The Washington herald., 1912-12-04
COMMISSIONERS
ASK UTILITIES LAW
Other Needed Legislation Urged in
Annual Report to the
President.
DISTRICT OWES $35,0o1.37
IN PENSION BENEFITS
Needs of Assessors Office Dealt
: With-Park Projects
Urged.

In their annual report made to Con-
gress yesterday the District Commits
sioners recommended the immediate en-
actment Of the public utilities bill. the
acquisition of additional land fer park
properties. the establishment of a mu-
nicipal garbage reduction plant an in
crease In the police force and the re-
placement Of the hoFse-drawn by motor
propelled fire apparatus.
The recent rapid development In the
District is the basis upon which the
Commissioners renewed their recommen-
dalton for the establishment Of a public
service commission. Many questions
have arisen sin the operation of public
utilities in the District which need to
be handled by such a commission they
say. At present there is no one vested
with power and authority to investigate
and to make rules remedying the ex-
listing evils or to properly enforce such
rules. Owing to this lack OF authority,
there is no data 10 show the business OF
rates charged whether capital stock is
not watered and whether extensions OF
the street car system should be made
by the present companies or new COM
panies incorporated.
Need New Laws.
Throughout their report the Commits
Cdll attention 10 Ine various
needs in the way of new legislation and
additional appropriations. No con-
spicious new works are urged. save
the provision OF a bridge over the rail-
road tracks. at Benning to eliminate
one of the most dangerous crossings in
the District.
The Commissioners again call atten-
ton to the necessity of an increase in
the police force. They suggest that the
increase in population and public and
private interests calls for the elimina-
ton OF the clause now contained in the
bill intended to reduce the police force.
The value of taxable real estate in
the District is $330. 122. 4S7, and of per-
sonal property. s29.6O9.16
The total tax collections for the year
amounted to $S.633, 1885.
Immediate enactment Of the bill for
the creation Of a police and fremen's re-
lief fund is urged. AS the result OF the
deficiencies in the fund for the year
1911 and 1872 the District is now indebted
to its pensioners in the sum Of SS5p 81.
Park Projects Urged.
The acquisition for park purposes of
Klingle Ford Valley. Piney Branch
Valley. and Mount Hamilton Park The
estimated cost OF the proposed purchase
is 100000. An item OF $4,000 for the
condemnation OF small park areas at the
intersection of streets is also included
in the bill.
Necessity OF an additional pool at the
municipal bathing beach is urged.
Emphasis is laid on the need OF trans
portation facilities to Rock Creek Park.
They recommend the extension OF the
street railway systems.
An annual instead OF a triennial as
sessment OF real estate is recommended
and attention is directed to the need
for an increased clerical force to aid
the assessors in field work.
The immediate enactment OF the bill
providing for the enforcement by q bill
in equity Of liens upon real estate &C
quired through tax sales is asked. II
is necessary that this or some similar
measure be passed to insure the col
lection OF tax arrearages, according to
the Commissioners.