The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-09-04
TAX LEVY PASSED
WITHOUT BUDGET;
FINANCE TANGLED
Council Orders Higher Rate
Than One Asked by
Shank,

Indianapolis will operate its city
government next year with a tax levy
SO cents higher than 1923 on a budget
calling for; the 1923 levy of only 94.7
cents, it was indicated today. follow
ing a session of city council Monday
A4ght unparalleled in local history
when the 1924 levy was passed and
the budget rejected.
Administration heads were confer
ring with the legal department today
over the effect the action would have
The situation presents a problem
faced by few cities in the country
A tax levy is provided, but there is
ho appropriation ordinance.
Officials today believe it would mean
that departments operating under the
general fund, including police and fire
forces. would receive the same
amounts in 1924 as in this year. De
partments operating under their own
levies will not be affected, 1t was said
s14,35o Budget Rejected
A fight. led by Councilman Thomp-
son, to cut the unitemized city plan
budget of s26,650. to an itemized
$14.35O, paved the way for dIssen-
nearly two hours failed to knit
Thompson's amendment in various
forms was killed by the rouncil.
Councilman Claycombe then moved
adoption of the budget as originally
submitted with addition Of Is cents
to the maintenance department of the
sanitary board for operation of the
sewage disposal plant.
The motion was lost, 3 to 4, six be-
ing necessary for passage.
Councilmen Buchanan. Eramblett,
Wise. Claycombe and King voted
AYE; Councilmen Thompson. Bernd,
Ray and Clauer opposed it. Clauer
voted aye" but changed his vote
before it was announced.
Apparently in hopeless deadlock.
Councilman C1aycombe then moved
adjournment. which carried.
Is Cents Over Shank Plan
The s1035 levy as passed. repre-
serting Is cents more than proposed
by Mayor Shank. was fought by Ooun-
cilmen Bernd. Clauer and Thompson.
Councilmen Cfauer, Ray and Thomp-
son opposed the 1.5-cent increase
asked by the sanitary board
Only one protest against the tax
levy for 1924 was voiced in a public
hearing before the tax levy was
PASSED.
Mrs. Martin J. Reiffel, S45 Middle
Dr., Woodruff Place. protested high
tax rates which she said city officials
pledged to reduce when they were
elected.
r Walter Jarvis, superintendent
of parks. resented attacks on his
department. as did other citizens who
answered Mrs ReIffel.
May Handicap Officials
The budget Of 1928 which still re-
mains in effect with the new tax levy
viii give the city council power to tie
the hands of the administration. it
was said. Excess money over 1928
department requests must go to the
general fund and cannot be trans
ferred without council APPROVAL.
The park sinking fund levy of 2.25
cents already in the hands of the
county auditor makes a total levy of
$1,525 for next year. Original de-
partment requests were s1.3043 on
each 800 of taxable property.
The ordinance requiring passing
motorists to dim their lights on sig
nal of the other within the city limits
was passed 60. Another measure
making substitute f1remen regular
flremen after one year Of probation
service was passed unanimously
Councilman Rays amendment insert
ing an emergency clause also passed
Pass 5000, 900 Street Plan
other ordinances passed, including
ratification OF a contract made by
the board Of works, with the North
Electric Manufacturing Company of
Gallon, Ohio, for a special automatic
switchboard in city hall. The board
will cost $3,s62.31 installed.
The 100000 street resurfacing and
widening program was assured when
council unanimously authorized the
bond issue. A $4,000 loan to the
park department to meet current ex-
penses also was passed unanimously.
The smoke ordinance introduced at
the last meeting was not called to
vote. Councilman Wise asked for ad-
ditional time when opposition to the
measure was voiced.
City Territory Disannexed
An ordinance was passed unani-
mously annexing certain territory to
the city between Fifty Ninth and
Forty-Second SITS. between Arsenal
Ave. and the present city limits.
An ordinance, ordering the board of
works to pave North St., between
Noble and Pine SITS, over remon-
STRANGE of majority of property own
ers, was introduced.
Another measure authorized pay
ment of 1881 66 to Oscar Sims. who
was injured while a city employee.
A Instrumentation ordinance cutting
off present city territory between
Southern Ave. Gimbert St, Meridian
st. and Bluff Rd. was introduced and