Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1906-07-04

Mayor Heitfeld i'm his message IN
the city council said in part as fol-
lows:
1t has been the city's good fortune
during the past year to successfully
negotiate the sale of $62. 500 bonds
though the inception of this move
ment. should be credited to the preyi-
Gus administration In addition ia the
benefit accruing from reduction Of
interest from Z per cent to 5 per cent
on the above amount. Lewiston il on
cash basis for the first time in MANY
years. Strict economy consistent with
good results has been closely adhered
to. sinking fund amounting to over
$1,000 has been provided, and the
condition Of our finances is most graf
flying.
Having accomplished this much de-
sired result. would that this condi-
ton be maintained by rigid economy,
consistent with good service and good
results. would recommend the con-
tinuation Of the efforts to secure in
terest on city deposits; the continue
ton of the effort to create a sinking
fund for the redemption Of the bond
Indebtedness, and the proper invest
ment OF this fund SO as to be Of ad-
vantage to the city. further recon-
mend careful scrutiny Of all
amounts likely to be necessary for the
ensuing year, in order that the proper
financial policies may be carefully
outlined at the time OF the annual tax
levy in September. In order that there
may be no improper value credited to
the betterments for the past year. I
would recommend. that the city clerk
be authorized to make a charge Of a
certain percentage for depreciation
calculated to equal that loss, with
such other adjustments. as an in
crease in value of realty owned by the
city.
improvements in Departments.
A marked improvement is noticed In
the matter of city records. In the Of
flee Of city attorney. docket OF all
cases has been provided. showing the
status Of every case in which the city
is interested.
In the office Of city clerk the most
noticeable improvement is the adop-
ton of the loose leaf record system.
The system of bookkeeping used in
/ this office for the past fifteen months
! has resulted in great good to the city
! The system is comprehensive and sim
Pile enables the council to ascertain
easily the amounts expended by the
various departments and in many
ways facilitates the affairs of the city
Record improvements is also to b,
noticed In the offices of engineer, fir
| department., street commissioners
health officer. superintendent of waite
works. superintendent of parks an'
cemeteries and the police departments
1t would greatly assist if the codif
cation of the ordinances We're complet
ed and published without delay.
Another matter requiring attention
Is the revision Of our charter. Gu
present charter was apparently draw
without careful investigation of wha
l would therefore suggest. that a char
ter commission be appointed at al
early date to recommend whateve
changes may be necessary.
City Water Department.
The present water system has BEEF
operated by the city since July II
1907. At that time it furnished a waite
supply for from 400 to $50 patrons. o
q population OF $500 people.
The original cost of the plant to tn
city Of Lewiston. was So 600 at pres
ent there are S75 patrons and the est
mated value Of the plant is $1S4OHO
There has been some criticism. base,
| on the failure of the city to reduce tn
| rates. which I understand was prom
Used by the adherents of the move
the year just passed. l have investi
gated the conditions to ascertain
whether such criticism is deserved
ma that during the time OF privat,
ownership. the city paid s125 per yea
Tor each hydrant. besides additiona
allowances for the use of water IL
public buildings and for street sprink.
ling. Since the plant was taken oveI
by the city. with the exception Of
$4,000 raised by taxes in 1905) M
credit has been given the water de-
partment for these purposes
1t can readily be seen that wher
the water plant ia given credit for the
81 hydrants now In use, the water usef