Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1911-12-26
COMMISSION FORM
OF GOVERNMENT.

the future, but we believe it to be
generally conceded that the history
of our city presents a clean record
for honesty of purpose.
1t is an unfortunate fact, that
when the cost of living is high, tie
cost of government also increases;
and it is also true, that a growing
city, increasing in size and popula-
ton demands an increased expendi-
ture for public purposes, the money
for which must be raised by taxa
ton, whatever the system of gov
ernment may be. Conditions are
different, in localities where popu-
lation is decreasing, property de-
preciating in value, and where
there are no public improvements
demanded.
Our present system of city gov
ernment has provided, maintained
and extended a system of water
works, worth half a million dol
lars to the people of our city
Would the city own its waterworks
under commission system? Other
cities are making efforts to pur-
chase a water supply system for its
people, from private owners. There
is still portion of the costs OF
our water works unpaid. 1t is gen.
amount should in all fairness be
excluded in the limitations of city
Indebtedness.
In recent years it became neces-
sary to provide for a larger and
better water supply. 1t seemed
that it would be necessary to ex-
pend a very large sum of money
| to obtain satisfactory results. Our
city government under the present
system solved the problem at a
lower cost than was anticipated
Only a portion of the cost OF this
improvement was provided for by
the issue of bonds, and the excess
payments contribute at least in,
directly the present increase in
our tax rate.
Our present system of govern
ment has provided system OF
street lighting we believe cheaper
and more satisfactory, than that OF
any city in the state. The growth
of our city has demanded a con-
slant extension of the sewerage sys-
! tenn. The last of the large inter-
secting sewers deemed necessary
is now under contract Our street
paving requires an annual expendi-
ture and we challenge the truth OF
the statement that the cost of our
nacadam pavement is higher than
thai of any other city, when the
af ~ 4
arc considered.
The paving of third street was
done in the manner demanded by a
majority of the adjacent property
owners. The city's portion of the
cost adds to this years taxes. Our
city has school accommodations and
property of the value of nearly half
million dollars, and the annual
cost of school maintenance exceeds
100000, more definitely, accord
ing to the last report of the City
Treasurer, s143,77S. This, however,
includes the cost of the 9Th Ward
school, and its equipment, above the
bond issue.
The present years tax levy in
cludes $40, 200 more than last year
| for school purposes. II is not for
the purpose of criticism that we
state the fact that temporary loans
are being made during the latter
part of each year to carry on our
schools.
The school authorities also claim
that the cost of our schools per
capita, or according to the number
of children attending, is lower than
that of most cities in the state. And
that the cost can not be lowered
and the character and standing OF
our schools be maintained How
ever, the proposed change in our
city government in no manner con-
| templates a change in school man
agement.
Further increases in our tax rate
were caused by an increase in state
and county tax OF $500. Increase
and equipment of IRE d partment
$4,000. Increase for III. Board OF
Health, caused by an epidemic oil
| sickness among children, $4,000
and for the general fund of the city,
$4,000. principally because of de-
fcieneies in the healths, paving and
ornamental lighting departments
The total incrtas in taxes for this
year being $44,150.
The bonded Indebtedness of the
city is s271,4e0, as follows:
and extension. s101, ,00a
School bonds and loans. :. I14,40l
Sewer bonis. s. 28,00l
Street Improvement bonds. 5000
Fire protection bonds. -. 20, 1000
There are in addition temporary
loans, for school purposes. $4,000