Las Vegas optic., 1914-04-25

ts-T-
placed at points where flood waters
we're flowing across and running
streets. A semicircular form being
used to- avoid deep ditches
A storm sewer S29 feet long was
constructed on National Avenue at
the bridge to protect Twelfth Street
from its annual washouts.
The old fire team failing with age,
new team was purchased and the
old one sold. Discovering that the
connections of the fire hose were not
standard and that the nozzle frequent
ly could not be fitted without revers-
ing, this also being true of the plug
end, new connections were purchased
and fitted on by members Of the de-
partment.
City property has been improved
wherever possible, the city hall roof
showing neglect was restored the best
possible and the city hall has been
connected with the sanitary sewer.
Some much needed cross walks were
built in a manner to serve the pedes-
train and not obstruct vehicles.
Two hundred fifty dollars yearly
has been paid the library board in ex-
cess of the money brought by the Il
brary levy, it being shown that the in
stitution could not be maintained for
less than $3.50 annually
Through the cooperation of the
street railway company an extensive
lfill was made on Sixth Street between
Douglas and Lincoln Avenues, as well
as on Twelfth Street between Douglas
and National Avenues.
| Practically every street in the city
has been graded and crowned and
where possible covered with cinders,
this work was all done out Of the
city funds and without any property
assessment.
Owing to the fact that the sewer
certificates are guaranteed by the gen
eral fund, $2,50O Of this fund was
transferred to the sewer fund and
$4,000 still remains there, bat which is
due to the general fund as the sewer
lis district debt and not general OBJ
legation.
AS much criticism has been made
upon the depletion Of the city funds
and some of it coming from sources
that carried conviction with many,
offer the following comparative fig
ures:
Balance in treasury, April list,
1912 ----------------$S ,S31.6t
Balance in treasury, April 1st,
1914 1884:
Showing in year OF poor tax
collections a difference of--$1, ,24S.1'
Tax monies usually received in De
cember were this year received il
February. An advantage was taken o
this by some to say the city funds
we're depleted, the above comparison
disproves this. All interest payments
sewer certificates, salaries, light bills
etc, have been promptly met and
healthy balance of $7,5S9.42 is to thu
credit of the city on April /, 1914.
Annual city revenues received from
all sources amount to about $4,000
Of this $4,000 in round figures goei
to the general fund. OF this $4,000 il
required for salaries, leaving onl!
about $4,000 annually for improve
ments, sundry expenses, etc. This i
a serious handicap to any administra
ton intent upon civic betterment.
Sanitation
This point has been given specia
: attention and DR.. G. G. Gordon, cit
physician, has devoted practically al
his time to inducing property owner
to connect with the sanitary sewe
and to abate all nuisances.
Legislation
Few ordinances have been passed
One for ash pits or receptacles wa
passed last fall, but too late for man,
to comply with its regulations, owinI
to freezing weather, but all must real
ize the danger to property Of throwini
ashes about loosely.
The milk ordinance was called TO
by the lack Of faith IN this produc
and is a protection as much to tn
dairy men as to the consumer Thi
ordinance was drafted by District Al
torney G. w. G. Ward, and is sur
posed to cover the ground, but It ma
be found to need some amendment t
suit local conditions.
The nuisance ordinance was passe,
to give perfect control Of the corral
and other fly and disease breedinl
..1o,or