The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-02-18
REF 0R|M NOTE SOUNDED
by CON ROLLER BROWN.
SUGGESTS CUTTING DOWN OF
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.
communicated Recommends that Pub
lie Work Be Gut in Halves Until Re-
volving Fund Catches Up With Ex-
penditures-Asks that Set Sum Gov
ern Annual Drain on Fund.


council committee on ways and means
has received a communication from
City Controller Dan G. Brown giving
in detail the condition of the revolv-
ing fund for the construction of per-
manent improvements, particularly paw
ing, sewers and curbing. There is al
ready cash deficit of 81, 725 against
the city's portion and unless the coun
ell calls halt this amount will be
greatly increased. 5f ,'.s. - "
This state of affairs has grown out
Of the practice Of making improve
ments before the money is actually
available and the exact cost determined.
In his statement for the work last
year, Mr., Brown shows that there was
allowed by the board Of tax levy for
the city's portion on paving, sewer and
curb work, the sum of 100000, ito
which was added a balance Of $3l ,274
from the sale Of permanent improve
ment bonds in 1903. There was thus
available for the city's portion last
year $l3S,274. AS city engineers esti-
mates called for $150,000 for this pur-
pose there is thus cash deficit of
$11,725. .s<
For this year there is supposed to be
available for the city's portion $685.
900, but from which last years deficit
must be deducted, leaving only $113,-
274 available. If there is as much
work this year as last, and this seems
to be contemplated, the deficit at the
end Of the year will exceed $4,000.
The county auditor has spread on
the books for collection this year as
sessments for sewers, paving and curb
ing, aggregating $29S,35S. By over
expenditures there is a deficit of
$51, 412, which leaves only $246,946
available from the revolving fund.
This, with the $113,274 coming for the
city's portion, leaves only $360,221 to
be expended in 1906. While it does not
appear in Mr.. Browns statement it
might be stated that it is planned to
expend about $4,000 in permanent
improvements this year, or about $780,
is available. sL
Mr.. Brown calls attention to the fact
that the method Of making appropria-
tions from the revolving fund is very
different from that originally intended
and the result is that this fund of more
than a million dollars has been de-
pleted by more than 100000. Instead
of waiting until the money is actually
in the hands Of the city treasurer, the
city is now anticipating the payments
which are expected to be made, and
these expectations are rarely realized
This is wrong from a business stand
point and contrary to the provisions OF
the charter.
I Mr.. Brown recommends that the per
:manent, improvements be cut down
fully one-half for several years, or I'M
til the revolving fund contains enough
for one years. work incluolng the city's
portion from the permanent improve
ment fund; that all revolving FUND
work be stopped absolutely for ONT
wear in order that the fund be built
up where it should be; that the amour
to be expended annually from the re
.volving fund be determined absolutel.
by the city controller and city enginee
before any work is done; that the coun
ell shall not order improvements in ex
cess Of the amount found to be avail
able. 49,
To comply with these suggestion
will not be pleasant duty for the cit,
council, in view Of the clamor from al
parts of the city for improvements. Al
the city fathers admit the necessity o
REFORM but do not relish the task.
Alderman Satterlee has called a meet
ing Of the committee on ways an
means for next week and at that tim
will interview the city controller a
greater length. It will be a most in
portant conference for the city, for
will undoubtedly have as one result
L great diminution in the amount Of pull
lie improvements for this year.