The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1918-01-30
Although the City Council Is
Using Pruning Hook
Vigorously
LARGER SCHOOL SAX
THOUGHT INFy FABLE
Final Budget rs Yet Com
pleted, but Ot.er Reports
Are Nearly All In

land the proposed inauguration of policy
of strict retrenchment are not going ia
keep the tax rate down this year. At
dermen last evening and after an execu-
tive session in which the 1918 budget was
examined most critically, the administra-
tion virtually decided that $3.50 tax
will be necessary to tide over the munici-
pality for another year. Thus the priv
ilege of living in Barre joins the upward
| flight of the times, for the tax rate a
year ago was only $3.50, and in the pre-
ceding year S2.40. The recommendation
for levy of $3.50 is not official, as the
finance committee has not put the finish
ing touches to the budget, and its recon-
mendations are not all in as yet
Nevertheless, the committee, after can
yassing the situation pretty thoroughly,
failed to find a means of escape and so
invited the remaining members of the
of the figures The conclusion finally
reached relates j. evitably to $3.50 levy,
and at that everything is computed on
the assumption that the most rigid econ
omy is to be practiced in every city de-
partment.
II is stated that $3.50 will be required
for the actual maintenance of the various
departments alole, to say nothing of per-
manent Improvements and extraordinary
expenditures. This figure includes tho
customary school tax of 20 cents, but in
asmuch as there was a deficit of nearly
$4,000 in the school system last year, an
additional 10 cents will have to be levied
to eliminate the possibility of recurring
deficit and to meet the extra burdens i'm
posed on the schools by reason of mount
ing prices. To the $3.50 needed for pure
ly local uses, must be added the 20-cent
state tax, which begins where last years
levy leaves off and brings the total for
1918 up to $3.50.
Talk for Municipal Wood Yard.
Organized labor put in its word for q
wood yard and the city fa-
theirs, after listening to statements by
of the Central Labor un-
ion went so far as TO delegate a commit
tee of three to investigate and report at
the next meeting. The first half of the
meeting was given over to scrutiny of
departmental reports submitted for the
,ity year book. All but the finance COM
nittee's report and the auditors sum-
nary are in hand, and when the alder
mem finally retired into executive session
t was to discuss with the finance COM
H. r,f I,rJ, Gov
ations as to expenditures, and
astly the tax rate.
The representatives from the Central
4abor union were James Cruickshank,
red W. Suitor and Cyrus $. Hall Scar
ity of fuel and exorbitantly high prices
sked for it were discussed at the c. L.
J. meeting last week, said Mr.. Cruick-
hank, who went on to suggest that the
ty acquire woodlot, where many work
RS might use the axe to good advantage
n the next eight Garfield Mondays.
he continued, the Central
abor union hopes to see municipal
oodyard. but for the timebeing will be
,ntent to have the way opened for Ia
oring men TO cut cord on days when
lev are idle. Mr. Suitors remarks sup
emented those of Mr.. Cruickshank. He
I'D of a woodcutting campaign conduct
| by quarrvmen on Barre hill during the
ckout in 1910. when many men went
nth to gather tirewood. He spoke of
vo or three woodlots reasonably near
e city that might be acquired. Mr..
all said there were many good choppers
Barre. and went on record as believing
at serious fuel crisis might be avert
if the men were to be given an oppor-
nifty to chop.
Alderman Rossi said that a solid cord
wood could be purchased in Quincy,
ass. for 50, although dealers here are
ling il at the rate of SIS. There was
me doubt expressed as to whether the
an would work out as satisfactorily as
g labor men seemed TO anticipate. AL
rman Milne related an experience
lere it cost him Sl2.35 for less than
id cord of wood which he got out of
rec cut down in front of his premises.
Thought that Sl2.35 was rather high,
,eciallv when he had to furnish the
cd himself 1t was the same alderman
o moved that a committee consisting
Aldermen Healy, Alexander and Lor-
yer be appointed TO canvass the prob
lities of establishing a municipal
odlot.
he following warrants were approved
payment: Street department payroll,
6.77: engineering department payroll,
.6s: water department payroll, SS553;
department payroll. sl2752; police
artment payroll. s97.4l; G. A. Bemis,
. services as jsnitor.
Water Department Statement.
outstanding bonds in the water de-
tment amount to s2O5O00, according
he financial statement accompanying
annual report of Supt. T. o. Lee
"a to the value Of 5000 were re-
med in 1917. The plant is inventoried
$3.50 S.O.05. an increase of more than
90 over 1916 being due to new connee-
:. new extensions. new hydrants and
meter installations Other assets
q the total up TO $500 0.247.3a. The
me for the year. including an item Of
s7T 20 for water rentals and small
uues from real estate rentals and
,Iies. was SCI. .a3S.3l. The expense
amt. aggrerating SD .20a04. included
sum II = 0s2Oa expended on Bolster
-voir improvements and maintenance.
rest amounting 20 s7lS629o. and the
ntenanre II the main line, which