New Britain herald., 1926-05-20
First Message ofMayor Weld to
 Council Replete Wth Mew Ideas
School Bonds ...,'.''..'....... 1li.2G6.24
 561,4G1.39

S5,S71,528.Gl
 "Our grand list. as of October l, 1925, including exempt property on which the five per cent bond limit prescribed by state statue may be computed, amounts to $120,156,71G. which permits the city 10 issue bonds to the amount of S6,00TS35.S0.
 "The foregoing statement of in debtedness shows net debt of $5,- 87I53S.G1. Deducting the water and subway bonds, which are not included in the five per cent debt limit. discloses an indebtedness of $4.614,615.79 applicable to the debt limit, leaving q margin of S1.256, - 922.S2. It should be remembered that at the last meeting of the com- mon Council $225.000 Of this amount was authorized for an issue of school bonds for the erection of an addi- ton to the Nathan Hale school which leaves a balance of $1,031,- g22S2 available for future use of the city. It is quite apparent that this balance must be used very carefully and only appropriated for those projects which are absolutely indis- pensablc to the city's welfare.
 Taxation
 Our City Charter amendments passed al the last session of tho General Assembly placed the full re- sponsibility of appropriating money and laying the city tax, on the may or and Common Council.
 Our city has grown very rapidly in the past few years and this growth has spread over q large area of our town, necessitating additional streets. sewers and other improve ments which will require large eX- penditure of the taxpayers money. You will, undoubtedly, receive many requests from property owners for appropriations covering these im- proyements. These requests should be met as rapidly as possible, but caution must always he used in or der that the tax rate shall not be in creased 10 a point where the citizen, who is financing his home through the banks, finds it impossible to meet his expenses. The home owner is the backbone of our city and should be encourag ged in every way possi- ble. The most effective way the city can encourage him is a moderate tax that he can afford to pay.
 Accounting
 "The accounts of our city officials who are charged with the collection of fees are audited at irregular in teryals. I find that the accounts of the Clerk of Court are audited twice a year, as provided by the City Charter, the other departments once a year, and the Town Clerks re- ceipts are not audited at all. recommend that hereafter all city departments where city money is collected, other than the Tax Col lector's office. be audited at least quarterly.
 Board of Adjustment
 "The Board of Adjustment, al though one of the latest boards to become a part of our city govern ment, has almost immediately be- come one of our most important ones. The chairman and members of this board feel, although there have been many applications for ex- brought before their board under the new zoning ordinances, that they have been of minor na- ture, and that the present law should have the benefit of more time to de- velop possible inconsistencies be- fore making changes, and earnestly hope that you will give this recom- your careful thought.
 City Hall
 "The valuable city records have accumulated so rapidly in the Town Clerks office that the vault is in- for their proper storage and use. This matter should re- ceive your attention when our net budget is prepared.
 Police Department
 eve are fortunate in having a Chief of Police who is capable, ener- getic, and well fitted in every way for the position which he holds, and is ably assisted by his subordlnates. What we do need, and what l in- sist we shall have, is higher stan dard of discipline, physical training, and a sense of moral duty and re- I want a set of strict rules for every breach of discipline, that shall carry a penalty, without the necessity of discipline board, and I desire to have board Of po- lice commissioners who will work with, advise and assist the chief ot the department who is to be held directly responsible for it's success Your honorable body has recently passed a resolution adding five ad- Iitional patrolmen to the force' which was a much needed measure. I believe that We have an opportuni- " to improve the morale of our po- lice force and make it the best in the whole country.
 Fire Department
 "I believe that the efficiency or our fire department can be raised and the morale of the whole de- partment placed On a higher plane. The mon in the various stations should he changed more often that they may have an opportunity 10 become familiar with conditions in all parts of the city, and we should also have in this department q strict set of rules, with q penalty attached for Attractions, that wou'd leave no opportunity for de- We have in our fire de- partmeut an able chief and sub In this department also