The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-12-06
Other Commissioners Want Re-
pair Troubles IrOned Out.
HAVE CITY FIX ALL LEAKS
This Would Save Much Damage
to Sidewalks in City.
But 1t Would Make Cheaper
Water Here Impossible.

Insistence of three city commission
ers that the city take charge OF the
upkeep of water services of consumers
has caused an unexpected delay in
final passage of an ordinance reducing
existing water rates. An ordinance
with the minimum charge reduced
from 40 cents to 80 cents and with
other reductions, materially benefit
ing the small consumer, has been
ready for several days and it was pre-
sumed it would be passed this week.
But Commissioners Tandy, Porter
and WATSON are demanding that vote
be taken on the proposition of the
city's upkeep of service before they
will act upon Commissioner Newland's S
new ordinance. And, if the commits
sioners decide upon the innovation, it
probably will be impossible to make
such a reduction Of rates as is pro-
vided for in the Newland ordinance.
No Sore Spots.
Apparently there are no sore spots
on the commissioners over the matter.
1t is just question as to which will
be best for the consumers, small re-
duction in rates and the city in charge
of the upkeep of services, or a big
I6duClIOn III IdleS anu the property
owners still responsible for repairs to
services from the main to their bath
rooms.
But the city commissioners do an
ticipate a bitter fight on the part of
Topeka plumbers, should they make
provision for the city's upkeep of ser
vices. 1t would be impossible under
the innovation to give all plumbers an
opportunity to repair services and
one plumber would have to be en-
ployed by contract. or the city would
employ plumber who did nothing
else.
To Serve Greatest Number.
''It isn't a question of the plumb
ers." said Commissioner Watson. I'VE
wish to serve the greatest number
IF the city would maintain the up
keep. leaks would be discovered more
quickly and less damage done to pave
ments," said Commissioner Porter
LAS it is, a property owner will note
a leak in front of his home and be-
heve it is from the main and pay no
attention for a long time. Then the
city discovers the leak, investigates
and often learns that the leak is in
the property owners service and a big
plumbers bill must be collected from
the property owner. If the city had
charge of the upkeep men would be
employed who would fix the leak nc
matter whether it was in the main OF
in the service
Commissioner Tandy, who has been
in charge of street paving for a num-
ber of years. is the one who has been
hit the hardest by the present service
and he is the most enthusiastic over
the proposed new plan. Following are
the rates that will be in effect if the
Newland ordinance is passed:
The Proposed Rates.
First $4,000 gallons, 80 cents pei
month
Second 5000 gallons, 28 cents pei
1000 gallons per month.
Third $4,000 gallons, 26 cents pei
1000 gallons per month.
Next 10000 gallons, % cents pei
1000 gallons per month.
Next 37,500 gallons, 21 cents pei
1000 gallons per month
Next 37,500 gallons, 16 cents pei
1000 gallons per month
Next 37,50O gallons, IL cents pel
1000 gallons per month.
/ All above, cents per 900 gallons
Minimum charge 80 cents pei
month.