Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1899-03-08

mine for the reason that they are more
directly affected by taxation; therefore |
was gratifed to read Mr.. Willis Fairs
article in the TINES OF March 4. IA
Mr.. Farr is not alone in his regrets, for
we all, believe, regret that the debt
exists; but why should he hold the town
officials responsible for the debt, and claim
that, if they had kept the expenditures
within the appropriations, there would be
to-day no debtp | do not agree with
him in his statement; and hold the voters
of the town responsible tor the larger part
of the town debt, and will give my reasons
tor the position l take.
The iron bridge at Bellows Falls
cost about $1,000 90
The Town hall in the East Par
ish cost about 100000
The school house in Gsgeville
cost about 5000 90
The addition to Town hall in the
West Parish cost about 800 90
Making a total of $17 10000
This amount is nearly the amount of the
total outstanding debt OF the town to-day.
Every one OF the above expenditures were
voted by the town; and the town officers
were authorized to expend money for these
very purposes; but no tax has ever been
specifically voted (to my knowledge) to
pay either the principal, or interest of the
debt incurred in making these improve
ment. The treasurer has been authorized
to borrow money to pay the Indebtedness
of the town from year to year and so we
are running along now.
do not claim that the annual expenses
| of the town could, or should not be made
les, than they have been, during the ten
years past; but do claim that, if we are
going to pay this debt, we should begin.
NY former article implied, if it did not
formulate plan for reiunding the debt.
| will say that it seems to me advisable
when voting our annual town tax to speci-
fy what smount or per cent on the grand
list shall be appropriated to the use of the
town for annual expenses, and what
amount shall be set apart to pay the inter-
est on our debt, and what part shall be
used to pay upon the principal OF the debt.
For instance raise tax sufficient TO pay
the interest, $1,000 OF the principal and the
running expenses of the town. A careful
estimate should be approximately correct. ]
have no doubt then but what town officers
would obey the wishes of the voters fully
expressed in town meeting.
Again, Mr.. Farr wants to issue bonds
payable whenever there is $1,000 in the
treasury to permit it. My plan is to pay
$1,000 annually together with the interest,
and raise the money by taxation to do so.
Which plan would accomplish the best re-
suits in 20 yearsP Making no reply to his
improvised bug-a-boo about debt Of
$40, 900 at the end of the 20 years, does il
not seem reasonable that the way specifcly
provided would accomplish better results
than the hap-hazard methodP Let the
bonds be taken in town, or out OF town
what the town wants is smaller interest
accounts and less debt. Make the bonds
mature February l, if you please but
raise the money to pay them when due,
and raise it for that specific purpose and
they will be paid. Then keep down town
expenses, as much as possible, ami otryTt,
get out of debt.
In conclusion l will say for Mr.. Farr's
benefit that owing to an error in filing
and posting the warrant for the town meet
ing, it will be held on Tuesday, March 81,
instead of March z, which will permit him
another chance for the "last shot"
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD P. WRIGHT,
Westminster, VT, March 6, 1899.