The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-07-31
THE CITY LEVY
Looks as Though 1t VIII Be
Two Mills More.
The Demands of the Fire De-
partment Are Imperative.

An increase of S31.2660.92 in the
two departments under the supervi-
sion of the mayor, the fire and police
departments, over the amount allowed
last year, is contained in the estimat-
ed budgets filed for the present year
The increase in the fire department
which includes new fire station in
North Topeka, and new equipment,
amounts to S2S.32S.92. An increase of
S2,932 is asked for the police de-
partment.
The big increases are believed to
mean. that it will be impossible for
the city to hold the levy for the pres
emit year down to the figure used last
year Z mills. but that it is likely to
be higher, perhaps as much as -
mills. The total amount of money to
be raised in all city departments
probably will exceed last years total
by close to $4,000 after allowance is
made for additional money that will
be realized on account of the increased
valuation. This additional amount will
be about $4,000. The actual increase
in the demand this year over the al
iowance last year is close to $2S, 900,
practically all of which is in the
mayors departments.
OF course there will be trimming
done yet. Perhaps there will be
trimming in all the departments, al
though the commissioners will not ad-
nit that in their particular depart
mentS there is Hucn chanee Tor
trimming.
The only chance to cut in the fire
budget is the tractor for the aerial
truck at headquarters, declared
Mayor Cofran. I don't believe that
would be good business. The police
budget probably will be trimmed
somewhat. 1 don't know just what
will be done with it,
Il did all my trimming before 1
filed my budget declared Commits
sioner Tandy.
s. THE rest of them will have to do
Commissioner Porter. I've done my
best
And thus it goes An attempt will
be made-the commissioners are agreed
upon that, to hold the budget down
so that it Will be covered by last years
levy. But it looks impossible now
The fire department budget for the
present year is S99, 1852 against $711S7
last year. The big increase is in equip
ment,. the amount for that purpose,
including the North Topeka fire sta
ton, being s25,3SO. But there is an in
crease in the maintenance estimate
over last year.
The police department this year is
asking for $39,S63 against $50, 1871 last
year. Part of the increase is due to
the salaries of the two policewomen
who will draw between them $500 dur
ing the next year. Chief Hughes is
anxious to add a couple more patrol
men to his staff. and believes that
new city Jail should be built. recon-
that this matter be submitted
to the people at the next election.
The recommendations of the chief are
as follows, contained in the budget filed
yesterday:
Il feel our department should be
by at least two additional
as the territory is so large
and the population is increasing We
cannot cover. the area as satisfa ctcrily
at it should be with our present forcc.
The present law gives US four o.etec-
tives and "a patrolmen. On assuming
this office in April 1 found the toughest
portion of Topeka. namely Smokey
Row" was not properly policed. So I
set back two detectives at sS5 TO pa
trolInen at SIS, so as to give us two pa
trolmen in that district both night and
day. Then. by using the automobile for
emergency calls we could easily do This
without Gripping our efficiency.
THE two pOlicewomen will also add
81, 800 to our expenses.
The old prison and Jail which was
built 80 years ago should be replaced |
by a modern. up-tO-date building, and |
At the next special or general lection |
the question of building a city |
prison should, in my judgment, be sub |
nitted to the people. The present |
structure is very unsanitary." !
The budget is as follows: