The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-06-05
$32, ,OOO. Payroll
 With Estimated
 Receipts Of $16, 900
Doube- Barrel Idea Continues Despite Stand of Charter Commission That Court Is Already Overloaded and Several Positions Might Be Eliminated

[iness and unprecedented heavy fines
 the total receipts for 1881 will be
 less than $16.000. Ordinary recurring
 expenses and fixed charges as in
 cluded in the official estimates for
 city court for the current year were
 $3O.726.
 In 1880 the appropriations were
 $36,276 and the receipts as turned over to the city treasury were $19,-
 064.65, leaving a potential deficit of over $17,000.
 While the measure '.sneaked" through the legislature was one sponsored by republicans, there is great agitation in evidence in both republican and democratic parties about the appointment of a third prosecutor, who would only be an expensive ornament to the present personnel. It is significant that May or Hayes is opposed to the appoint
 ment. In city court circles it is well understood that both Judges John F. McGrath and T. V. Meyer are not enthusiastic over the proposal and secretly entertain the hope that the sponsors of the measure will not press the appointment. The figures given are rather conclusive evidence that the operation of the city court Is becoming one Of the most ex:>n- sive branches of the city government a losing proposition. financially.
 In view of this fact and also that the present administration has been advocating economy and opposes the creation of new and unnecessary po- ] lions, considerable opposition is
 .eveloping over the plans of repub- !ican> leaders to build up a political machine at the expense of the city. Many prominent republicans have branded the scheme as we'll as the bill as "cheap politics" Others well known workers in the g. o. p. ranks claim that if any plums are to be awarded bona fide republicans not erstwhile democrats should receive the honor. As the sponsors of the bill, Attorney William J. Larkin are not in the best of standing with the rank and file of their own party locally, the real workers believe that the appoint ment of a third prosecutor would have serious effect on the morale of republican voters, that the office would be more of a boomerang than an asset. The bill itself is in direct of sthome rule's pledges giv- en by prominent Waterburians.
 Even the charter commission, whose organization was inspired by workers, not only main- tained that the staff of officials of the city court was not only over loaded, but actually recommended that several of the positions be The members were in favor~of dropping the present two and having city attor- ney take up the work.
 The salaries at present are: $10,- 900 for two judges; $12,000 for two attorneys and one clepk; $2,000 for an assistant clerk and S1,- GAO for two interpreters. The total is $4,00O more to the annual appropri- ations.
 The salaries may be impressive, but here's the schedule of hours: Judges preside every other week at sessions, ranging from three minutes to one hour. rarely more; prosecut- ing attorneys are on duty every other, month. The probation officers have varying numbers of cases for 
 In making up the appropriations for 1881 the aldermen Slashed es- inmates for expected witness fees and emergency cases to the extent of over $6,000. Now it is proposed to add $4,000 for a position which city officials are prompt to declare: is superfiuous. !
 During the first three months of
 ie present year the court receipts to $a,77&.69. There has been no noticeable increase in the period, which will end on June 30th. So from all indications one of the biggest deficits in years will result.
 It may be of interest to the public to know that all fines imposed on autoists operating. under the infiu- ence of liquor. reckless driving or other violations of the motor vehicle laws, go to the state and not in the city treasury. So unless the police launch a new parking law campaign or the emergency squad aids in .levying assessments" the city will collect in fines about one-half of the due to city court officials.