Abbeville progress. (Abbeville, Vermilion Parish, La.) 1913-1944, 1913-04-26

Our charge under the S2.50 monthly
minimum is 10 cents per kilowatt, althou
much is sold at much lower than that.
Thus proving an entire loss. Our water
is sold at the some ratio.
We supply the municipality with over
/ S525.OO service monthly and receive only
| $50. CO. Showing loss TO the system i'll
this particular instance of S27S.00
monthly.
1t is easy to see that if we received
that amount and added it to the other
revenue it would never be necessary for
this system to be behind, nor would the
municipality pay for insurance, painting
of tower and tank, etc. All of which
payments will not average over $4,000
per year. lust a bit over what one
month service is worth.
See how the private consumers could
be benefited, see how the system could
be maintained
The difference between now received
500. 90 per year and s.. 900. 90 we should
receive would permit lower rate to
private consumers and better equipped
system, We are now at that place. Right
where il is necessary for YOU gentlemen
TO do something. because I cannot.
am at TIE end Of my resources. My
fuel oil contract expires tomorrow, the
18th, aud the price Of oil is advanced.
am now paving Si.d9 Per barrel of
~ gallons delivered and am asked at
the end of my contract to pay 81 IS fob.
Jennings The freight on barrel Of oil is
p cents. That would place this oil here
at 81 Sc per barrel, which at our present
rate of consumption, would cost us $500
more per night or Sl47.00 more per
month. With our present revenues it
will be impossible to continue operation.
Besides I am having difficulties with
the oil people, due to my inability to
live up to my contract to pay for all oil
bought the previous month by the 10Th
of the succeeding month.
1t is utterlcy impossible to get all my
collections III by that time, and nearly
every month am compelled TO carry a
hundred or more dollars over into the
next month, thereby making me short
i'll my payments to the oil people,
am at present $5t+62 behind includ
ing S4iSf II due for March.
Many months am unable to pay for
the oil in full because am compelled to
pay for supplies, repairs. meters, etc.
Sometimes it is necessary for me to
advance money from my private re-
sourses to enable us to continue opera
tons.
SO here YOU have plain statement OF
facts, We are at the turning of the ways
and it is up to yourselves.
have to sign another contract for oil
and the company wants something
deGnate and satisfactory. They have
been very considerable toward me, other
wise we would not have operated as
long we have.
1t may be necessary for yourselves to
borrow money and place i'll a fund just
for this plant, CFor it's money we must
have) otherwise you may be compelled
to take the steps Crowley is contemplate
ing. OF selling or turning loose her
plant.
Something has TO be done and done
quick, more so in view of the fact the
people are demanding and expecting a
fan service for this summer.
To operate this service would prove
even a greater loss and the municipality
should provide to make good that loss.
This condition is not due to lack
of business during the period OF my
incumbency. For your auditors report
shows that ! have decreased the revenues
of this plant in So months
from the time that l assumed charge
in Aug. 1908, until Dec. 1912, monthly
average gain of s
Notwithstanding that l had serious
competition with gasoline lighting, which
was installed just prior to my assump-
ton of management. During this time
have lowered the rates on water and
lights and improved the system.
You will therefore admit that it has
required nerve, close attention to detail
and careful management to continue the
operation of a system for S years,
practically, that has been losing money
every month.
The Corporation has been forced to
come forward at different times and help
out, it is true, but never to the full
amount that it rightfully owes the system.
The failure of Municipal operation of
public service systems is due to the fact