Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1924-12-31
MAYOR SPEAKS
AGAINST ITEMS
$65, 900 Anticipated Revenue
from Water Board Criti-
cized by Mr.. Wilson
MORE FOR FIRE DEPT.
THIS Probably Means Paid
Organization Is Planned
No More Police Money
MORE FOR FIRE DEPT.

Despite objectiors made both ver-
bally and by letter by Mayor Wilson
the 1925 city budget was adopted last
night as originally read at its intro
duction ten days ago. Although the
council chamber was filed to ca
pacity with prominent taxpayers. In
cIuding Industrial managers and su-
perintendents and many merchants,
only one or two of these spoke dur
ing the public hearing. As there was
no indication that a majority OF
those in the audience wanted changes
made in the budget figures, the al
dermen made nc changes wllatso-
ever in the figures.
At the opening Of the public hear
ing, the proposed budget was read
and Chairman Calvin asked for re-
marks from those IN the audience
who were opposed to any OF the
items. After several minutes had
passed and no one made any objee-
tion, Mayor Wilson came from his
office and addressed the board. He
said he did not favor several OK the
items. "The S65, 5,0e0 anticipated rev
enue from the water department
should be explained he said. asking
the aldermen upon what grounds
Att- [tt4 ~ 4t@4 [e9t4 A-A<A ~
water department gave us those fig
ues." Chairman Calvin said. and
the water department is represents ed
here tonight, ready TO answer that
question"
II know from actual past expefi-
ences that revenues have been an
ticipated from the water department.
but they have never effectivly ma
trialszed," the mayor said.
superintendent Samuel j. Mason.
of the water department. was asked
to explain the anticipated revenue
item. IL cannot speak authoritative
ly," he said. 'but the water commits
sioners expect TO reduce operating
costs. and carry on extensions which
will bring in greater revenue. per
sonally think you can justly antic:-
pate $65,O00. This is my personal
opinion, however, as l am not speak
in- for the water board" None OF
the water commissioners spoke in
behalf Of the board although at least
one member of the board was pres
ent.
Alderman Sofield. in commenting
upon this item, said: Il do NOT feel
that this anticipated amount from
the water department will be forth
coming to the city. The books show
$53,000 profit during the past year
but if they have to produce the
money l don't know where it IS com
ing from. l would like TO see some
thing official from the water board
before / vote for this budget item.
Speaking along similar lines, Al
derman Clark opposed the water
board item declaring that having
$4,000 on the books and having the
actual money were two different
things. This SOS, 900 item il all
camoufiage," the fifth ward alder
man declared. 1T was never In
tended that the municipal water de-
partment should be a revenue pro-
ducing proposition. If it Is a paying
proposition let the consumers bene-
fit by having their rates reduced In
stead of keeping the rates high and
turning the money over to this body
to squander."
An effort by Aldermen Clark and
Sofield to have this item struck ont
of the budget was unsuccessful later
in the meeting.
After touching upon the water
item. Mayor Wilson spoke Of the
proposed appropriation of saa5.oBD
for fire which is more than double
this years amount II presume that
this is made to cover the cost Of in
stallihg a paid fire department. he
said. "rhe sum designated by Won
cannot do it effectively, The fire
houses must be cha ged to accon
modate the men and a good sized
department is essential to cope with
large fires"
Until this 1925 budget was pub
lished in the local paper ten dars
ago knew nothing OF it, the mayer
continued. -Four of the members
of your board told me they knew
nothing of the budget until It was
placed before them in practically It's
(Continued on page
soor hera-tae 49, f<hevrnf.t -