Evening journal., 1915-02-13
LEGISLATORS ASK
ABOUT new Castle
COUNTY Finances
1Continued from Page ~


TO get a clear understanding of the
financial situation.
Mr.. Groves said he had no idea
what the present county balance is,
as 1t varies from day to day. II de-
veloped that the balance did not ap-
pear in the financial statement sub
mitted early this week. Mr.. Groves
figured that the county would need
about $25O,OOO to meet its require
ments.
When the Levy assumed office two
years ago there was an over-draft Of
$4,000 for the Levy Court to assume
on January 1. 1913 "There was a
surplus them" said Mr.. Groves, "but
the fiscal year had six months to run.
There would always be a surplus at
| that time" Mr.. Groves said he had n
/ list of outstanding bills compiled then,
and they we're in the neighborhood Of
$50 900. The tax rate then was 65
cents on the 800 and on the first Of
July. 1918, the tax rate was reduced
10 So cents on the 800.
financial needs Of the county, asked
Mr. Jones.
at was not replied Mr.. Groves,
Especially since the five per cent due
on new roads came due during that
fiscal year Those five per cent. pay
ments more than consumed the bal
ance of our money"
Mr.. Groves said the tax rate was in
creased five cents beginning July
last. There was an over-draft of S4O.-
600 at the end Of 1914 fiscal year,
too. Mr.. Groves stated, after consult
ing a copy Of the Levy Courts imam
cial budget.
In response to Mr.. Jones. Mr.. Groves
said much Of the county budget had
to be estimated. and some OF the
items could be estimated closely.
But we paid some items that were
not put in the budget" Mr. Groves
explained. He pointed out that the
estimate for elections was $4,000 but
: they cost S31 600. or $4,000 more than
the budget
Elimination of the Concord grade
crossing over the Baltimore and ONO
Railroad tracks cost $4,000 or $4,000
more than was estamited because OF
unforeseen conditions, Mr.. Groves eN-
planned, but they felt it was a de-
manded public Improvement and went
ahead with IT, 1--WE were practically
forced into it, he added.
1.-THE Philadelphia turnpike cost
us $4,000 and was not anticipated IN
the budget" said Mr.. Groves. 1T
came the same as the Concord cross
ing improvement. as result of public
demand to abolish toll roads.
Mr. Groves. i'm response TO Mr..
Jones. said the county was put to
$4,000 unexpected expense that did
not appear in the budget because OF
engaging county workhouse convicis
10 work on tho roads Mr.. Groves
said the Levy Court had. at the close
os it's last fiscal year. interest on the
rev public building bonds 10 be paid
which could not be anticipated.
MANY of the appropriations We
pay out In our budget are set by law
explained Mr. Groves. going down the
list of items in the budget. naming
the Ferris School, hospitals and some
other items. As 10 Hope Farm
while IL is not set by law. public
sentiment demands g. The Trustees
2 of the Poor must be paid under The
D law. the coroner's physicians allow.
y snce is fixed boy law. he pointed out
D as is the item providing that $500 pen
- mile must be expended for mainten
nnce of improved highways
MIR. Groves said the Levy Court es
timated that there would be $4,000 il
y county taxes outstanding on July
IS next, and he thought this would be
e fair estimate There is about $1,000
IS outstanding now, he said. After tn
u budget is made up. but sma
amount OF taxes comes in in Jul!
The great bulk OF taxes does not fin
it's way into the county treasury unit
y September. Mr.. Groves explained.
u "Then the Levy Court finds itself
&c a position at the first OF July with
budget on its hands and with apprC
priations to pay and no money comm
~ in in the way of taxes. until October
h asked Mr.. Jones.
Il ''That is correct" Mr. Groves an
le swcred
| Mr.. Groves said that in the pas