little to the various
special funds, compelling transfers to
them when they became low from the
general fund, and thereby causing
deficit at the end of the year, as is
evidenced by the fact that during the
past two months. the general fund has
been exhausted. This has necessitated
the non-payment of salaries during this
period, and they must remain unset
tied until the revenues for the next
year are received.
Enough revenue should be raised each
year to liquidate the Indebtedness of the
municipality for such year, and not
compel the old year to trench upon the
new. The fact that the general fund
for the past year is some S14,O to
$4,000 short, and, aus already stated,
that more money viii be needed for
the street and sewer funds, may prob
ably force the new administr tration to
increase the tax levy slightly.
In this connection, however, I will
say that if the city is not visited by
the Supreme Court with the misfortune
of an adverse decision in the case Of
Kendall VS.. Porter, before mentioned,
saddling upon us the obligation of pay
ing interest on bonds past due, then
the prospect for an early and very ma
terial reduction in our tax rate is ex-
ceedingly bright
FIRE DEPARTMENT
AiC Cs~VlOAllS VI lllc llIC QCpdl lIllSlll
and it's efficiency in the protection of
property would be greatly enhanced by
the addition Of chemical engine to
its equipment. The Chief has several
times advised the board to procure one,
and I think this subject should receive
your early and careful consideration
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
A city is often judged by its public
buildings, and public enterprise in this
direction is an index of private spirit.
l believe the time is near at hand when
Sacramento can afford to consider the
question of a new City Hall in keeping
with her industrial and commercial i'm
port1nce.
OTHER MATTERS.
The prevalent practice of letting city
contracts and furnishing labor thereun-
der from outside communities should be
discouraged, and preference always
given, other things being equal, to those
who live among us and contribute to
the prosperity of the city.
The public health demands that the
sewer system be improved and extend
ed. With such extension to a reason
able degree, there would be no excuse
for the maintenance of cesspools, which,
upon investigation I find to be the
only pretension to sewerage through
out large portion of the city removed
from the business district.
But even with the most complete
sewerage system the public would not
be materially subserved without proper
house connectionA In this direction
should expect the cooperation and
advice of the City Board of Health, an
important coordinate branch Of the
city government, whose value should
be always fully utilized.
In accordance with the provisions Of
the charter, I shall take pleasure from
time to time in directing your atten-
ton to matters of public interest as
they may arise.
In the hope that our relations may
always be harmonious, with regard
solely to the interests of the city. 7
am, respectfully yours,
VIM. LAND, Mayor.