The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1909-01-08
Meter Light Rates Can Be Re-
duced.

We are aware Of the fact that the
management of the city water and
light plant is one Of the most vexing
questions with which the city admin
~istration has to deal. We would not
ia any way amplify the problems that
must give the administration no little
mental worry, but at the same time
we would remind these gentlemen
that lights come. mighty high to the
patrons Of our light plant. 1t may
be argued that the rate is less in
Grenada than in other towns of SINH
lar size in the state. We do not
know about that. But be that as 1t
may. that is not the question. One
great trouble with the world today is
because one-half is measuring what
they are able to spead by what the
other half is spending. Certain it is
that there are families in Grenada
who are paying more for lighting
their homes than they are able to
pay, and If they keep up the present
gait, and spend other things proper
tionately, somebody else will ere long
own their homes. Hence, n OF two
questions must be decided by many
families in Grenaoa, if the meter
rates for lights are not reduced, and
those questions are these: They
MIST either cut out electric lights or
make arrangements in due time, to
give up their homes. In The Sen
tinel Of February Is, 1908, we offered
some suggestions to the then city
administration about reducing the
meter rates on lights. We quote be-
low from that editorial, which is just
as pertinent o as then:
The cost Of furnishing electricity
and maintaining the street lights
throughout the town should be paid
out of the general CITY fund. The
lights increase the property
value of the town and add to the de-
s:rablenesS Of residence centers. Upon
the plan we suggest, the cost OF the
street lights would be borne by every
property owner in proportion to the
amount of his property. For example,:
in Memphis owns property here.
The value of his property is enhanced
by the street lights. but upon the plan
operation now, he contributes moth
ing towards maintaining a thing from
he is deriving a benefit. Our
plan is just. 1t is equitable and is but
in keeping with the theory that a man
shares in the benefits Of organized gov.
in proportion to the value OF
the property he asks the government to
protect"
Nobody will be foolish enough to
say that if there we're nc street lights
that the cost Of operating the light
PLAN would not be less. Somebody
pay for these street lights. Had
philanthrnpic individual, for
Instance, paid for the cost of the
street lights from the installation of
the light plant up till now, as a mat
5er OF course the treasury Of the
light plant would have been TO that
mount in better condition and the
ate for the incandeScent lights could
1ave been reduced. Whenever
family takes the lights in their
Tome they begin to pay for the street
lights, until then, they do not. This
s not fair. Every property owner in
1renada should be made to bear his
)rop~rrtionate part towards maintain
ng the street lights. If the council
S wise, they will embrace this oppor-
unity to give the patrons of the
plant cheaper rates. Ii they
10 NOT, they nut make Slre Il coming |
torn.
LATER As we 20 to press, we are
informed that the city council at its
Meeting this week, took some action
long the lines above indicated. They |
It least passed an order that Il charge
f $3.50 should be assessed monthly |
gainSt the general city tu:d for
lights. So far, so good. This is a
that the writer has several
INES discussed with different mem
'erS of the board.