Semi-weekly herald., 1910-10-20
MAYOR ooooMAN's REcoMMEN
DATiONS.

Concerning the appropriations for
the ensuing year, 1t Is hoped there
will be no material changes in the
amounts asked for by the different de.
partments last Thursday evening. In
view of the fact that there will be a
greater amount of street work to do
next year than was done in 1910. 1t Is
certain that $4,000 will not fully carry
out the work. The work done upon
the streets the past year is barely a
beginning OF what should be done, and
the good start made by this council,
should be taken up and continued by
the new board. and feel that we
owe 1t to them to make our appropria-
tions as liberal as possible
In the matter of bridges. it Is con.
ceded by all that the bridge to the
cemetery and the one across Junction
creek In North Durango, are badly
needed and l hope you Will see your
way clear to leave 1t as it stands
$4,000.
at an estimated cost of $4,000, is an
improvement that the taxpayers and
residents of South Durango are sorely
in need of. and In addition to draining
said section of the city, will tend to
increase the value of all property in
Its vicinity.
Referring to the increased appropria
tion asked for by the board of pub
lie library, amounting to $4,000. max
ing the total appropriation $4,000. is
matter that deserves your earnest
consideration and approval. From
personal knowledge, as a member OF
the board, know that no institution
in the city has been conducted upon
lines any more economical than has
the Durango library. 1t is, however, a
fact, that $4,000 win not maintain the
running expenses, purchase OF books,
needed improvements, etc. The build
ing at present, owing to its increased
number of patrons, is outgrowing its
original accommodations, and more
room. more shelves and more fixtures,
etc. must be provided, and the board
feels that $4,000 will be required to
meet this additional expense, the com.
ing year.
The increase In appropriations as
talked over Thursday night, amount
ing to about $500 more than in 1910,
will necessitate, as you are all aware.
an increase in the tax levy of four
mills, but. as suggested by the city
attorney, by reappropriating the funds
that will remain unexpended this year
this levy can be reduced two mills.
While 1t may work little hardship
upon few people to meet this in.
crease, the fact remains that the peo.
pie as a whole will be benefited by
the improved condition of the city. AS
is well known, the physical condition
oil Durango when this council took
charge eighteen months ago, was de.
plorable in the extreme The fire de,
partment, street department, pipe line
and water system, streets and walks
were all in need of a general upbuild
ing, and while much still remains to
be done, this board has made good
showing. considering the means at its
disposal,
The increased appropriation asked
is intended for, and will enable the
incoming council to make the follow
ing Improvements:
Steel or concrete bridge over juno
ton creek in North Durango.
Bridge over Animas river leading to
cemetery.
Addition of fixtures, etc, to public
library.
Removing frame buildings on city
lots on Second avenue and Tenth
street and building addition on east
side OF city hall. for fire apparatus.
etc
Storm sewer in South Durango.
One additional street sprinkler.
Hoping you will consider these prop.
ositions favorably, am.
Respectfully,
GEORGE GOODMAN.