Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1899-04-19
WEDNESDAY, APR. 10, 1899,
DISCUSSES FINANCES.
Editor Willmar Tribune:

Editor Willmar Tribune:
AS there has been so much said in
our local papers and by people gen
orally about the "serious financial
problem" which "now confronts the
village of Willmar," I desire to say
a few words concerning the matter,
and if possible point out one way in
which the village can be brought on
"a solid financial footipg''-it being
a subject so much discussed and Of
such great concern of late.
Our charter admits of the levying Of
only four mills of taxes for general
purposes. This amount was sufficient
to worry along with in the primitive
state of the village, especially as other
sources could then be "certainly"
counted on. In fact the village for
many years levied no more than one
mill raising 5000 or $500 of taxes d.
rect. AS time rolled on water works
we're erected, creating additional ex-
penses- interest $1,000 per year, and
the operating expenses. Unfortu ate
ly no provisions were made for caring
for these additional burdens. Electric
lights we're added, still no provisions,
Frequent meetings, however, were held
from time to time for the purpose OF
finding a remedy for the Financial
problem'' which then as now con-
fronted the village, though possibly
then not so acute. These conditions
have extended back for many years,
and each succeeding year the debt has
naturally grown larger and larger
until now the interest alone that the
village each year owes on it's indebt-
edness exceeds the amount that the
four mill tax will bring. The village
has to pay in interest on it's debt each
year something like $4,000, and re-
ceives from taxes levied about $240O.
1t is not difficult to realize that the
council that is to manage affairs with
matters in this shape, has a Gilman
cial problem" on it's hands. The fl
nance committee of last year was
aware of the situation and was de.
termined to do something practical
and for that reason submitted the
proposition to incorporate the town
under the city general law. This was
mainly for two reasons, viz: the coun.
Gil could then issue certificates of in.
debtedness in place of the outstanding
orders and reduce the interest abou,
$1,000 yearly. 1t could also levy tn.
tax needful to pay interest and run.
ming expenses. Had that proposition
carried there would not now need. t.,
be any Financial problem'' confront
ing this council. Every order the,
issued would have been paid by low
rate time certificates and proper tax
levied with which the present council
could have attended to the city =
needs. That proposition failed.
The finance committee, however, fel,
that they must not leave matters in
this shape. They felt that they mus,
do something in practical way st;
place the village on sound tinancia
footing.' TO do this we must provide
a proper rate of tax levy. The Legis.
lature met and 1 got out d draft of &
bill which has been in my possession
for several years, and was presented
to our members OF the legislature anc
introduced in the Senate as S. F. No
AL and in the House of Representa-
tives as H. F. No. 473. This bill has
passed both houses as H. F. No. 473
By it's provisions the council is en-
powered to levy taxes as other vii
lagos Incorporated under the genera
law and thereby provide for the need
full expenses. The village of Wilma,
has great cause for gratitude to bott
our members for their efforts for u.s.
They secured the passage of this bill
without a single dissenting vote il
either branch. ....... r.!
- The bill to which refer is as fol
lows: q
,..-; I + A BILL - : =.
FOR AN ACT TO PROVIDE A UNIFORM
RATE OF TAXATION IN ALL THE VII
Lagos OF THIS STATE, AND RE
PEAL1NG ALL ACTS INCONSISTENT
WITH THE PROVISIONS or THIS ACT,
Be it enacted by the Legislature Of th<
State of Minnesota: $50.
SECTION /. That oil the villages II
this state, incorp GRATED by any spe
cial. Law, shall have the same righ
and authority t. levy and collect taxes
for the ,lse 81 such village, u thk