The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-06-01
COMMISSION GOVERNMENT.
What Some Cities Have Done Under
the Commission Form of Govern
ment.

plan in effect in 1908. The commits
sion has reduced the bonded Indebt-
edness by s112.95O, while the tax rate
has remained stationary Kansas is
prohibition State, but Leavenworth
has always defied the law and allow
ed the saloons to exist, subject to
periodical fines which brought in $50
900 year. The commission closed
the saloons and disposed Of this IL
legal revenue without disturbing the
tax rate. Over $4,000 was spent in
special improvements the first year AS
against an average of $25, 900 in pre-
Vious years. In the first two years
street were paved as against twelve
miles in the preceding Twenty-Five
years.
Haverhill. Mass.--COmmission plan
in effect in 1909. The first years re-
port under the new plan showed
saving of 1890 in running expenses.
When the commission took hold the
financial status of the city was very
bad. II had reached both its debt
limit and tax rate limit and was
steadily falling behind in it's pa,--
ments Appeals We're being made 70
the legislature for an extension of the
tax rate limit, but this extension has
now become unnecessary. In addition
the city has voted no license. the
revenue from the saloons being no
longer needed. The commission has
been fighting a big battle against the
gas and electric light monopolies 10
obtain lower rates for the city and
for private consumers, and has oh
tanned from the people permission TO
resort to municipal ownership if nee
essary. There was fierce political op-
lpOsitiOn to the commission at the en-
IpiratiOn Of its first term. but it was
reelected. Party lines in Havcrhil,
which was formerly Republican
INAs, iioNC pSCh tOlIpltttlH DIOkeU.
The commission consists of two DEM
ocrats. two Republicans and a Social
list.
| Gloucester, Mass.-Commission plan
in effect 1909. The first years re-
port showed all bills paid and a re-
ductiOn in the city debt of $4,000.
1T is claimed that the roads and
Istreets have been better kept IT
$4,000 less annual expense The city
bookkeeping has been reformed and
the commissioners point to a reduc.
tiOn in the expense of caring for pub
lie property.
| Keokuk, Ia.-Commission plan in
effect 1909. When the plan went into
effect the city treasury was empty
land there was floating debt Of
20 per cent Of the annual revenue of
the city. After six months COM
mission government, the city began
Operating on cash basis and the
bonded Indebtedness decreased by
$500 More than double the
lamount of street improvements made
in the corresponding six months OF
the preceding year was made, while
for less thar one-half of the results
accomplished in the street department.
this year for $11 500 the city paid last
lyear $4,000. 1t has been the custom
To borrow from 5000 10 $50. 900 to
carry the city over from the be-
ginning of the council year to taXpay-
ing time in August. on that amount
the city would pay per cent interesr.
This year the commissioners did not
borrow. Instead of paying interest
they managed to keep cash balance
in the city depository on which the
city realized interest.
Kansas City, Kan.-Commission
plan in effect 1910. When the new
regime commenced it was found that
Ia deficit of $40. 600 i'm the annual ex-
pcnse was imminent. by energy in
collecting licenses. dog taxes, taxes
on street cars and telephone poles
$ 900 more was collected in nine
months than in the previous year
SioN Falls s. D.-Commission plan
adopted 1909. In this city of $1,000
population IL debt of 100000 has
been paid off i'm two Years. The float
ing debt is being reduced and the
ISinking fund accumulated.
Colorado Springs, Colo.-CommiS-
been most evident in appointments,