The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1917-09-19
LOCAL LEGISLATION
Tax Books for 1917 Turned Over to
the Collector

TIE OOIIeClOT
At last nights meeting of the city
council the tax books for 1917 were
accepted as presented by the assessor,
and ordered turned over to the collec-
tor. The books will be open October
1st.
AS matter of information to the
council the special committee ap-
pointed to investigate the charges fol
gas asked that the data secured
from other cities in Florida be read.
These reports show one city out of
five paying in excess of the rate
charged here. Orlando pays 1922 per
1000 feet in quantities below 5000
feet, with a discount Of 10 per cent.
when accounts are paid before the
10th of the month. Tallahassee pays
$1.75 up to 5000 feet, with a graded
scale when more is used Palatka has
a fiat rate of $1.60 per 1000 feet. ST.
Petersburg has a gross rate of $1.35,
with discounts for quantities ranging
from 10 to 45 cents per 1000 feet.
Gainesville has a maximum rate Of
$1.75 per 1000, with graduated reduce
tlons for large quantities.
| The ordinance introduced several
weeks ago relating to the bringing
into the city of liquors and beer pass
| ed its final reading and is now ready
for the signature of the mayor. This
ordinance is drafted after the state
! law on the subject and states the
maximum amount of wet goods the
head of household may have in his
possession at one time; and also pre-
vents the transportation into the city
of more than certain quantities. This
law will have the tendency to make
the operation of "tigers" in the COM
munity more dangerous to the pro-
prietors than formerly, when there
was no city law governing the guam
tity that might be brought in.
/ Several communications from Mr.
Benjamin Thompson, the light plant
contractor, were read and ordered
filed. The city is requested to pay
balances due on several machines
now in the plant, but on account ot
| the unsettled condition of the con
tract between the city and contractor
at this time the council refused tc
take action upon the matter.
A special committee was appoint
ed to confer with the board of county
commissioners in regard to the coun-
ty road tax due the city and request
payment.
The Munroe & Chambliss banks
proposition to donate the large burg.
lar alarm bell now in use at the banE
to the police department, was referr
ed to the police committee.
A communication from the United
States Fidelity and Guarantee Com.
pany, asking for detailed information
as to the needs for the completion OF
the light and water plant was re
ferred to the light and water commit
tee. The clerk was instructed to re
ply to this, and state that detailed
report of this could not be Furnished
at this time.
Ex-Marshal Adams made reques
through letter to the council for tht
return to him of funds which haC
been paid by him in connection will
the collection of personal taxes. /
seems that a number of certificate
had been misplaced when he resign
ed, but were made good by him be
fore retiring from office. These Ger
tificates he has now returned ant
/, asks that the council reimburse hin
for the amounts paid by him. Re
: ferred to the finance committee, witt
, request for report at next meeting.
A communication from the De L;
J Vergne Co., which supplied the engin
at the water works, is response to
letter from the city demanding oil re
: chalmers, stated that these Were re
! garded as extras. The city engineer
however, stated that these were a par
of the complete engine, and the lette
was filed for information.
The matter of maintaining pub
j lc market which has been laid owe
u from previous meeting was brough
up, and it was deemed inadvisable a
this time to provide such place
. When the city had market buildin