The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-12-18
Costs Less Than Other Conn
mOdities of General Use.
Jesse Shaw Says Lower Rates
Are Not Justified.
THE Time MAY COME LATER
When a Reduction Can Be
Made With Safety.
Department Is Conducted on
Sound Business Principles.
SATURDAY

Water" remarked Jesse Shaw SUI
perintendent of the city waterworksa
'fs the cheapest commodity furnished
by public utility
This remark was I'm response to
question as to how soon Topeka peo-
pie could expect another decrease IN
the water rates. Mr.. Shaw admitted
that many people, and justly, look
upon him as the bar to lower rates at
present.
II admit that am opposed to lower
rates at present." he said. but / will
be In favor OF lower rates Just as
soon as the business will Justify IT,
am opposed to reducing the water
rates. then voting bonds to make up
deficit in the water department That
is my whole objection"
Mr.. Shaw looks upon the water de-
partment as he would upon any bust
ness enterprise He intends that It
shall be self-sustaining and that 1t
shall earn enough In addition to its
operating expenses to create sinking
fund to be used in renewing its differ
ent parts.
There would be absolutely no bust
ness sense in cutting the price OF wa
ter to the bare cost of operating the
plant" he continued. THE water
plant. like any other plant, wears out.
We must provide for taking care OF
the repairs and renewals The busl-
ness-Iike way to do that IL by charging
enough for the water to provide a
sinking fund That is what we are do
ing. The sinking fund has been regu-
lated by the cost of renewals In the
past As the business of the depart
ment is conducted 1t Is not necessary
to vote bonds and tax the people for
interest on them for twenty years
every time we have to overhaul the
plant. We have a fund fer that pur-
pose"
Mr.. Shaw told of an instance where
a young kansan west east to run the
water department Of a large city. The
young man was well equipped with
him to make an excellent showing. He
put the water plant IN fine shape and
everything was working well Then
the people began demanding lower
prices for water.
Listened to CIamOr.
The Kansan listened to the popular
appeal" said Mr.. Shaw, land made q
reduction. Soon another reduction
was asked for and II was granted Re-
Gently I read In a trade Journal where
the young man has asked the city to
vote a big block of bonds to make up
the deficit in the water department.
That doesn't pay and / am sorry the
Kansas boy allowed his better judy
ment to be Influenced"
That there is cheaper water in pros
pect Is the opinion or Mr.. Shaw. The
whole East side of Topeka will soon be
opened up to water service. Hundreds
of new patrons will be added. The
overhead expense will not keep pace
with the increase revenues and II IL
probable that IL will be possible to sell
water at lower rates.
las matter OF fact. though" said
Mr.. Shaw. water is tae cheapest COM
modify we have. 1t costs the cousum-
err less than gas. electric light. Ieag
than the telephone. one man came In
kicking about his water bill I pointed
out that IL was the smallest bill he
had and that it furnished him greater
than any other. I of
fered to pay for a year all OF his water
bill in excess of what his gas bill was
He thought the matter over and fin
ally agreed with me II a man stops
and thinks of the many conveniencea
given him through the use OF city
water. he can't very well object TO the
small bill presented TO him once q
month by the water department"