The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-10-20

with reports of the various city of ticials. showing in detail the operation of the several departments for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30. 1903.
 The current revenue of the city for the year. as shown by the treasurer's re- port. was $265. .7006 69; expenditures. $276,- 232.03. showing excess of expenditures over receipts of $10,622s4. This. with the balance brought forward from the pre- vious year leaves to the credit of the general fund s11, ,255,40. This excess is less than 1t has been for a number of years. and should be Q source of scongratuiation to you. But for the continued litigation on street pavement Assessments under old laws necessitating the payment out of the general fund of large amounts which up to two years ago were paid out of special funds, the general fund would show a very much larger balance. The treasurer's report shows amount of un- paid paving tax to be 0,632. B, the larg- est proportion of which Is involved in pending litigation. It is to be hoped that this litigation will soon be settled In the meantime, however, 1t puts heavy demands on the general fund of the city.
 ''The report of the city attorney. to which I desire to call especial attention. and to which I shall refer more. fully further on. shows the present status of the litigation above referred to.
 Increased Tax Valuation.
 "In my first communication to the Council and every succeeding annual re- port I have referred to the unwise and unjust provisions of the constitution of the State in reference to assessments of property for municipal taxes. permit ting as 1t did large escapes of taxable property by practically tying the city's hands for two years. I am glad to re- port that so far as our city is concerned the wise and patriotic action of Mont gomerys delegation in the recent consti- tutional convention.
 Montgomery was fortunate in having among it's delegation gentlemen of long experience in it's municipal affairs both in the executive and legislative depart ments. The result of this change Is shown in an increase in taxable values this year of $S65 in the old city limits
 ''The lack of funds to the credit of the street paving account, which I have heretofore referred to, has been the cause of very little permanent work being com- pleted in the street department during the past year. The city engineers re- port shows in detail the work done.
 AS to Street Paving.
 "The improvements on Adams and Ala bama streets are we'll under way and will no doubt be completed by the con- tractors within their time limit. These improvements should be a source of the property owners when completed.
 "The spirit with which the property owners on these streets have met the wishes of the Council is commendable and Is further evidence of the fact so often repeated by me thata a large ma jority of our citizens are in favor of continual improvements in our streets and sidewalks.
 "The Council should be congratulated on the successful conclusion of long and tedious negotiations in reference to wid- ening Montgomery street between State and Goldthwaite streets. The grading of the Jost property by the recent purchas- CT is we'll under way. When completed, this improvement will be credit to the city.
 The fact that this work is being done. including several thousand dollars for work on surrounding streets. without cost to the city but at the expense of the street car company, shows the wisdom of your action.
 Gravel Pit Purchase.
 "The purchase of a gravel pit has been consummated and l am sure that it's benefit to the city will soon be demon- strated. The short time since its pur- chase has prevented any work being done towards utilizing the same.
 The operation of thes city water works during the past year has continued to show the advantage of city ownership of this public utility. so vitally affecting the life. health and comfort of the peo- pie. The supply of the very best arte- sian water continues ample for the clty's need.
 Reference to Exhibit ID attached to report of the superintendent of the water works will show the large amount used for city purposes free. This together with fire hydrant rental would have cost the city about $3OOOO if charged at rates de- manded by the former owners of the water works.
 Tn this connection. te repeat what I
 Continued on Page Eight)