The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1917-04-13
MAYOR WRITES
ABOUT PROPOSED
AMENDMENT,
How He Thinks 1t Should Commend
Itself to the Good Judgment of the
Eiectorate-Says No Selfish Pur.
pose Behind It-Can Recall Any
Objectionable Officer.

10 the citizens of Grenada:
On the 21st instant the voters of
Grenada will determine whether the
proposed charter amendment now be-
ing published will be adopted or re-
jected. The determination of this
question should find its basis upon
the question whether the amendment
is Tor the best interest of the city,
This. and this alone, should have in
fuence with the voter and | may give
you the assurance that this alone
prompted the submission of the pro-
posed amendment. The amendment
is based squarely upon the judgment
OF the Board that it is step towards
economy and more efficiency in the
clty's government. If adopted, the
effect should be a better, more ef-
flclent management wit less expense,
and this is something which will ap-
peal to the citizen when he comes to
make his decision. The amendment,
In detail, proposes to reduce the num-
Der of aldermen to four; to fix def
nitely the salaries of all officials and
prohibit any increase thereof during
their term of Office. 1t proposes to
place in one man the collection of all
taxes, keeping che office. and attend
ing to the clerical duties thereof
This man will be essentially the Of
flee man, and he will be required to
be present and keep his Office open
each day during legal hours for the
transaction of the city's business.
His salary will be certain per CEN
tum, never to exceed 21a per cent
in, tka,nh,r I,,. a.,
reduction of expenses for this SER
vice and giving greater efficiency.
The marshal will be altogether an
outdoor man, and his duties will be
as such as pertain to police officers,
as well as looking after the streets,
sanitation. etc. His salary will be
fixed and definite and cannot be in
creased during his term of office. 1t
is our judgment that these changes
should produce at once a saving of
from thousand to twelve hundred
dollars a year, and by proper devel-
opment of the system more will be
saved, we believe, in subsequent
years.
One of the most confusing things
about the city's finances lies in the
fact that our fiscal year does not cor
respond with the fiscal year of the
state, counties. and other municipal
tiles. which follow the calendar year.
This is a matter which, under some
conditions, might become embar-
RAISING and confusing to the munich
pality, and it has been considered for
long time that this change should
be made. This would not, of course.
affect in any way the time for the
collection of the city taxes. That
would remain as it now is and no
change in that regard would be advis
able. But the fiscal year should cor
respond with the calendar year, and
the municipal officers should take
their seats of office Gas do the county
officers, etc., in January. rather
tates the holding over for few
months of the present incumbents.
the newly elected officers will begin
their terms in January and thereaf
ter others will do likewise. The ex-
tension of the term from two to four
years, is, we believe. one Of the best
features of the amendment. 1t re-
quires the first two years of a new
officers time to accommodate himself
to his Office, learn thoroughly its du-
ties and give the city his best SER
vice. The custom is that such an Of
ficer remains in Office for another
term anyway, and the intervening
election is largely a matter of for
mality. and a somewhat expensive
one. The people are just as capable
of electing a man for four as for two
years. as evidenced by the fact that
there is no disposition on the part
of any to reduce the tenure of the
state and county officials. The peo-
pie are also able of measuring up TO
this increased responsibility. if such |
it be. as some contend, and would !
likewise exercise due care in regard |
to the lengthening of the tenure OF |
office. Not only is this true. but the
people hold at all times the rein OF
the municipal government and may
recall any officer whose conduct be-
comes displeasing or inefficient
With these considerations for your
reflection and being assured that