The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1907-03-08
coon ROADS THE ISSUE.

on the road question for fulton
county, and although We have heard
but a few favorable comments on
our view Of the situation, those few
have proven conclusively TO oar
minds the fact that something can
be done, and must be done, and this
year
Nov there is a diversity Of oPin-
ion about the system that shonld be
adopted by which We shall secure
and maintain good roads in the
county. There are two methods by
which this much desired purpose
may be attained. One way is for
the Fiscal court TO merely levy a
road tax. and provide that the taxes
derived from that levy be used to
maintain the roads. The other is
for a special election to be ordered
for the purpose Of issuing bonds. Il
requires only two-thirds majority
vote to issue bonds. The latter in the
Courier's opinion. is the most desira-
bic step 10 be taken. Our idea is
this Let there be $4,000 worth
Of forty year bonds issued. Take
this money and expsnd il upon the
roads, make good read beds, pat
the roads in a good condition 70
begin with, in order that the expense |
afterward will not be so great 70
maintain them. Then, let there be
a twenty-five cent road tax levied.
This levy will furnish the county
$40. 900 a year. Out Of this amount
can be paid the IS. 900 a year inter
est on the bonds. leaving 81 900 a
year which can be put into a sinking
fund, for the purpose Of paying the |
bonds when they are due. This
bonded Indebtedness can be paid IN
forty years at the rate Of Sl,2S0
year. We have 81 900 a year 70
pay il with. The 1000 can be paid
into a sinking fund, and loaned out
With good security at six per cent,
and the interest from year to year
will be compounded or il seen TT,
a lesser amount can be paid into the
sinking fund, and the balance can
be used as additional funds towarG
maintaining the roads. And still
another solution. II the $1,000 a year
looks to large, is too levy a IS cent
tax instead Of a IS cent tax. This
would produce $4,000 levy, and
after paying the $1,000 interest
would leave 5000 to apply on the
sinking fund.
Nov some OF you will say you are
opposed to the bonds being issued
because your children and grand
children will pay the indebtedness.
Not so; while It is true the indebt-
edness sill be paid forty years hence
you are helping to accumulate that
money every year, and so is every
other man who may pay taxes in the
county for the next forty years, and
This Is as il should be, for they viii
get the benefit Of the good system
Of roads which will then be adopted
and maintained, and for which you
have been paying your portion. The
advantage IN our opinion, Of the
bonds, Is that When the bonds are
issued, the money is available and a
good system can be adopted, a good
substantial road bed made, and as
We have said before, the cost Of
maintaining will be less hereafter,
than II merely tax be levied and
the proceeds Of the levy be used
each year as funds become available.
We have expressed our opinion Of
the best method, and will be pleased
TO have anyone who is interested,
express theirs, through the Courier,
or TO the Courier personally, so that
We may let the public see what you
think.
The regular term Of Fiscal cour,
meets in April let US Pu, a shoulder
10 the wheel. and see If We can not
accomplish something-for We have
alieady realized that tie hour of
need is at hand.