The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-09-11
MUNICIPAL CODE BILL OF JUDGE WALKER
 TO BE CONSIDERED BY HOUSE TODAY

meat inspection. In general, the powers are to be the same as those now exercised by the council.
 No debts shall be created or liabilities incurred on account of the city except temporary loans to be paid within one year, made in anticipation of the col- lection of taxes and not exceeding one fourth of the general revenues or the city; and at no greater rate or interest than 8 per centum per annum No right of way over any street or part thereof in any city shall be granted except to the applicant offering to pay to the city the highest percentage of gross annual re- ceipts to be derived from the business using the right of way; in lieu of per centage, d lump sum may be named and accepted Due notice of the sale Of such franchise must be given.
 The management of public schools shall
 be vested in Board of Education, of nine members, elected by the council, and shall hold office in such manner that a member retires at a stated period and a new member is elected. The board shall submit budget of expenses and the council shall make an appropriation an- nually for the support of the schools.
 Money SC appropriated, and all money received from the school fund of the State, poll taxes, the sale Of bonds for school purposes, the sale of school prop erty, and from any other source what ever for school purposes, snail be heid by the treasurer of the city as special fund for school purposes and shall be paid out by said treasurer on warrants drawn by the clerk countersigned by the r. s1dent of the Board of Education and the Auditor.
 A Board of Public Works of three
 members, one being the Mayor, is pro- vided. The Mayor receives no salary for services as member Of the Board. TWO
 members of said board are to be elected
 e. the first general election for city of- ncers held under the provisions of this act. and the one receiving the highest nun Der of votes shall hold office for four years; and the other for two years Bi- ennially thereafter at the general election one member shall be elected. to hold office for four years.
 The bill creates a Board Of Public Safe ty, to consist of two or four directors,
 as determined by the council appointed by the mayor with the consent Of two- thirds of the elected members of the coun- cil. to serve for four years. provided, if there be but two. one snail be ap- pointed for four years and the other for two years: if four members. two shall | be appointed for four years ana two for | two years Thereafter, each appointee to
 serve four years. The compensation shall | be fixed by the council
 All powers and duties Of management
 of the police and fire departments and control of the fire alarm ana telephcne | svetam shall be vested in said board,
 witb the mayor as member of said board, and chief conservator of the peace within | the limits of the corporation.
 The act establishes d merit system to
 be enforced by said board n the govern
 n,ent of the police and fire departments.
 It is, in effect, the creation of a civh service. and its object is to take these
 departments out of politics ana make
 in,. a,,1 ahiIitv rather than upon favor
 it,sn, rie, 1i as is sometimes the case in cities
 The The, mayor is to have immediate direction