News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1905-04-19
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Ex-Trustee Stafford Gives His Views on
Village Affsirs

Village Aff5irs
There has been much discussion in
regard to the action taken at the
last village meeting, in reference to
the reduction in the village tax.
This question has led TO general
discussion of village affairs and the
NEWS AND CITIZEN, wishing to give
the public the best possible under
standing of the situation, believes it
accomplishes that end in the follow
ing
When asked his opinion in regard
to the action Of the recent Village
meeting Mr.. Stafford said:
think upon reflection, that we
made a mistake in not raising a tax
Tor the hepurpose of lighting our streets.
There is an expense incurred in so do
ing, solely for the benefit of the public
and in my opinion the public should
pay the bills.
Would you think it advisable to
raise tax for lighting the streets?
| would suggest, that we raise a
tax OF ten cents on the dollar of the
Grand List for lighting the streets,
which would probably yield about
5000, whereas in the past we have
raised for this purpose by tax $1O5O.
and would abolish tax for hydrants,
which we have heretofore raised,
amounting to $500, as there is very
little actual cash expense incurred in
their maintenance and because tho
water plant is almost universally
patronzed by the residents of the
village. AS the expense of mainte-
nance is paid for out of water receipts
each one contributes thereto, where
as in the Electric department if tax
is not raised for lighting the streets,
those who are patrons of that de-
partment must pay the bills as the
expense incurred is paid out of the
electric income"
Would you recommend a reduction
in water and light rates?
II think we are all agreed that it is
an opportune time to reduce our in
come and in addition to the reduc.
tion resulting from cut of ten cents
on the dollar in the tax rate, |
would advise that we make a dis
count OF ten per cent on water and
light bills if paid on or before the
10th day OF July and January.
l think such discount will induce
great many property owners to
wire their houses, and also create, be
cause of it's cheapness, a more liberal
use of the current by all users of it,
with the result that the reduction
made will soon be regained in increas-
ed earnings, as we can take care of
large increase in demand without
corresponding increase in operating
expense"
If these reductions are made, how
would you provide for the payment
of the present Indebtedness OF the
village?
II think we should refund our
bonded indebtedness, making the
came payable at the rate of two
thousand dollars per year, and no
more. would defer the date of ma
turity of the first bond in the series
until such time as, meanwhile, the net
earnings of the Water and Light plant
will provide funds sufficient to COM
plete the development of the power
plant now under way; make such ad-
ditions to our water supply as seems
necessary and rebuild the roof over
the upper reservoir. Then | would
make such further discounts from
time to time on water or light rates
or both as the condition OF the reve-
nue. and the relative cheapness of
water or lights warrant, reducing the
rates in this manner so as to provide
only sufficient net revenue to pay
the bond maturing in each year and
reasonable sum to be used
for the creation of a sinking fund
with which to meet any extraordi-
nary expense, which may occur from
such causes as damage to dynamo,
dam being washed out etc. ETC."
Do you favor calling a special
meeting?
"I do, and l think that we can
then arrive at some solution of the
matter which will be satisfactory
and equitable to all concerned"