Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1923-01-18
WATER RATES
ARE DISCUSSED
Commission Talks Owe
Schedule But No Official
Action Is Taken

Members of the board of water
commissioners discussed at length
last night the advisability of making
a reduction in water rates affecting
the largest consumers the most. At
the close of the discussion a motion
was introduced putting any action of
this nature off for about three
months time. This was in connec-
ton with a semi monthly meeting of
the board.
President C. c. Baldwin was the
first to mention the water rate pro-
position which was up several
months ago and never disposed of.
He made known that the Standard
Underground Cable Company used
more than the entire city of South
Amboy proposed to use and their
monthly bills average around $1,700.
The rates as outlined by Superin-
tendent Samuel Mason would bring
the cubic feet rate down from 11.4
cents to cents for consumers using
more than $4,000 cubic feet a
month.
Some time ago representatives of
the Raritan Copper Works and the
r. Sc H. Chemical Works We're be-
fore the board asking for a rate re-
duction and last night at the request
of Commissioner Fred Hansen, Sec
retary William Cornelison read COM
munications from the American
Smelling & Refining Company and
also the Standard Underground
plant about rates.
Commissioner Hanson made known
that he is not against a change Of
rates but said this is not the tight
time for a change. The discussion
took in the number of men employ
ed by the department and also rates
in other cities.
The motion of Commissioner Han
sen not to take action at this time
was before the board for some time
before finally seconded and passed.
Later in the meeting, Commissioner
Thomas Layden suggested that the
board cooperate with the manufac-
turers association in the matter OF
rate reduction, in an effort to induce
manufacturers and residents 10 To-
cate in this city. Commissioner
Frank Stas lined up with Commits
sioner Hansen during the meeting
on the stand that this is not the
proper time for a change. They
were not desirous of having cne
party burdened and another bene-
fitted by change of rates and there
fore suggested that time be taken
and deep consideration given the
new scale.
Following the water rate discus
sion, President Baldwin announced
his standing committees for the year
as follows: Power, Stas. Layden and
Kelly; Pipe. Kelly, Layden and Han
sen; real estate, Layden, Stas and
Hansen. and finance, Hansen, Stas,
and Kelly.
A resolution was drawn asking the
aldermen for over $4,000 extension
money for use this year. This money
will be used for meter service, stok-
ers. fire hydrants, street mains, etc,
and an additional 100000 Will be
needed for changes in connection
with grade crossing elimination.
Bills in the payroll were ordered
paid and the comptroller's report for
1922 spread on the minutes The
sales for December totaled S214Sl =
so and the expenses of the depart
ment amounted to s26.S27.75.
superintendent Mason was author
lied TO continue negotiations with
SayrevilIe for the sale of water to
that borough.
Commissioners John Kelly, Bald
win, Iayden, Hansen and Stas were
in attendance at this meeting, as also
were superintendent Mason ana Sec
retary Cornelison.