Rocky Ford enterprise., 1903-05-22

I y
sewerage questions as ! see them
and | hope you will discuss the
subjects fully and freely, as II
must be gotten fairly before the
people before final action is taken
Rocky Ford is no longer a vii
lagc. Its growth has been Sc
rapid that il has become city
in so short a time that We fail to
recognize il as such. and the re-
suits are, other. cities with nc
greater population and much less
resources surpass us III munich
pal improvements. While ! dc
not advocate too rapid strides,
nor action without careful dclib'
Grafton. | do feel that the con-
sidcration OF these matters
should be taken up at the carli-
est possible moment.
In the recent municipal cleo.
ton, both platforms declared cm-
phatically for better water works
and a sewer system. We will
therefore be expected to move
forward along these lines with
out any unnecessary delay, pub
lie sentiment and the needs Of our
city demanding II.
All advance movements meet
with criticism. and We must cx-
pcct our share II we act at all. We
as city council are not doing
business for today. two years. or
lifetime only, but for future
generations as well. Improve
mcnts made must therefore be ri
n lasting nature when possible
of value and profit to both pres
cnt and future.
Large and successful private
corporations, and the u. ),
government as well. make i'm
provcmcnts with a view to dur
ability. considering the first out
lay OF money subordinate to per.
mancncy and future results
Shall we not on their experience
act accordingly: -r
II is not wise nor necessary
that the builders Of city should
sacrifice all comforts and benefits
for future generations. nor just
that future generation be exempt
from bearing their share OF the
fnancitl burden. in proportion &c
benefits derived. Future inhab
itants of a city arc benefited by
present permanent improve
ments. as we'll as are we OF the
present time.
Former city officials have don,
their best, and well, considering
the obstacles with which they
have had to contend, for the,
have virtually built city in thu
heart OF a desert, without fund.
or property values with which te
work. and surely deserve much
praise. We OF today have thu
benefit OF their experience.
We are now on a firm working
basis. with resources abundan
ana established. Shall we idly
await the action of future coun
cils to bring about improvements
the comforts and profits Of which
we should be enjoying at the
present time. What are the con
ditions prevailing. and with wha
have we to contend.
First-The city has now :
floating outstanding warrant in
debtedness Of about S2o,ooo.oo
accumulated OF necessity during
the sixten years of its incorpor
ated existence. drawing 8 pei
cent interest per annum. Thi:
amount cannot be reduced under
existing conditions, but will con
tinue to grow larger. To realize
cash on these warrants the hold
er must suffer an average dis
count of 6 per cent, making i
necessary for the city to pa,
more for work and material thar
would be necessary II the war
rants represented cash. This
with the 8 per cent interest. cost:
the city about 100000 per an
mum.
Second-The artisan watel
supply, amounting only to 25e
gallons per minute, is entirely in
adequate for our present needs
1869 gallons per minute bein.
little enough fer all purposes
The surface weil We ars nov
sinking we believe will furnisf
this amount, but this water viii
not be suitable for domestic o.
bath room purposes, being alkal
and hard. We must therefore
keep this and the artisan wate'
separate.
Third-The present wate'
mains and pipe lines do not have
sufficient carrying capacity fo'
our present needs, reaching "a
they do but about one-third o
the city, and eannot possibly b