Norwich bulletin., 1910-05-24
RECOMMEND TAX OF NINE MILLS
Action of the Court of Common Council Its Final Meet ing-Proposition to Exempt Taxes Turned Down Annual Reports Presented and Approved-Mik Or dinance Sanctioned-Mayor Lippitt Conqratuates Council on Its Work and Thanks are Exchanged.

l With the exception of two members, Alderman Ely and Councilman Lester, all the common council members were l in attendance Monday evening at the closing session of the fiscal year, at which action was taken on several im- portant matters. The finance commit tee recommended nine-milI tax, which was approved by the council ness were made. and petitions acted upon. Department reports were pre- sented and approved and the accom- panyIng financial statement shows that the council has gone through the year without the exceeding of an appropri- ation. except in street lighting, where in the cost of production is responsi- ble. as it is impossible to tell until that is figured what the lights have cost. The showing made is one high ly complimentary to the administra- tion
 The council being called to order at S.20 o'clock by Mayor Lippitt, the l reading of the journal was unanimous ly omitted.
 a grade on the northerly side of Ma pie Grove avenue was opened and there being no one to be heard. the grade was ordered established as rec west
 Hourigan Lane Improvement.
 John M. Thayer, William H. Shields and others reported that the way from Main to Church streets. known as Hourigan's lane. Is in bad shape and inconvenient for foot travel, and needs attention to make it safe, which they asked be given it. It was referred to the public works committee, who re- ported that the way is of varying and 20.3 feet at Church street hay ing two angles on the westerly side and one son the easterly. It is too steep for the safe passage of vehicles and the most feasible way to improve it is to discontinue so much of it as may not be required by foot passen- gers and construct suitable stairs and landings on the remainder. In 1871. a strip 5.5 feet wide was discontinued on the easterly side and sold to ad- joining property owners for $6S750. If any part of the remaining alley is discontinued it should be upon such owners and upon such terms as will at least defray the cost of the inn provement. The report was accepted
 Lillian $. Beckwith asked permission Church street with the public sewer at th8 foot of Church street, which, upon being referred to the public works committee, was granted.
 James C. McPherson asked the coun- cil for the privilege of cutting away the deadwood from two trees in front of his premises. No. 26 Laurel Hill avenue. It was referred to the tree warden.
 s1o,ooo for Industrial Building.
 Edwin A. Tracy and 29 others asked for the calling of a meeting of the city to take action on the following mat ter, or to incorporate it in the warn ing for the annual city meeting:
 ''To vote to exempt from taxation for period of years any individual partnership or corporation, which may hereafter locate in the city of Norwich and expend sum of money not less than $10,000 for land and buildings to be used for industrial purposes and Tn the employment of labor" 1t was re- ferred to the corporation counsel, who reported as follows:
 Such action if taken at a city meet ing, would be illegal void and of no effect; if such action were taken 1t would tend to deceive people who might erect plants relying upon the bodied in a vote of exemption, while such action would be rendered nuga- tory upon the application of any tax payer who might dissent from the ac ed a clipping from the Hartford Cour- ant which was partly as follows: No town has any authority to do such thing. Taxation is a state function. not the towns. All the taxes levied are under the state law If town should announce that it would exempt any factory that settled there, sim gle taxpayer could stop. the carrying out or LHo GOAlIdCl O1S concern is, fin fact. taxing all the oth- CTS in the community to help support that one privileged beneficiary Git iZens who believe their town will ben eft by bringing in new concern that cannot afford to pay it's own taxes may meet the situation by personally guar anteeing to pay its taxes for a fixed number of years out of their own pock- cts; but not they nor a majority of the citizens can lawfully make the town agree to do this It is primarily illegal; secondarily. it is unjust under imag gina'bIe conditions, unjust enough to amount to persecution The report was approved.
 The committee on fire department reported on the petition of Mrs Ellen Murphy for permission to erect a brick building corner of West Main and North Thames street, that it had