The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1914-08-19
Barre City Council Is Not
Prepared to Adopt
New System
COOK FAVORED SPE-
CIAL STONESHED RATE
Bancroft Supported a Flat
Rate for All Con-
SurnerS


; the proposed readiustment of the water
rates burst with the fury of baby tor
g nado over the city council as il came to-
gether for its regular fortnightly meet
ing last night. On one side the line of
cleavage was Alderman Cook, contend
ing for special rate Of three cents per
100 cubic feet to granite manufacturers
using more than 10000 cubic feet per
month. Arrayed against him was Alder
man Bancroft, with resolution dis
avowing the meter system which he fa-
vored in August, 1913, and proposing to
substitute in its place a fiat rate for
. domestic and manufacturing consumers
alike. Somewhere in the twilight zone
most of the other councillors, either be
cause they sought a more thorough in
vestigation or because they would re-
FRAN from committing themselves,
sought to straddle the line and appear
in the role OF free lances, pledged to
neither side.
Alderman Cook entered the lists with
the reading of a resolution which was
laid on the table July 2l, after he had
introduced il for the first time Briefly,
il proposed to establish a three-cent rate
for manufacturers, as already stated, in
the interests OF equity. In defending the
proposition Alderman Cook reminded
the aldermen that they, too, had favored
such rate on the occasion of an in
| formal conference between the council
and a committee from the manufactur-
ers = few weeks ago. Alderman Ban
croft said he had been on the point of
offering his fiat rate resolution, when
responsible persons persuaded him to
hold off until the meters now in use
have had fair trial. Hence, he had de-
termined to pocket his own resolution
unt!l October, when the water tax IL
co!ectible. BY way OF explaining his
change of conviction since August, 1918,
Alderman Bancroft said he had inquired
into the status OF the meters, talked
with well-informed people, and had stud
led the workings OF the meter system
at first hand. As opposed to Alderman
Cooks motion that the three-cent reso-
luton be adopted. he moved that it be
laid on the table.
There the situation rested while the
city fathers. oftimes wandering fan
afeld, explored the hidden phases OF the
vexed water question. Alderman keefe
allowed he would second Alderman
Abbh > HtobfUH W hdDpls II fUt ildu IHl
already agreed with Alderman Bancroft
that any action on the water rate should
be delayed until October Alderman Ho-
ban reiterated his strong belief in the
virtue OF the meter system. but would
say no more. Alderman Keast coun-
selled deliberation He was for giving
the meters thorough try-out. with a
serious attempt at analyzing their es-
sentill value as compared with fat
rate. Alderman Bruce advocated in
stalling meters in every plant with
view to ascertaining their real ability as
/ revenue producer.
Superintendent Reynolds of the water
department. was called in counsel and he
yave figures showing the relative merits
If the meter and the fiat rate as they
lavn been worked out in a number of
,iven instances. 1t will be recalled that
he superintendent was one of the cham
lions of the meter in 1913.
Several times while the arguments
we're in progress, the mayor urged the
members to action and more than once 4
/ looked as though the resolution would
'e wholly ignored. Finally, however, Al.
erman Keast offered to second tho mo-
ion made by Alderman Bancroft. TO ta-.
lie, giving as his reason a desire to see
II proposals held in allegiance until an
Intelligent examination of the meter sys-
EN- as it operates in business blocks,
weIlings and stonesheds, has been
'orked out. Alderman Bancroft called
Or yea and nav vote and the roll 4
'as answered by Aldermen Bancroft,
Ioban. Keast, keefe, Bruce, and the
layor supporting the motion, with Al
erman Cook opposing.
Sinking Fund Receipts.
Barre's 1914 contribution to the sink
% fund will amount to upwards Of
1000 on basis of 20 cents on the
and list. This percentage was fixed
the beginning Of the year when it
as estimated that the grand list would
something like S60000. or slightly
ngller than last wear. Now il develops
at the grand list NAV be in excess OF
4. 900 and the diversion OF money to
e sinking fund NAV be greater than
Is az first expected Last night il was
cided to combine the sum set aside this
ar with the sinking fund now on de-
sit in the Quarry Savings bank at
e o. 4.76 per cent, payable annually
demand Among the aldermen IL was
q goncensus Of opinion that the con-
button should rot Be less than %
ITS on the dollar.
City Accepts Quit Claim Deed.
Acting on a recommendation by the
y attorney. the council voted % ac-
x . Quit claim deed for Essex street.
m Clyde ". Perry In an opinion
ich was late accepted and filed. the
i attorney reviewed the different IL
Z that have figured in various trans
: Of the property and questioned the
innate value 81 = quit claim deed such
Mr.. Perry might give. although adj
ing the while % acept such q deed ia
of ANYTHING better. On motion
a. by Alderman Cook and seconded
Alderman Bruce if uas voted 20 ar-
{ TIE deed. Thus closes an incident.
series 81 inciients. that has kept
fre1s--rrcH an esrhfh ra~aa