Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1916-09-08
CITY COUNCIL
ADOPTS BUDGET
Exceeds Budget of 1916 by
$4,000, But Will Be Up for
Trimming Next Month
TO IMPROVE MORGAN ST.
Police Department Reports
ia Arrests During August,
II DRINKS

The city council Wednesday even
ing concluded it's labors exactly at
ii o'clock, with several of the coun-
cilmen, reporters and spectators nod
ding theoretically in their chairs. The
major part of the session was devoted
to the expense budget of 1917; but
little trimming was effected, as the
figures already had been gone over
several times with a magnifying glass
and butcher knife.
The budget as adopted, approx
mated $29S,000, which covers all of
the branches Of the city government.
This amount is little over $4,000
higher than last year. The main item
of the budget is the sum of $4,000
set aside for the possible retiring of
outstanding current expense warrants.
This item was introduced by Coun-
Gilman Walker, and was only incor-'
porated in the budget after lengthy
discussion. If the 20 per cent reduc-
ton in taxes, declared recently by
the county commissioners, is upheld
at Olympia Friday, the assessed valu-
alton of Aberdeen property subject to
taxes for city government, will be
around $6,000,OO0, reduction og ST.
100000. The limit allowed by law
for taxation purposes based on ~
per cent on $6,000,000, would be $780,
600, or just half the amount the city
will require during 1917. In making
up the budget sums for various pur-
poses can be included that may later
be eliminated if necessary, but after
the budget is adopted it is impossible
to add additional items. The object
in placing the item of $4,000 in the
budget is for the purpose of provid-
! ing a foothold on which to work in
event it becomes necessary to raise
money to redeem current expense war;
rants during the year and protect
their market value. Not member of
the council would be willing to go
on record as favoring the levy of this
large amount in lump sum, but the
intention is to be prepared for future
contingencies. The budget will not be
up for final adoption until next month,
and it is probable at that time it will
show reductions in a good many
items.
Judge Pearson appeared before the
council with recommendation that
alterations be made in the specifica-
lions for the improvement of Pioneer
Boulevard, with the idea of cutting
down the expense of the improvement.
A resolution to this effect was
adopted.
Engineer Kelsey's estimate of ex-
pense for improving Myrtle street at
cost of $1,000 was approved, and
the city attorney was instructed to
prepare an ordinance providing for
improvement of this street.
The estimate for improvement of
Morgan Street from Division to
Haight street, is placed at $10,5O8. No
protests were filed, and the ordinance
was ordered drawn. An ordinance was
also prepared vacating 10 feet on
either side of Morgan street the length
of the proposed improvement. This
reduces the width of the street from
so to 60 feet.
The report of the building inspec-
tor for August showed permits for
buildings valued at $4,170.
During August, II fire alarms were
turned in, and 366 blocks were raced
over.
The police department reported ia
arrests during August. OF this num-
Der, n were for drunkenness. In fines
$44O was collected.
Only one bid was rendered for drain
ing the wet district in the West End.
Pending decision of cooperation in GER
tain details of the work with the
Northern Pacific Railroad company,
no action will be taken on the bid I'M
til next week. Carl Gylling submitted
the bid.
A petition from the majority of
property owners on Michigan avenue
for improvement, was referred to the
street committee.
The Independent Sand & Gravel Co.
submitted the only bid for the i'm
provement of Evans street. The bid
was referred to the city engineer.
On resolution, $4,000 was ordered in
corporated in the budget for draining
B street, and preventing further en-.
croachment of the slide on this street.