The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1906-12-07
COUNCIL WANTS
EXPERT AUDITOR
Finance Committee Authorizes
Chairman Ferry to ConSid-
er Bids for Big Job
TO M0DERNIZE SYSTEM
CONTRACTOR MORAN TO GET
PAScOE LIME QUARRY.
TO MODERNIzE SYSTEM

As soon as a basis of payment can be
arrived at between the city and an ac-
cOuntant who is competent to audit all
Of the books of the various city depart
ments. all city accounts will be audited
and a new system of accounting will be
Instituted which will harmonic the-ac
counts in al offices and departments.
The finance committee of the council
took up the matter last night OF securing
an accountant for this purpose in accord
aLce with ii resolution introduced by
Councilman Ferry several weeks ago, ap-
DTOpTiating 5000 for the purpose of au-
citing the books Of all departments and
inSUguratifcg an elastic system of account
ing. which will meet the needs of the
city 8 constant and rapid growth and eX-
panSiOn. At the time this resolution was
introduced. It was shown that the ac-
counting systems in vogue are inadequate
and antiquated.
When the matter was taken up by the
committee last night. Councilman +. s.
FernstrOm stated that he recognized that
the books of the city are in bad shape in
so far as the method of accounting is
concerned. He called. attention to one
phase. which he said should be revised
at once. Ii was shown that no instruc-
lion has ever been given TO the city treas
ITTT as to the method OF collecting spec
ial taxes for improvements. Councilman
FerrstrOn said that this is a serious loop
hope by which grave errors might creep
into the city's finances. and he asked that
special attention be paid TO that matter.
Hire a Committee.
II was suggested by this councilman
that d number of experts be employed to
so over the books of the various depart
ments with the city auditor and city
treasurer and that this committee of eX-
Tcrts suggest the changes they deemed
most advisable
Attention was called to the fact that
the auditing department. does not audit
he az - of a. ~ ri
Conflicting instructions are given in many
instances with regard to the matter Of
collection and disbursement of funds in
the various departments. None OF the
departments seem To harmonic with the
others. none of them. as Councilman Fer
~ expressed it, "dove-tailed together
Banks Loaded With Scrip.
Tt was shown that under the present
financial system there j. "a surplus of city
Improvement and special tax scrip being
held by local banks
Councilman Ferry stated that applica-
ton for appointment as expert accountant
had been received by him as chairman
of the committee. from ]. ". Edmunds,
who audited the city books last fail for
the American party. ana who ran for
county auditor on the same ticket from
Mont Fisher. county auditor; and from
John Cruikshank chief clerk OF paSSen
ger accounts Tor the Oregon Short Line
Railroad company.
feTFF 10 OOiiCil DtQSs
Councilman Ferry said Jaat none of the
applicants had stated what charge they
would make for their services.
Councilman Ferry was authorized TO
solicit bids per diem from the expert &C
couutants 10 audit the city's books. us
ing Jan 1906. as a basis of beginning,
with authority 10 so as far back of that
date as maybe necessary to strike a true
balance in every department, for the pur-
I use of showing the actual assets ana
liabilities of each department and of the
city. As soon as these bids are received,
Councilman Ferry will call the committee
together and will take up further discus
sion of the matter.
Must Itemize acquisitions.
4 resolution introduced Dy Councilman
night and referred 10 the finance commit
lions for material or labor in the
various departments of the city shall spe-
officially state the character of labor To
be performed and in what particular ward
ct street such work or material is To be
used was taken up. The resolution was
recommended for passage. with the addi-
ttGTGl requirement that all acquisitions
must be presented to the council commit
Ice Thursday night and not he held over
Until the regular council meeting Mon
cay nights.
Smoke Law to Pass.
The committee on fire and Jaws recon-
mended the passage of the smoke nuisance
ordinance. which vas introduced last
Monday night, and which is sweeping IN