Bisbee daily review. [volume] (Bisbee, Ariz.) 1901-1971, 1912-12-12
MUNICIPAL OWNERSHIP
or WATER SYSTEM.

or WATER SYSTEM.
The Review is of the opinion that
it is well for beth the Bisbee-Naco
Water company and for the water
consumers that the state corporation
commission has inaugurated an ex-
animation into the conditions of the
Bisbee water service, including rates
charged Judging by experiences of
other public utility companies in the
state with the corporation commits
sion the local water company viii
not be deprived OF a reasonable profit
on their investment, over all main.
tenance and operating expenses. On
the other hand the consumers viii
have the satisfaction Of knowing that
he is 70, paying more than a reason.
able amount Tor the services.
OF all the public utilities that of
providing water is the most import
ant to every city and community. 1t
is a necessity and the desire is to
have an abundant supply and Of good
quality Concerning the supply and
the quality there is no reason for
complaint against the Bisbee-Naco
company. the complaint is that the
rates are too high.
More and more throughout the
country cities are acquiring their own
water service and the rule is that the
people owning their own water ser
vice have the cheapest service. In
Arizona the cities OF Phoenix, Tue
son, Prescott. Globe and Douglas
long ago bought their wafer systems.
In all Of these cities If there are
profits on water consumed By the
citizens. it automatically is returned
to their pockets by the lowering Of
their water tax.
In our neighboring city of Doug.
las the taking over of the water sys,
TEN from the Douglas Improvement
company has proved to be splendid
bargain. although many people there
believed that the price paid for it was
very nigh. Douglas voted s575,0O6 in
bonds for the purchase, extension and
Improvement Of its water service.
Under municipal ownership Doug
las has been able 70 put aside every
month its bond-redemption sinking
fund. pay the current inteIest and
provide a liberal amount to cover de
probation. After making these
monthly provisions for the bonds and
plant The water rate has beer sub
stantialy reduced, as for instance
the. old minimum rate was 50 per
month FOR 2Oo0 ballons of water, now
this rate is $3.50 for 5000 gallons.
Douglas is mentioned only as
nearby example OF successful ra1nici'
pal ownership that has lowered the
cost Of the water service after all cost
for IFS ACQUISITION and operation has
been met. other cities may not be
dong as well for lack Of equal ell
cheney in. management, but the Re
REV believes that it would be vel
eor the city Of Bisbec 70 look into the
matter Of owning its water service
with an ohicial physical value OF me
existing system and with a fixed
amount as profit on this investment
Risbee ought to be able to strike q
fair bargain. With proper control q
municipal owned plant would nc
doubt carry the required bonded deS'
and besides nike material reduction
IN rates.
The Review would not advise mini
,,fFal ownership Of public utilities a.
a rule but We are in favor Of the
people owning such necessity az
the water system wherever it is pos
sible TO do 50.
Think it over. The prOri'iols TINS
is drawing near