Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-03-10

of $4,000 for the past fiscal yearand as the
order now stands obigates you to de-
fine the city's action or provide an
nually for the sum pledged. 1t is i'm
perative that you carefully investigate
the various departments and insist that
there be no overdraWn appropriations
for your successors to grapple with.
''ro sum up the financial status it is
only possible to raise Approximately
! $150 900 at the present rate of taxation
of 23la mills after adding to last years
valuation the new taxable property
shown by the building inspectors re-
port.
"Ordcr No So. passed, June ;, last
year. appropriated and committed for
tax levy, SIPS 900. 81. Deducting from
this amount the City building appro-
priation of $11 800 leaves Sill 403.65,
representing tn" regular appropriation
ana fixed charges of the past year.
The increasing demands for school
accommodations, new streets. extern
sion of sewerage system and other I'm
proVements i'm a rapidly growing city
like ours. makes it imperative that q
larger sum be raised than in 1902, es-
pcCially if we are to reduce the floating
debt passed over TO us by the outgoing
administration. This problem must be
worked out with the least discomfort
to our citizens who are now bearing I
heavy load. 1t is imperative that the
Board of Assessors amply themselves
assduoltsly to the read iustmeHt of the
tax system to the end that taxable
property now in hiding bear its pro-
portion of the common burden: that
the necessary funds be forthcoming
and that the tax rate be reduced as
soon as possible to 20 mills.
"A system that puts it's heavy hand
upon our merchants and manufacture
ers. who are the principal factors in
our municipal life and whose property
| is spread openly before the assessors
and al the same time refuses to locate
| the taxable property skulking in the
| dark is Il system which works only
| hardship to the classes above men,
| tened Such Il reimbursement would at
| once supply sufficient funds for more
and better school buildings. improved
streets and rapid reduction of the
permanent and floating debt. And [
| appeal TO all loyal citizens to use their
| best efforts to make such readjust-
| ment possible.
| 1t is our duty to see that the various
| departments are conducted with
economy and credit to the city: that
| In every instance the Expenditures are
| kept within the appropriations. The
| work of the street department should
| at all times reflect the conscientious
| work of Il commissioner endowed with
energy, push and devotion to the
| citY'S needs.
! Our poor must be properly cared
| for: our streets must be Well lighted
| our sanitary provisions must be ample
| and sufficient. for anything short of thls
is criminal negligence. Our police de-
partment must have upon its rolls at
| all times. men who in the discharge of
| their duties, will be always courteous
| and attentive to the public whose ser
| wants they are. Taking pa:i in the
| political affairs of their party while in
the discharge of their official duties
| Will not be tolerated. but will be
| sufficient grounds for discharge.
| Upon all committees it is your duty
| to place men of experience. judgment
| and reliability. This is particularly
] necessary on suca important COM