Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-03-18
BUDGET HEARINGS SLOW;
CANNOT END THIS MONTH
no Other Meeting Of Finance Com
mittec Until March 81 TO
$S Hear Chandler.
TALKS UTILITIES
Director Shows Where Big Savings
Are TO BE Made in Operating De-
partment-CitS Gives Away Much
XIX. Watcr-Gas Improves.

Prospects OF tr conclusion OF the
budget hearings before April went
FINANCE Committee of the City Council.
atgthe end OF long session, decided 10
adjourn over until March 81, \, that
tendent of City Schools, will he heard
in behalf OF tho schools, and on the
succeeding night an opportunity will
DO given taxpayers 20 be present and
present their views.
The long recess was taken because
several mcmb crs of the committee will
be absent during the next two weeks.
regular meeting scheduled for TO-
night.
I. Director of Public Utilities Tranord
was heard last night. and for several
hours presented the needs OF the Blu
reau of Water, Gas and Electric
Light. In response 10 questions as 70
raised in Richmond, Mr.. Trafford cx
pressed the opinion that the present
rate of 81 per 1000 cubic feet should
be allowed TO continue This year He
here was slightly over a. cents per
1000. and that tho city las; year had
! Undoubtedly sold gas for less than
FAY ROLL OF DEPARTMENT.
SHOWS LARGE DECREASE
Mr.. Tranord estimated that tho pay
roll in his entire department. should
ber f62,S96 less than the pay roll OF
December rate OF pay. He also CAL
cuiatcd tina, the expenses OF the de-
partmcnt would he sl2.3sa less than
roll will be nearly $1,000. 600 An IN
crease of $4,000 in receipts is eN-
pectcd.
Tho director told the committee that
nc expected 20 make about II per cent
more gas this year than last. and cx-
pectcd to sell this year a total of 800
100000 cubic feet. He explained where
he had effected various economies in
the running Of the gas plant. whereby
100000 gallons Of oil formerly used
may be saved. Tho rapid increase in
the consumption of gas in Richmond
during the past several years was en-
phasi1cd.
Among the things asked for by the
director are a coal gas meter. Two feed
water pumps and belt elevator. He
declared that the Improvements would
pay for themselves in two or three
years.
Mr.. Tranord further told the COM
mittee that Richmond gas is le per cent
better this year than II was last year.
.and that the standard is the same as
that of other cities Of like size. He
was of the opinion that the new nigh
pressure main in tho West End was
not giving the pressure that 1t should,
and that booster should be installed.
SAYS CITY GIVES AWAY
$4,000 IN WATER ANNUALLY
In regard to the water and electric
. llSht bureaus, the ulTcttoT - Tcihdi - :
were mainly in connection with the
technical phase of each. but he de-
veloped the fact that the city gave
away $4,000 Of water annually. Some
of the committeeman were surprised
TO learn that the city had been fur
nishing water free, or at widow 3
rates." TO $40 families in Richmond,
At the conclusion OF Mr. Trafford's
presentation OF his estimates. Mayor
( Ainslie addressed the committee, and
stated that tho original estimates OF
ali departments had been greatly cut
before being presented 10 the COM
mittice As they stood they did not
provide for increased service. and II
had been found that If the people
wanted a continuance service formerly
desired the tax rate would have TO be
Increased. He realized that this was
an unfortunate time TO talk about in
creased taxation. but the facts had to
be faced.