The Brunswick news. [volume] (Brunswick, Ga.) 1906-2016, 1915-02-16
REPORT OF THE MAYOR.

During the year it became neces-
sary TO raise the tax rpate, due Who'll
~ 10 the urgent necessity of securing
moneys for the sinking fund. While
this rate was increased from $1.65 10
$IS0 the additional amunt was levied
for, and placed in the sinking fund.
AT the beginning of 1914 the total
amount in the sinking fund was $685.
S51.26 with the additional levy of Is
cents and other resources. we nave
been able to increase this to $G2,-
272.5s
With a levy for administrative pur-
poses of Sl13 IL (which might
state is the smallest; amount levied
Off this purpose by any coucil during
the past 20 years. mush to my graf
ificaiion we have ben able to save out
OF the general fund $l0,152.60, which
amount has been placed in the sink
ing fund, in addition to the amount
levied specifically for this purpose.
Notwithstanding we have also kept
up to the standard all city depart
mcnts and have made many much.
needed Improvements, especially on
our streets, most of the present
shelled streets having been entirely
resurfaced and in addition several
miles OF new ones have been added
to the system. The public works
committee, realizing the necessity Of
substituting other material for the
shell, not alone as "A moneysaving
proposition, butd ue to the fact that
on account of the closing of the oys-
ter factory, II will soon be impossible
to secure shell; is now experiment
ing with Birmingham Stag, and am
very much pleased with the outlook
as to It's giving satisfaction.
We have also increased the eff.
cheney of our pumping station, having
installed a new pump at cost Of ST.,
654.S6. With the use of this pump
the efficiency of the station has not
only been increased but reduction
of 25 per cent of the fuel expense is
being experienced. The saving In
fuel alone warrants the purchase of
this pump.
The steam roller was practically re.
built at a cost of $500, and I is now
in first-class condition.
We have paid the first installment
on the white way, amounting to
$455.40
II became necessary 10 preserve
our beautiful trees, and in the trim
ming M, cutting out the deadly mis-
tletoe, planting new trees, and other
wise caring for them has caused an
outlay of nearly 500.
Industrial and financial conditions
imposed another burden upon us in
charity dispensations, exceeding last
year by more than $500
II also became necessary TO eX.
pend over $1,000 for new fire hose
AS you well know we have taken a
step forward in undermining our fire
department by the Installation of mo-
tor apparatus; this at cost of $751;
500. In my opinion in this department
our city government equals that of
ii to our city.
We have extended our sewerage
system NJ an eypense af Sia 7aT so
thus enabling 1855 additional houses
sewerage connections and by so do.
ing decreased the danger of conta.
gious and infectious diseases.
Our health department, under the
direction of our efficient health of
ficer, is one. | am sure, of which we
all are proud. Its work has been
most extensive and the absence, with
the few exception, OF any contagious
and infectious diseases originating in
brunswick during the year is an en-
dorsement n itself of this department.
During the year it became advisable
for the city to issue SS0.000 IN bonds
10 cover the expense OF motorizing
our fire department and the extern.
sion of the sewerage system. Before
taking this step council consulted the
financial interests of the city and in
a joint meeting of a representative
of the Board of Trade and citizens
generally it was unanimously recon.
mended that the bonds be issued The
election was called and by flattering
vote the bonds were authorized.
Due TO the limited time the city
had the use of the couney convicts,
we were unable To fsnishsthe proposed
sewerage extensions and consequent,
~ have in reserve something over
$4,000 for this purpos.
Another department of our city gov.
ernment which deserves IA great deal
of credit is our board OF education;
our schools are strictly high-class and
far surpass in every particular schools
of similar character in most cities of
our size. Too much credit cannot
be given to the able board of educa-
ton and its superintendent for the
high standard of its school The rec
ord of the year taken as a whole is
most gratifying TO me and | am sure
you, who SO ably assisted by your
close attention to duty and economi.
cal management of the various de-
partments.
/ thank you, one and all. for YOUR
courtesy during the year and for the
able manner in which you have han
died all questions of Importance
brought TO your attention.
Sincerely yours,