Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-06-07
TAXATION INCREASED
TAKOMA PARK MAKES PROVISION
FOR IMPROVEMENTS.
Reports Submitted to Town Council
Giving Estimates Of Receipts
and Expenses.

A meeting Of the town council. OF Takoma
Park. Nd, was held last night at O'Clock
in the chapel of the Takoma Presbyterian
Church. The meeting was presided over by
Councilman Isle Morrison, in the absence
of Mayor ]. B. Kinnear, who is in st. Paul,
Mimi. in connection with government
work. The following councilmen were pres
emit: E. E. Blodgett, C. w. Scudder, ]. H
Van Houten, E. M. Douglas and J. B. Der
rick. with Ben g. Davis, town clerk
The question of increased taxation was
discussed. with the result that two ordi-
nances were adopted, which are Of great In
terest to property owners residing within
the corporate limits of Takoma Park, Md
Section one of the ordinance provides for
a general tax Of IS cents on each 500 of
assessed value of the real property within
the limits Of Takoma Park Md, as shown
by the assessment adopted June last. Tho
object OF the ordinance is stated for NUM-
cipal purposes.
Section two of the ordinance provides for
an additional tax of IS cents on each 500
of assessed value of the real property with
IN the limits OF Takoma, Md. for the pay
ment of interest, the creation of a sinking
fund and the operation and maintenance
of a waterworks and sewage system. The
total taxation on each 500 last year was
70 cents on real property and 80 cents for
tIe sinking fund and water works system.
The matter of operating expenses of the
] town for the ensuing year also received its
share of consideration.
When the council took charge of affairs
two years ago the town was 81, 900 in debt,
with but $50 In the treasury. Within that
period the council has cleared off the debt,
and when the newly elected council took
hold last night, which Is practically the
same council with the exception of one
member the books were clear of indebt-
edness, with exception Of the water and
sewer system bonds, for which funds are
sat acid oh gro1 L.
The increase in the taxation will undoubt-
eddy come as a surprise to large number
of the residents affected by the increase,
but it is argued that when the vast amount
of improvements as contemplated by the
council are complied, the citizens will be
greatly benefited. as a result. Only one
member of the council voted against the
increase.
Water and Sewer Committee Reports.
Previous to adopting the resolution In
creasing the taxation, Councilman Douglas
chairman Of the water and sewer commit
tee submitted report, feature Of which
was an estimate of the proposed improve
ments about to be commenced by the coun-
ell and other items. The estimates for the
ensuing year were as follows: Engineers
salary. 5000; Oil, gasoline. etc. $475; repairs
to pumping plant, water mains, sewers,
filter and sundry expenses. SIS; payment
follows: expense on account of change In
location OF sewer farm, estimated cost,
IS, 200, of which the Seventh Day Adventists
agree to pay 81, 200, and abutting property
owners 81 200, leaving So, 800, to be paid in
five installments, 500 the first year and
$500, with interest, each succeeding year,
until the fifth year, when 5000 will be paid;
extension of water main Carroll avenue,
less payments by abutting property owners,
500: interest on $4,000. water and sewer
bonds at per cent. 81 400: sinking fund,
$780, making the total liabilities, $500.
The receipts for the same period were
estimated to be as follows: Water rents,
81 300: tapping water mains, $780, making a
total of 81 400, leaving balance of $500
to be raised by taxation, or at the rate of
seventy-five cents on each 800.
In concluding Its report the committee
recommended that the tapping Of water
mains and the inspection of the .plumbing
be placed under the direction of the water
and sewer committee. 1t being the belief OF
the committee that the town should receive
the benefit Of any income derived from
these sources
The report of the town treasurer for the
month of May was submitted and approved
by the council. The report showed receipts
for the month as follows: Water rents.
$35 06: permits, 50; balance on hand last re-
port $22AT7 making Iotal balance OF
So. 2SS IS The disbursements during the
same period were: Pumping piantsexpenses,
$34 40; water works. .$124.65: sewer system,
81 O47 so; street work. material, labor. &C.,
$125.9S: street lighting, $24SO; general ex-
"a Ri. making a total Of 81 .57e.38. leaving q
balance on hand Tor the incoming council
v the auditing committss submitted bills