Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1919-05-09
C|TY'S FINANCES
 HAVE IMPROVED
 IN PAST YEARS
During Term of Ex Mayor Bloom Many Steps Taken
 to Relieve Indebtedness.

i'oViil ieltef 10 simon Bloom city collector, and former mayor iron, lhe finance committee of the citv council, there is an interesting story of the financial history of the city duflhS the past six years as well as hlce tribute to the former mayor. !. According to the letter of the com mlttee, the city has during the past SIX years, acquired 121 acres of land as we'll as having acquired other holdings in the form of fire appara- . JUS, equipment, and buildings. The outstanding indebtedness of the city is now $S,0o0 less than it was six years ago, while nearly thirty thousand dollars has been spent for tangible municipal property. The revenue during that time has been reduced about twenty-five thousand dollars per annum.
 Following is the letter.
 MT. Simon Bloom, City.
 Dear MT. Bloom: In analysing a financial statement of the city of Pine Bluff which was recently pre- pared by our city clerk, Mr. w. A. Lee. and mailed to the members of LAIN lilCI t dIC SGN- eral items worthy of special men, tion.
 Decrease in Debt.
 : We find, first, that the outstand- ing indebtedness of the city is $8, 900 less than it was at the beginning of your administration six years ago. This in spite of the fact that the rev. enue during that time has been re- duced about $25,OO0 per annum. The sum of S14,O00 has been paid on the 121 acres of land bought for ceme- tery purposes, and about $15,0OO in new motor equipment, etc., has been added to the fire department all dur ing the period of six years.
 Notwithstanding the fact that the city had to face a decrease in revenue, it was necessary to increase all sal aries in order to retain our employees and to pay fiscal agents fees and in- terest on borrowed money.
 We can only attribute such re- suits to your wisdom in placing the city on a cash basis thereby saving the city thousands of dollars over charge on her supplies and labor by paying cash instead of warrants with a market value of 65 cents on the dollar, and by keeping allowances within your income.
 "The statement referred to also re- veals the fact that our net liability is about $100,O0O. This is a very in- significant amount compared with property values of about thirty mil lions of dollars and we wish to con- mend you for turning over to your successor in office a. trust that has been so faithfully performed during your keeping of same.
 "Yours sincerely,
 "J. H. MEANS.
 w. c. MCBRIDE,
 R. M. VANCE,
 Finance Committee"
 In answering the letter MT. Bloom thanked the committee for their ex- pression. He said in part:
 "I did, I am afraid, try and run things too close at times. but the re- suits were obtained, and believe that Pine Bluff will soon enjoy the credit it deserves. I am not unmindful of the fact that I am not the only one due credit for this splendid achieve 4nent. rhe assistance. and the back ing the entire council gave me as may is the prime factor, and as stated the night I turned the office over to Mayor Hollis, if he did not make a success. to blame no one but himself, as the council would surely stick to him when in their judgment ha WaS right "