Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-05-08
LOWER PRICE FOR WATER
Aldermen Pass Resolution Chang
ing Meter Rates.
Fifteen Cents per 100 Cubic Feet for
First 10000 Cubic Feet-Slight
Change in Schedule Rates
Also Made.

A regular meeting of the board Of al
dermen was held Monday night and Il mass
of business was disposed OF. The principal
subject under discussion was reduction
in meter rates by tho water department,
which was voted unanimously. The other
matters were of a routine nature.
The board was called TO order shortly
after 8 o'clock by President TAFT and all
the aldermen were present except Alder
man Courtney.
A resolution authorizing the city treas
urcr to borrow a sum not exceeding W.
600 to pay accrued and accruins iabilit Ties
was passed.
The board of water commissioners made
the following report relative 10 the re
duction in meter rates in the water de-
partment:
Burlington, April Is, 1867.
The Honorable the City Council, City OF
Burlington:
mcnt of section 10 of tho water ordinance
your water commissioners submit the fol
lowing:
owing to the gradual increase in the
number of our metered services, the result
of the constantly increasing favor In
which the meter system is regarded 10y
our water consumers it has come about
that the minimum rate payers, the class
who pay the highest price for metcred
water. are paying more than their pro
portion of the meter receipts.
The constantly increasing number CT
| minimum rate payers, now nearly ono
| thousand. who, each quarter. pay as
| much for water as would be required were
| their consumption larger, has rendered
| this feature of the minimum rate more
| conspicuous than formerly.
| We would recommend that the minimum
| meter rate be made six dollars per annuln
instead Of eight, at present. and that
4 tl.a IA nm tlttr 81
used in any one month, be made 10 cents
| per 100 cubic feet.
| Under the existing schedule rate, fam
| lily faucet IN a living ROOM without hose
| bib or waste connection, is assessed ths
same as one having a wet sink, with sewer
connection and facilities for waste many
| times in excess of its legitimate use.
We would recommend that the rate fol
such fixture be made $3.50 per annur
| instead of $500, at present
/ The financial condition of the depart
mert is such as to warrant the reduction;
mentioned. all of which tend TO more
equitable assessment, and are, in our opin
ion, for the best interest of the city.
Respectfully submitted.
j. W. GOODtI.L,
j. T.. LANOU,
JOHN J. FLYNN,
Water Commissioners.
The following resolution was offered by
Alderman GERMAN and passed:
Whereas Pure water in quantity sufii
Gent for every necessity, should be free as
air, II water tax representing only proper
share of the expense attendant upon tht
distribution of the water, and
! Whereas. After giving to the water do
partment credit for all service rendered, it:
: income should he 50 adjusted as to exceed
expenses by safe margin only, and
:, Whereas. Cur water commissioners arr
of the opinion that certain changes o
rates are desirable and will tend to NOR,
suitable assessment. as we'll as to the re
b striction Of waste, now therefore.
Il, solved. That for water used after thu
first of June, 1902, the rates of the wate
: department be and hereby are established
as follows: