The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1913-06-12
RATE INCREASE
IS EXPLAINED
COMMISSIONERS Rl-AkEMoRE Is-
SUES PUBLIC STATEMENT TX
PLANNING REASON or NEW so
PER CENT WATER RATE in
CREASE.

Commissioner Biakemore last eve
ming issued q public statement ex-
planning the reason for the so per cent
increase in the city water rates. In
substance Mr.. Blakemore says that
while the increase ma seem consider
able to q great many, vet at the same
time everyone will appreciate that it
is better to pay a higher rate that viii
cover the cost of operation Of the
plant n to continually face d deficit.
Under the new rule adopted yester-
day, where the rate was S1.50 per
quarter 1t will now be $2.75, where lit
was SO It will now be $3.50, and where
1T was $3.50 1t will now be $3.50.
MI. Blakemore's statement in full is
as follows:
Biakemore's Statement.
~ June 10, 1913.
After careful, practical examination
and investigation of the present affairs
OF this department, and fo~recasting of
me results of the future, this
department finds:
l. That. the rates at present charged
FOR water 1T is supplying are i%nadeuuate
to meet the cost. The loss is, and nec-
essarily must be, paid by the taxpayer
through general taxation in proportion
TO his taxable property, unrelated to
his consumption of water. or to the
especial benefit which he derives, or
whether he derives any at all.
This is wrong in principle. Count
ing upon your loyal aid and support,
this department is undertaking its cor
rection on the plan. first, to give eff
cient service; second, to charge you
you what you pay for.
Prevent Waste.
2. That more water is being sup
piled by the waterworks than is neces-
sarX,, or than the can use
legttimately. A. great unnecessary
waste Of water is going on all over the
city. This is partly due to careless
ness, Indifference and largely to defec-
tive plumbing. You will know whether
either can be laid at your door, and
whether you can aid in cutting down
this unnecessary waste. Your Cooper
alton is asked, first, by supervision
over yourself, then by supervision over
your neighbors who are abusing their
privileges, and advising this depart.
ment of apparently wilful disregard of
the city ordinances.
Therefore it has been found neces-
sary to equalize and Increase the rates
hitherto charged, to meet requires
.ments.
That the increased rates shall take
effect from and after July /. 1913. That
on June 80, 1913, all water rents which
which We're reduced July 1, 1910, n
subsequently, will be restored to their
original rate, and on and after July 1,
1918, a level raise of these and all
other water rates which were in effect
on July /, 1910, of one-third, will be
made.
Meters shall be installed in all bust
ness houses, blocks, apartments and
flats, hotels, ~laundries, and livery
stables as rapidly as they can be sup
piled.
on and after July 1, 1918, all new
service connections shall be metered
before water is turned on.
On and after Oct. /, 1913, all con-
sumers who have meters then installed
will be charged for water as registered,
as having passed through their meters,
as the meter rates established by ordi-
nance.
That on IN after July 1, 1918, all
contractors, builders, concrete and &C.
ment workers must get permits and
pay for water to be used by them on
each contract, or by the season.
For you to turn off your hose during
sprinkling hours, Immediately upon the
alarm of fire being sounded. Not to be
turned on again until the pumping sta
ton whistle signal is blown indicating
that the fire is out.
Kindly cooperate with this depart
ment in any way you may to reduce
both the waste now going on, and any
unnecessary expense, and in return be
assured of IN earnest desire to give
you good service at cost.
BY order of Fargo W~aterworks De-
partment.
ROBERT B. BLAKEMORE,
Commissioner.
NJ nm bosa vifhou nozzle (ori-