The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-07-18
Chamber Files Objections

Noon recess interrupted Groninger's
argument.
Chamber Files Objections
At the opening Of the hearing Will
liam A Pickens, attorney for the
Chamber of Commerce. filed objec-
lions to the company's petition.
The objections were in four parts:
/. Objections to increase in valua-
ton.
Q. Objections to rate increases.
8. Demand for reduction of valua~~
ton.
4. Demand for reduction in rates.
]. Stephen Fuller. an attorney, act
ing for himself, filed a petition asking
that Commissioner Edgar M. Blessing
be prevented from participation in the
case or voting on the decision. The
commission made no comment on the
petition.
The city opened It's case with the
filing of list of objections In this
1t was supported by William A.
Pickens, attorney for the Chamber Of
Commerce; F. o. Snethen, Sumner
Clancy, and Clarence EA Weir. at
tcrneys for civic organizations and
John F. Geckler. attorney for labor
unions. Pickens was prepared to file
a cross petition for reduced rates.
Rates Held Sufficient
Here are the city's objections:
l. The present rates produce suf-
ficient to pay all operating expenses,
including taxes and depreciation and
to provide a reasonable rate Of return
on the fair value OF the property and
leave a surplus
2. The company has never had a
lean year" since its Incorporation in
1881.
8. There is no element of emer
gency connected with the water
situation.
1. Any charge for water service
above the present rates would be un-
Just and unreasonable ana would i'm
pose an unwarranted burden on the
city and the citizens Of Indianapolis
g. The total value of the property
as found by the commission in a re-
cent? order is at least $4,000 900 too
high. (The commission valued the
property at SIS. 600, 000)
s. The commissions method Of APP
praisal Of the property is erroneous.
Citizens Termed Defendants
Civic clubs have sent representa-
ing a red flag and crying down with
the commission or down with the
water company but have come here
as defendants in the case. and by their
presence wish to show that they are
interested in the judgment 10 be rem
dered.' E. o. Snethen, attorney for
the Federation of Civic Clubs. said in
his opening statement
He quoted figures on valuation SINH
lar to those given by Groninger.
I'VE propose to show that the water
company does not have a good title
to the canal; that II they would at
tempt to sell the same nobody would
buy It because they could not furnish
a good title to it. and therefore a
valuation of $4,000, 900 which they
have placed upon 1t should be de-
Quoted from their total valuation"
Snethen said
improvements Necessary
In his opening statement for the
company. w. A. McInerny. attorney.
stressed the necessity for improve.
ments.
IF the city sees At to make It i'm
possible for private owners to make
f1aceaqar nv ,oprovap,apts tba o4t,,
should take over the property and
make the improvements ITSELF" he
said.
McInerny declared it will be
shown present rates are not sufficient
to provide a reasonable return on
a fair valuation of the property He
declared improvements are necessary
to provide for fire protection and to
safeguard the public health.
I'm making these improvements
the company must spend in excess. Of
100000 which will not increase its
revenues he continued
Refers to Higher Taxes
McInerny referred to increased
taxes as a cause for asking increased
rates. He declared that from the
attitude of assessing officers" the tax
ing valuation will be increased $1,000
900, costing $751; a year.
OF the total expense of the com
' Asp LIBERTY
SELL AIS LEMCKE