Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1903-09-19

1WlCErA-WEEK
ch 2nd, 1902: The report shows 1895.
in the hands Of the treasurer, avail
able for the next years expenses. The
verified accounts at this time, for
which warrants we're not yet drawn
were fully $40, 10000, and included in
the balance of s4365. was 1876. 80 of
taxes from the Levy of 1902. It will
thus be seen that the city was practi-
cally in debt 100000 instead of be-
ing ahead S4365. as reported. The
method of closing the fiscal year on
the 22nd of March, In order to get in
the March payments Of taxes appears
to have dated back several years. As
the date for closing the fiscal year, I'M
der the new charter, was changed, the
March payments should have gone to
the Credit of the year 1903. It in no
wise alters the conditions of the City's
finances, however.
This goes to show that the reports
were very misleading, for the above
mentioned report of March 22nd, 1902,
is fair sample of all the years covered
In this examination and to publish
them for the peoples information was
a, waste OF good money as they in no
wise reported the true state of affairs.
I have, or will, in arranging the &C.
counts for the future accounting Of
the City, submit a form of report
which will show the warrants issued
and unpaid and the verified budget of
bills carried over, for which warrants
have not been issued and which will
show the uncollected accounts for
supplies, labor and light, that can be
considered as assets. These reports of
the Clerk will show the amount of the
deposits to the various funds, and the
warrants drawn against the same, and
be a distinct report from the treasur-
ers.
I would further suggest that the
Water and Light Commission ascer-
tain the prevailing price for labor and
supplies in the installment of light in
other Cities of like size, regulating
their prices accordingly. The price OF
fixtures could be placed at certain
percent over the invoice price in order
to cover the expense Of ordering and
the freight, providing it was the de-
sire of the Council to have these goods
furnished at the cost price as has here
tofore been the custom.
Another matter, which came under
my observation, was the frequent in
ability to obtain a quorum at the
Council meetings. Certain members
were always prompt and ready to bear
the responsibility while others stayed
away. Every member of the Council
should be on hand, except in case of
sickness, and help deliberate and give
advice in every matter brought before
the Council. His ward elected him
for that purpose and he should make
it his duty to be present and take an
active interest in the affairs of the
City.
Iwould suggest that each alderman
be paid certain amount for regular
and special meetings, but that no alb
sent member receive such payment.
This would to some extent be an in
centive to attend.
In addition to the figures herein pre-
sented have caused to be made GER
tain statements and summaries which
will aid materially in understanding
the report herewith presented. These
statements are marked as follows:
Exhibit "E' containing a complete
summary of the receipts and deposits
to the Treasurer by the Recorder and
Clerk for the five years examined and
showing the deficit after the SETTLE
ment with the water and light CON-
mission.
Exhibit "F' showing the sales of
merchandise, labor and fixtures that
were sold on credit by the recorder, up
to April, 1902, as per his own accounts
on the ledger. The amount here
shown is S5774.44, and the unpaid at-
counts, now open on the ledger are
1862. 76, leavinga difference of S5411.6 60
which was presumed to have been
paid. In the report herein made, I
have not charged to his account but
S5387.91, going to show that if 1 erred,
it was in his favor. This exhibit is
only presented for this purpose.
Exhibit "G''. This is statement
showing the Water and Light receipts
and disbursements for five years, for
the purpose of demonstrating the
plants ability to pay its way and az
ford the City revenue. In the years
1899 to 1902 inclusive, the City did not
pay for the water and light used by
them, and the amount is therefore es-