Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1904-10-09
HAS MONEY IN TILL
AND FREE OF DEBT,
Americas Makes a Splendid
Record.
DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS.
Floating Debt is Wiped Out, Bonded
Debt Reduced and Interest Paid
Big Increase in Values This Year Is
Made Over 1903.

With her property values increased
nearly quarter million dollars this
year over 1903, her floating debt en-
tlrelY wiped out, her bonded debt re-
duced by several thousand dollars, and
with money in her purse, Americus
feels pretty good, thank you.
In fact, it has been several years
since she felt as rich and prosperous as
at present
Aud every citizen. every taxpayer of
AmerIcus-c considers it condition for
sincere congratnlation. Reduced taxa
ton will follow this ear, thus adding
charm to the pretty picture.
1t has been many years since condi-
tons here were quite as good.
Much was accomplished last year,
ami much more has been done this
year Within this time the city g
"f5ating" indebtedness of $1,000 has
been entirely wiped out, and today
Americas has money in her chest and
does not owe dollar beyond her bon
ded debt.
And this is being reduced a, fast as
bondholders can be induced to sell the
city her own bonds.
For Americus is in the market; not
to sell bonds bat to take up and cancel
her bonds, issued many years ago and
not yet due for many years. But Amer
icus wants them.
To this end the present city council
created this year a bond commission,
consisting of Messrs g. M. Council,
W. N. Jones aud Frank Sheffield, we'll
known young bankers, who have custo-
of the city's sinking fund for the re-
tiremcnt of bonds falling due
During the year this commission
bought up several bonds due in 1900,
and drawing percent, thus saving the
city considerable in interest.
The city council has turned over to
the bond commission this year SIS, 900
for the sinking fund, and in addition
thereto has just paid to bondholders
the October semi-annual interest on
bonds outstanding, amounting to So, =
61O A good record for the year.
The city's total bonded debt Is now
only $136, 600 and extending oyer long
period of yeare. OF this amount $35, :
900 is a per cent bonds due in 1897;
the other bonps are per cente, paya-
BILE later.
This excellent financial condition re-
fec S creditably upon the presens city
administrator.
In addition 10 this splendid showing,
property values have incrt a. cd vastly
this year oven 1903, the gain this year
being $211, ZOO, or near the quarter
million mark The property returns
of white citizens is 50, sos, 458; that of
coIored citizens 1854, 1872.
TIE total property returns for the
city this year is $2.859, $50.
The council has spent large sums
this year upon street improvements,
but with the handsome increas in
property values, together with the
very healthy condition of the city finan-
cialiy, it is certain now that the tax
rate can be materially reduced this
year.
Mayor Hawkins and the entire coun-
Gil are to be congratulated upon the
fine exhibit thus made Mayor Hawk
ms administration has been very sue
cessful one and he deserves reelection
at the hands of the people without oppo
sition, which honor will doubtless be
accorded him.
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