The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1916-01-26
TAX Re- S4E OF $3.50
is RECOMMENDED
Finance Committee Also Fa-
vors Beginning of Perma-
nent Road Work on South
Main Street, the Cost to
Cover a Period of Seven
Years-Other Annual Re-
ports Submitted

,, Recommendatory measures of a very
positive character, involving the i'm
, proyement of South Main street to the
! extent of laying new pavement from the
present stone roadway terminus to the
base of Jockey Hollow hill; the erection
of new bridge to replace the ancient
wooden structure over Jail branch in the
south end, and the lowering of the grade
Immediately south of the bridge were
incorporated in the annual report of the
aldermanic finance committee, which was
received at the regular meeting Of the
Eboard of aldermen last evening and or
dered printed in the city year book. The
committee further recommends in its
1915 report that the sum of $4,000 be
expended on the foregoing improvements,
that $4,000 be appropriated this year
and that the cost be extended over a
period of seven years. Cognizance is
1
pressing need for the improvements and
tax rate Of $3.50 is advocated for this
reason.
The finance committees report, printed
below, will be found to be concise
statement Of what the city council be-
lieves should be achieved in 1916. 1t
serves to clarity the atmosphere as to
where the committee and other members
of the council stand on the question OF
street improvement and If the measures
advocated are carried out, much of the
dissatisfaction felt over the condition of
South Main street and the longtime
agitation for new bridge in the south
end will be eliminated. 1t is recommend
ed that work on all three projects be
started early in the season. Last even
ing's session saw the aldermen working
on the fag end of a grist of 1915 re-
ports. majority of which We're APP
proved at the regular meeting last
week.
Among the annual reports adopted last
evening We're the yearly statement of
Fire Chief c. B. Gladding, a digest of
which appeared in yesterdays Times;
the report of 0verseer w. j. Clapp, the
annual report of the park commission,
the yearly statement of the city treas
urer and the annual report of the char
ity committee.
The Finance Committees Report.
Below are given the most salient cx-
rerpts of the finance committees state
ment:
"I'he following estimate of expendi
tures for the year 1916 are based on a
lax rate of $3.50.
"The increasing and incessant demand
'or improvement in conditions for travel
las induced us to make rather liberal
estimates this year for the street de-
lartment. For maintenance we have APP
,ropriated Sl0.000.00: for macadam road
2 10000: and for a permanent street
IN South Main street 100000; we be-
ieve the time is ripe for carrying out
he oft-repeated but never acted on rec
of our predecessors. that
his work be done; il is estimated that
he cost OF improving this street and
a new bridge over Jail
ranch would amount, approximately, to
100000. The cost of this improve
lent. in our Judgment, should be spread
yer term of seven years. and we have
lade provision in our estimate for the
ayment of the first installment of the
otal cost.
1--WE would also recommend that all
ornament work contemplated for 1916
2 started early in the season and com
Ieted as soon as possible, as We believe
rat conditions are more favorable then,
nd that better results can be secured at
- cost
Liberal provision has been made for
! other work in the street. poor. FIRE.
,lice. water. health and other depart
ents. which will enable them to main
in their present high standard Of cfTi-
rucy and enlarge the scope Of il IN sew
al
@The sinking fund has been increased
ring the past year 70 S75.sG4.T7. and
tn the water department surplus add
will amount to fully ss0.00O.00: 4 con
luation Of the same policy in regard 70
= sinking fund for the next few Years
AZ has been followed in the past. viii
able the city 20 cancel from this fund
: sfsn00o0 refundiug bonds. which
,ture this year and tie sl27 .500Ioo city
4 water bonds maturing in 1919. and
ll leave q small balance in THE fund
Is win bring rs immediate relief FROM
: heavy annual interest charges With
.irh ue are now burdened. ard vii