The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1918-09-21
CITY BOND ISSUE
STATEMENT AND EXPLANATION
BY CITY COMMISSIONER
JOS. HENKIN.

of Madison pertaining to the electric
plant and other current issues, just
what we are planning to do and how
it should be done. Being the COM
missioner OF finance, / have made
some study OF the financial situation
of our city and found the following
condition:
The assessed valuation of Madison
is nearly $4,000, 0O0. Our total debt
exclusive of school bonds, is $4,000.
The city owns its waterworks, sewer
system, electric equipment and the
part Of the electrical machinery
which was not damaged. We also
have sufficient funds on hand to re-
pair the Diesel engine and its equip
ment.
Considering the valuation of the
property owned by the city III in
debtedness in comparison with other
cities is very small. While our taxes
are much higher than in former years
1t must be remembered that the high
cost of living has hit the city as well
as the individual. But in addition to
the extra cost of running the city,
other factors entered to increase the
annual budget. The citizens ask and
demand more than they used to and
the commissioners are at all times
between the devil and the deep sea
as whether to listen to the one side
which is complaining about the high
taxes or to the other side which de-
mands a progressive up-to-date city
which can compare with other cities
Of our size.
For instance, here are some things
which have been ADDED in the last
few years for the betterment and de-
velopment of our city:
Sewer system, paving, white way
on Egan avenue, rest room, new fire
apparatus, city sprinkler and many
other items too numerous to mention.
These necessities all cost money and
taxpayers must foot the bills.
There has been one persistent mis-
take made by the majority OF the cit
liens In voting down bonds when they
were asked for. The result was this:
The board of education asked for
$4,000. when in reality they needed
$4,000. The consequence was that
the commissioners were forced to
levy a direct tax for the difference
instead of stretching out these pay
ments for a period OF 20 years
through a bond issue. Theoretically
the same thing occurred when bonds
were asked for the storm sewers and
were voted down and this amount,
too, had to be paid through direct
taxation instead of with a long time
bond Issue.
Now this city is not by any means
taxed to its limit. Taxes can be rails
ed much higher and still be within
the law. Just as long as the citizens
insist on voting down bonds and pay
ing for everything as we go along,
instead of placing part of the burden
on future inhabitants OF our city,
taxes must be higher. There is no
use handing everything to the second
generation on a silver platter, all
paid for.
After thorough consideration the
city commissioners would recommend
the following bond issues:
One hundred thousand dollars for
the reconstruction Of the electric
light plant. The new plant to be OF
sufficient power to accommodate a
larger Madison, which is bound to
come in the very near future.
Twenty-Five thousand dollars for
water extensions. this to be used In
districts where the demand and pop
ulation justifies such extensions, and
where the revenue from the use of
the water will pay at least the inter-
est on the bonds of such investment.
Regarding ~waterworks bonds, the
voter must bear in mind this: That
a great injustice has been done to
some of our citizens in thickly settled
districts who have maintained homes
for many years without water for
home use or fire protection. In some
parts of the city particularly in the
northwest part, 1t is impossible to get
any kind Of water. Also In some
parts south of the railroad track the
wells have gone bone dry" and the
citizens are obliged to carry water
several blocks. In other words, our
modern conveniences as well as nee
lessities are not equally distributed
among the taxpayers OF the city.
There is apt to be inclination
among some Of our citizens who al
ready enjoy all the modern conven-
fences, to vote down bonds and let
the other fellow get along the best
he can. In that event, the commits
s~ioners would be obliged to enforce a
recently enacted law by the legisla-
ture; namely, that city commission
ers have a right to levy q direct tax
of 5 mills for water extensions for