The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-07-13
New Municipal Code Betters l Ci1 Government
BENEFIT FOR BIRMINGHAM
City Attorney Ed. Smith Discusses the Changes That Will Take Place In Local City Affairs Under the
 Propsed Measure.

Montgomery, July 12-( -(speciaD-Just how much the question of Greater Birming ham is wound up in the new municipal code bill as reported today is a problem tonight. Members of the Birmingham 5us- mess delegation say there is nothing new in the greater city idea, other than that the committee on local legislation has de- cided to report the King bill favoraby at the session next Tuesday. It is not ac- ceptable to the entire delegation, and will surely have a rocky road to travel.
 Of the municipal code bill, and it's rela- tion to Birmingham, so far as it would change the present charter provisions, City Attorney Ed Smith said tonight, after going carefully over the measure: Tn general powers granted for municipal pur- poses, the city of Birmingham will not suffer and in several particulars there will be distinct gain. So far as general municipal conditions in Alabama are con- cerned, the bill furnishes a system of government which might be said to be twenty years in advance of that now en- joyed in towss incorporated under the general law. The bill will make far bet ter governmental conditions in all such towns. The main changes, so far as Br- mingham is concerned, are in the govern mental body. The Mayor will be an execu- tive officer simply with the veto power.
 "The council will be composed of four teen aldermen, presided over by a presl- dent who is also a member of the body.
 Redistrctinq of City. Wards may be retained now consti- tuted, but in that event five aldermen must be chosen by the voters at large. Or the city may be redistricted into as many as fourteen wards But if that number be used there will be one from each.
 A less number than fourteen wards may be used, one from each. but in that case aldermen at large must be elected to make the total fourteen.
 The aldermen elected in May, 1905, will serve full four year terms and have the same extended to January l, 1910. The terms of those elected in 1907 will be TO- duced to expire with the others. The present Mayor will serve out his term. The election for mayor, president of the council and police commissioners will be held in September, 1908, the new mayor
 
 his term in 1909.
 "The president of the council and alder men chosen in 1908 go in office in Janu- ary. 1910, when the new organization of the board takes effect.
 "The general provisions Of the law, how ever. take effect practically at once. The present board exercises the powers con ferred under the new law until their suc- cessors are elected and qualified.
 "A police commission of three, composed of the mayor and two citizens elected by the people, the powers being in effect those now enjoyed by the Birmingham commission.
 School Board Smaller. "The board of education remains prae- tically as it is except that the member ship is reduced in time to five, the selec- ton being by the council, as is now the case in Birmingham.
 There is an optional power with re- gard to the creation of board of public works like that now in Mobile. "The police court of Birmingham be- l comes d recorders s court the judge elected by the council at expiration of the term of the present judge This court has con- current jurisdiction of misdemeanors and | in all such cases may impose penalties prescribed by state laws. It has exclu- l sive Jurisdiction of offenses against city 1 ordinances and in all cases tried before | it. A jury may be demanded upon appeal. More than one such court may be estab- | lished in the city.
 | "A great many of the duties now cared | for by the auditor will be put upon the | city clerk.
 'sThe scheme of assessment and collec- l ton of taxes which I referred to yester- | day, seems to be very complete. The most striking change in our system is that property taxes are to be listed Tn October and the assessment to be had about the first of November. They be- come delinquent on the first of January.
 Taxes on personal property are collect | able as now. on real property within three months. After delinquency a list is filed 1 in the chancery court and the lien IS | foreclosed in this court. the cost in each case being limited to s10, exclusive of the l advertising fee.
 | Upon redemption of property sold for l taxes there is 15 per cent penalty and | a E charge for reconveyance. Escapes may be assessed at any time within five | years.
 l ARAMA NOT IN TT