Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1914-01-09
Recommends liOquam Boulevard, MynOoChe
Water System, New Bridges Across The
ChehdIiS and the WiShkah Rivers
WOULD REDUCE IMPROVEMENT BOND INTEREST
Economical Administration OF the City Is
Urged. The Departments Are Expected
To Keep Expenses Within BUDGET.

This being the first meeting of
the new year it is proper and fitting
that we review what has been done
taking up the workings of the diff
frequent departments in general
wa.
The report. which | am making.
will be supplemented by one from
each of the departments which will
give the council the items of expense
in detail.
"Bcginning: The treasurer's office
has figures to show an interest-beag-
ing debt against this city OF $751,
10000. The greater portion of this
Indebtedness is bearing seven per
cent interest. The interest account
is thus. approximately, in round num-
bers S50,000,00 per annum. The eX-
penditure, from the current expense
fund. has exceeded the estimate of
the 1913 budget for the reason that
we have deemed it advisable to settle
several damage claims out of court,
and we have made costly and eX-
tensive improvements on the city
hall; but the incurring of these eX
penses seemed necessary.
while am on the subject of eX
penses | wish to suggest to the coun
Gil that they reduce the interest rate
to SIX per cent on all special improve
ment bonds. | do not think that the
tax payers should be made to pay
more than this rate.
''In this connection | would further
advise that the council determine on
the desirability of issuing at least a
part Of the special improvement
bonds, from now on in the sum of
$4,000 to the bond, with the view
of dispOsing of some Of them at home,
so that the interest and principal
may be paid out here, and not all go
abroad.
Expense Is Cut.
"The council, from the inception
of the present administration. have
reduced the operating expenses to
quite an extent, and the 1914 bud
get. which has been put in operation,
will make still further reductions.
This budget was made up from the
findings and recommendations of 4
citizens committee. after a thorough
investigation by them of the condi-
tons existing in the different city
departments. This committee was
composed of some of our foremost
citizens, who have broad knowl-
edge and experience in business af-
fairs of diverse kinds-men who have
been successful in their own private
affairs. and two of whom, to my
knowledge. have refused positions in
larger corporations than the city of
Aberdeen.
"The full valuation of Aberdeen
property has been placed at $17,5O0,-
10000: an estimate. from my view
point, which is far too high, as the
value Of all property is dependent up
on conditions which are ever chang
ing But to return to the budget:
1t is my earnest wish and hope that
its provisions be not flippantly dis
regarded.
"There are four very important
projects for the consideration of this
community:
"First. the building of thor
oushfare between this and our
sister city, Hoquiam
Second, the securing of a
free bridge across the Chehalis.
"Thrd, another bridge across
the Wishkah River to relieve the
congestion Of traffic over the
Heron street bridge.
"Fourth, and last but by no
means least, the obtaining of
permanent water supply from
the Wynooche River.
"Under the head of the water de-
partment I will outline a plan for
the securing of this waterrght.
"The first proposition of securing
a permanent roadway to floquiam |
believe can be carried to completion
this year The others must of neces
sity be handed down to our success
ors in office; but by rigid adher-
ence to the economy, advised by the
citizens committee, we will enable
them to meet these by placing our
finances in shape to solve the prob
lens without serious difficulty.
in taking up the operation of the
different departments, / will begin
with the fire department.
Fire Department.
"Under ordinary conditions, to re-
duce the expenses of fire depart
ment, and at the same time maintain
it's efficiency, would be difficult
task but this problem has been
worked out by the fire chief and fire
committee; so that there has been a
considerable reduction made in the
expense of its operation without in
any ways impairing it's efficiency.