New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1928-05-22
THE COST OF WATER

Issuing bonds for the expansion OF
the city water works system is about
to begin. the first, an issue of $780,
900 for the construction of a filtra-
ton plant, to be debated by the
Board OF Finance and Taxation to-
night. A. the chairman, Edward F.
Hall. uncrowned finance minister OF
the city, Is In favor OF this bond is
sue, It no doubt will meet with the
boards favor.
It will require bond issues OF
nearly $4,000, 900 altogether in order
to meet the complete requirements
Of the city: but a. it will not be pos
sible to utilize this amount at once
Chairman Hall 10 of the opinion that
much interest can be saved by not
issuing bonds until the city is pre-
pared to 20 ahead with tho work
This plan naturally will meet with
the approval Of taxpayers generally.
The water works extension plan
has been thoroughly worked out and
nothing remains to be done but be-
gin operations. Last March the plan
was tabled 'for further study by
the Common Council. the plan hav-
Ing come forward without sufficient
notice. Since that time the city
fathers have had ample opportunity
to study the situation and so far as
we are aware no material deviation
has resulted from the plans as out
lined last March.
The filtration plant which is 10 be
provided for seems to represent the
largest item in the proposed i'm
provements, although it will not in
crease the quantity OF the output. 1t
will purify the water. however. and
will be especially advantageous when
the other improvement plans are
completed and hooked up with the
plant.
We are given TO understand that
in the years TO come, when the COM
plete plan has been carried out it
will have cost in the neighborhood
Of Sc19O,ooo, which were the figures
quoted last January when the entire
needs were discussed. The present
plan OF constructing the needed i'm
will extend the costs over long
period and save interest AS the city
extends the system more money will
be needed. and by the time the first
million is expended another million
or 10 will be necessary. 1t looks
serious till one pauses TO reflect the
bigness OF the city water system. The
annual budget Is nearly $4,000, 900,
the cost OF operation more than 81
oon 1000, both figures topping the
estimate tor the cost of the complete
extensions under discussion, II pri-
,ate company owned the plant there
would be less discussion about such
things: the com any would merely
get permission 10 make the extern
sions and then apply the cost upon
the water consumers. The city is a
great deal more careful about this
than a private company would be
and when Chairman W. l.. Hatch re-
Gently mentioned the need for higher
water rates, citing the fact that be-
tween ! 200 and 1900 water users
are paying az low as IS year for
water-less than the pro rata ex-
pense for overhead and meter main
tenance-the howl that went up
completely swamped the suggestion.
"Hetn-' tnef1 VIII! pc nee1 LOT H.
creased water rates when the city is
through making its extensions and
all the bonds have been issued is a
matter of opinion: at least. we will
not endeavor TO cross the bridge un-
I'll we reach it. II all this work can
be accomplished without an increase