The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1915-06-25
REVEREND MOTTER WRITES
ON THE MUNICIPAL ELEC-
TRIO QUESTION.

/
published the letter or statement made by
Mr.. Joseph d. Baker to the Board Of
Aldermen with reference especially to the
city taking up the question of providing
electric light and power for its citizens.
Shortly afterwards, Rev. Isaac NJ. Mot
I ter, well-known financier of this city,
addressed a communication to the City
Fathers in which he took opposite views
to that of Mr.. Baker, and for the bene-
fit of those who wish both sides of the
matter, we are publishing herewith the
latter letter:
l have carefully read and consider
ed the propositions set forth in the
paper of Mr.. ]. D. Baker read before
the mayor and aldermen of Freder-
ick. Mr.. Baker is to he commended
for his interest in the needs Of the
city, and for the assistance rendered
at various times. We can all agree
that it was to the city's advantage to
have its debt funded at four per
cent. instead of five per cent, and
all those who assisted in this public
spirited undertaking deserve much
credit. Mr.. Baker in his commend
able effort for the good of Frederick
had the splendid support of the late
Col. L. Victor Baughman, comptroll-
er of Maryland, in 1888; although not
resident of Frederick, he literally
assisted in the undertaking by pur-
chasing over 100000 of these bonds
for the sinking fund of Maryland. A
short time thereafter these bonds sold
above par.
A city provides for lighting its
streets for the protection of the life
and property of it's people, as we'll
as for their general convenience. I'm
proved paving also assists in improv-
ing sanitary conditions, but it's chief
value is in the development of civic
pride.
One of the problems that will soon
have to be met by this city and to
my mind very important one, is the
one of a sanitary sewerage system.
With the tremendous power that has
been placed in the State Board of
Health, this city may be called upon
at any time to provide a system of
sanitary sewers.
In devising the city's financial plans
all these matters should be consider
ed and provision should be made for
the payment of all bonds issued for
improvements which will wear out
or must be replaced at or before
maturity of the bonds.
According to Mr.. Bakers state
ment, the present net bonded and
floating Indebtedness Of Frederick, in
round numbers, is about $56S,000. The
only substantial sources of revenue
are direct taxation, and the city water
system.
To my mind, the proper financial
plan for this city would be to place
valuation upon the water system
of Frederick city according to its
present WORTH which l believe would
be about 100000 The water system
should then be conducted as a sep
arate and distinct department and
from the water revenues should be
paid the operating expenses, repairs,
the interest on the 100000 in bonds,
and the remainder reserved to pro-
vide fund to care for the renewals
of any of the present equipment.
When additions to the water system
are required, sufficient funds for this
increased investment should come
from sale of water bonds, as the rev.
enues will warrant; and in city the
size of Frederick and with the rates
now charged the water system should
be self-sustaining on this basis.
Provision should be made to retire
the remaining 26S thousand dollars.
($268,000) of debt in not over 25 years
or at the rate of about $4,000 per
year. To my mind, the city should
not increase its Indebtedness one cent
for any purpose other than for the
extension of it's water system, which
could be provided as above set forth;
or for sanitary sewer system, when
the public health demands it. Any
bonds issued for street improvements
should be for fifteen year periods,
with provision that certain pro-
portion must be paid off in accord
ance with their serial numbers each
year, so that at the maturity of the
bonds the debt is extnguished.
The floating of additional bonds for
improving or increasing the present
municipal lighting plant which is
used for street lighting purposes, or
for going into incandescent lighting
to my mind would be poor judgment,
and altogether unnecessary. l am in
formed that the city can contract for
the lighting of its streets for at least
| $1,500 less than it is now costing
This saving means two cents on a
dollar of every mans tax bill, and
without the expenditure of a single
cent of capital by the city. In the
face of these facts, Mr.. Baker advo-
Gates adding 100000 more debt to an
already over-burdened community TO
take care of the lighting of the
streets, when, without the expendi-
ture of cent, the city can purchase
all the current required for the light
ing of its streets as we'll or better
| than they are now lighted for about