The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-01-06
Pertinent Questions Regarding Proposed
Bond Issue For Good Roads Answered
By Polk County Good Roads Association


asked by taxpayers interested in the
matter of bonding the county and
the campaign committee has out
lined answers to those questions
which they respectfully submit and
will be glad to take up any others
which may be suggested.
No. What is the amount OF
the bonds to be voted?
This will be determined exactly
by the bids which shall be finally
accepted by the commissioners after
the engineering work has been COM
cleted and plans and specifications
submitted to contractors and mater
ial decided upon. 1t is thought the
amount will not exceed one million
dollars.
No. 2-What is the mileage OF the
roads?
The mileage is 211 miles and in
cludes all the main highways Of the
county, 80 that every town in the
county will be connected with ev-
cost. This same type of road was
constructed in Eustis, Lake county,
three years ago, Is in as good condi-
tion as when laid and has neither
had or needed any repairs. This
construction has been used also at
Sebring. Tarpan Springs and other
points in the State and at the pres
cry other town in the county by a
hard surfaced road.
No. 3-Why are not lateral roads
included in the scheme?
The hard-surfacing of lateral
roads was provided for in the scheme
presented by the Good Roads Asso-
citation, involving mileage of about
800 miles, hut the commissioners
turned this down because it would
have necessitated a bond issue OF
two millions which they considered
impossible at this time, as it would
have necessitatcd doubling the pres
ent road tax in order to pay inter.
est and provide sinking fund.
No. Allow will present lateral
roads and othc, new roads be taken
care Of?
The lateral roads will be taken
care of and brought up to the pres
cnt condition Of our sand-clay roads
by means of the surplus Of the pres
ent road fund after allowing for
interest and sinking fund on the
proposed bond issue and by the nat
iural large increase In the assessed
value of lands In the county (now
only carrying nominal assessment)
through the Improvement OF the
main highways.
No. 5-What increase in present
road tax will be necessary to pay
interest. provide sinking fund and
allow for maintenance Of lateral
Iroads.
No increase will be necessary in
the present road tax for bond Is
sue of one million dollars. The pres
ent net income of about $4,000
from the road taxes will pay the in
terest at per cent on a million dol
lar bond issue, provide for sinking
fund to retire the bonds and leave a
substantial amount for improvement
of lateral roads.
No. 6-Will all the roads out
lined be built from the proceeds of
the bond Issue?
If any Of tho roads under the pro-
rosed plan are built all of them as
shown on the map will be built. be-
cause the contract will specify the
completion of all Of these roads for
the amount of the contractors bid.
Nov. Who will handle the
proceeds Of the bonds?
The law provides that the pro-
ceeds of the bond issue shall be han
died by bond trustees.
No. S-whaz will be the width
OF the roads?
The width of the various roads
has been outlined by the county
commissioners but may be subject
TO change where deemed necessary
before notice of election.
No. 9-wnet material. will be
used?
Brick and modified sheet asphalt
are the two types of construction
considered practicable in this section
Brick will cost. however, nearly
three times the amount of asphalt.
with the further consideration that
IL brick should be used almost ev-
cry dollar of ths bond issue would
leave the county forever because
material and expert labor required
would have to be imported. II as
phalt should be used only ten to
'lfteen per cent Of material would
have to be brought in and little ex-
pert assistance, leaving bllk OF
money In circulation at home.
No. 10-If modified sheet as
phalt shall be decided upon, what is