Weekly journal-miner., 1916-02-09

fortune of losing one of our drivers Mir. Joseph Merrick-in runaway accident. This accident was very de- plorable for the City lost not only a faithful employee, but good and up right citizen. and although the ad- ministration held itself i1 no wise to blame, it nevertheless settled the case without recourse to the courts, and to the entire satisfaction of all con cer1ed.
 Police.
 l can congratulate the City on the outcome of the suit brought by the former chief of police 10 retain the office. The decision of the Supreme court holds that the office is an ap- pointive one. as your administration contended.
 We have reduced our police force by one officer. Our present force Is very efficient. and is working in har- mony with the administration.
 Fire Department.
 Our fire department IS being hand led in a most efficient manner. The report of the chief is before you, and every recommendation he has made, heartily andorse.
 Streets and Bridges.
 Much good work has been done on the streets during the past year, but there is still much to do. The storms of last month have done much dam age, and 1t will take all our street force some time to repair it. We have lost three foot bridges crossing Gran ite creek. I recommend in replacing said bridges that it be done in a more substantial manner, with piers of con crete or stone. I also recommend that a wagon bridge be built over Potts creek o1 Grove street, leading to the Williamson valley road, this being one of the main outlets of the City.
 Health.
 Prescott maintains its reputation for healthfulness.
 A year ago the Council, fearing that receipts would not cover the neces- sary disbursements for the ensuing year, decided that among other re trenchments we dispense with City health officer. and the City clerk should attend to the necessary work in that department. The City health officer, Dr. Southworth. very gener- ously volunteered to do the work without charge, and with his accus- toned zeal mas done the work as well and faithfully as he would or could have done if he had been under pay. I would recommend that the salary of this office be restored, and that as we are in a much better financial condi- ton than we had reason to expect, that the salary also be paid for the past year. 1 feel confident that dur ing the past year, through the aid and advice of Dr. Soutnworth, have been able to save the City much more than the salary amounts to.
 Collection of Taxes and
 Assessment.
 Our present system of assessment is an expensive one. and l should rec ommend that Resolution No. 2Ol fix- ing the amount of S400 paid for the assessment and making out of the tax roll be rescinded. and that arrange .ments be made with the county board of supervisors to obtain the assess ment from the county assessor.
 City Charter.
 Our City charter IS liberal. broad, and comprehensive. It gives the City of Prescott more nearly commission form of government than many so- called commission forms of govern ment. and it is very economical ot administration. but l would recom- mend that steps be taken to amend 1t, so that succeeding mayors and coun- cilmen shall receive some reasonable compensation for the time and energy they expend in the performance ot their duties. Also that the term of office for mayor and councilmen be extended to four years.
 Conclusion.
 In conclusion I wish to thank the citizens of Prescott for their endorse ment of the work that 1 have done by again electing me to the highest office at their disposal, and l assure you that 1 will use my utmost endeavor to merit your confidence.
 I wish to thank the members of the City council for their cooperation and support, and to state that have no reason to doubt but that our relations will be as pleasant and harmonious during the coming year as they have been during the past three years.
 Of the heads of the different depart ments and of all the City's employees I cannot say too much in praise. They have done their work faithfully and well. Our office force deserves spec ial mention, for upon them devolves the detail work of the City govern ment. and to them is due to great extent the substantial gains that WIG have made.
 Our volunteer fire department. un- der its efficient chief. is one that we can point to with pride. and here l wish to state that our fire department has among its membership the oldest volunteer fireman. from the point of continuous service, in the State. l refer to Mir. Martin Tcstori.
 Respectfully submitted,
 w. H. TIMERHOFF,
 Mayor.