The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1913-10-11
i A. GAS AND WATER PRoBIia,a4.

a GAS AND WATER PRoBLAM.
We are pleased to note that Commissioners Merritt Of
the division of public utilities has under consideration
plan for evyng frontage tax against all property to
be benefited in the future by water and light extensions
The Labor World has long been advocate front
tax pan It should have been adopted whom the gas
and water system first acquired by the city. "A mis-
take was made when other plan was followed.
It fair, or just equitable pay for all ex-
tensions by bond issues by taking the money
the net earnings Of the plant. OF the trunk
mains leading to district might be paid this
manner but the stub mains running into any neiehbor
hood should be built by derived by levying
against the property to be benefited this can be
done fairly problem that the city officials Will
be obliged to solve +.-.s@.y
1t is now and from the beginning has been tho rule
OF the water and light department that
tr1ct desires an the proposed
district shall guarantee to to the city annually
water and gas rates amount eight per cent
OF the cost Of construction Every must bind
himself to at least the regular rates for gas
water and the required eight
be readily raised the residents Of the
community frequently pledge themselves to pay more
than the fixed rate Of the department. to meet it's re-
qurement and this pledge becomes lien against the
property and is file and record in the office of
the Register Of Deeds for st. Louis county It NAV be
collected In the or street assess
ment&
every pledge Is voluntarily no matter what
e"e' may accrue to the property by water and
tensions the owners thereof therefor
ess as we stated they previously pledged themselves
mus 1t will be that the improved prop
erV usually carry the load and pay freight for all
extensions while unimproved property which receives
equal oeneft goes scot Free Rarely do owners of i'm
proved property refuse to petition for gas ex-
tensions and just rarely owners of unimnroved
property petition for them And when extensions are
ma do fha
tne 11rst to raise the prices their property
the owners OF unmproved lands although they have paid
said In favor of the the water and
department. 1t penalties the city builders and puts
premium on city exploiters
me money to pay for all extensions from the be-
ginning mas either been taken from net earnings of
the system or from the sale bonds The interest on
oonos Is liked charge against the department. and is
paid by all the in their gas and water rate.
JUST as they pay for fuel labor other costs In doing
"ate1 ana Asnt business. 1t is distributed over the
entire city, and all present consumers must pay
This fact then presents problem in the solu-
ton OF the old If frontage tax is levied for f
lure improvements against all property be benefited
Will II De fair to further distribute new con-
suners the interest charge the cost of
aoe oy pond issues to other districts? the new
districts will be Obliged pay their share Of tho ntere.
charge on the bonds issued acquiring the plant
Tor laying trunk MAINS but they also be taxed on
the interest charge for other extensions built bv bond
'ssnes when they forced them direct and
on frontage tax basis? Indeed, change at this
late day present to the water light department
new situation as unfair the present system is unjust?
Inc city commission is to be commended for aiming
70 get away from the plan now in but urged
TO study the situation well before taking definite action
If the frontage plan to be adopted the
in the new districts should given reduced water and
gas rates the reduction to difference in
interest charge for independent extensions