The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1925-04-04
FACTS FOR TAXPAYERS
A Resume of Civic Conditions

For more than year and in an intensive campaign
OF three weeks, The Tribune has tried to bring home
to the citizens of Bismarck the fact that their city
government is drifting towards dangerous economic
condition. In all its statements it has endeavored to
eliminate all reference to individuals except where it
was necessary to show existing conditions which
and harmful to economical and efficient conduct
of public affairs In this it has sought solely to
what should be. and ultimately will prove to be- the
real and true interests of the city and it's people, Bitter
truth is never paatabe but true friendship hest
tates to speak that selfsame bitter truth to the end
that it may bring about Improvement Certainly,
The Tribune, which has large investment in Bismarck
and one of the largest payrolls in the city, would be
guilty of the grossest folly. if it sought wlfuly and
maliciousy to nure the welfare of the community for
in so doing it would but injure itself.
In it's earnest and honest endeavor to set forth ex-
listing civic conditions that the people by their ballot
may remedy them it has shown many things among
which are those mentioned below.
bismarck has bonded debt of over $4,000
per CAPITA and hence in order not to place greater
burden the taxpayer drastic cuts must be made in
annual budgets
PIT has we'll paved Streets good sewers,
water works plant and other public improvements
These must be paid for by property long
period of To enable the taxpayer to meet these
obligations promptly, operating costs must be kept
down.
3-The high tax rate and the disproportionate cost
of some of the city departments call for slashng
trenchment.
4-There must be thorough overhaung of business
procedure in the city hall especially n the matter of
auditing payrolls, claims for goods and general pur
chasing methods
5-Present purchasing methods lead to extrava-
gance, distribution of orders and the elimna
ton of competition.
6-Direct sales of supplies by public officials to the
city government is not only prohibited by law but is
against sound public policy Likewise, sales by the
same officers to contractors employed by the city in
large amounts places them in attitude where they
may forget their duties iduciary trustees of the
public good
IA sound budgetary procedure should be estab-
ished and accounts installed that the expenses for
year shall not be paid out of the funds of the
ceeding year. contrary practice has brought many
city to the verge of bankruptcy.
8-Oficers elected by the people should assume the
power vested in them by the people and not delegate
the management of the city to their appointees.
9-Contracts awarded unit cost, basis solely
without fixed limit for the entire work open the door
to mischievous enlargement of the plan of work and
total cost beyond that contemplated
10-Constant changes in plans, specifications and
contracts result in work being done cost plus basis
and throw down the bars for extravaganza all par
Woodrich claims that 80 per cent of his water works
construction comes under cost plus basis.
11-Hgh taxes are harmful to all interests of the
city, the property owner the renter, the home owner
and especially the small home owner.
PA thorough revision of the present assessment
of real and personal property must be undertaken,
to place the burden equally upon all and not penaize
the small home and persons of moderate means.
The present system is unfair and lnequtabe dlstr
button of the cost of government.
The foregoing very brief resume should call to the
minds of the taxpayers and the ctzenry in general that
this city election presens-a serious set of problems for
their solution Upon their vote will depend the welfare
of the city for two years. if not for longer period It
is solemn and serious duty, and not to be treated
lightly Personalities, personal likes and dslkes,
chcanery SANDERS, Misrepresentation and just good
fellowship must be dsregarded The cold facts and the
welfare of the city alone should direct your vote.
BISMARCK EXPECTS YOU TO VOTE RIGHT
April 7th.