The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-09-12
BY JAMES A. CARvIN

BY JAMES A. CARNIN
Further reduction of the 1888 city
budget will endanger seriously the
proper operation Of local govern
ment, Mayor Reginald H. Sullivan
said today, as representatives of
civic organizations prepared to de-
mand a lower tax levy, at special
city council meeting tonight.
Representatives of tax relief or
CARNATIONS last week announced
they would appear before the council
10 urge greater slashes in depart
mental appropriations and to protest
against the $1319 levy created by
anticipated expenses for 1888.
Closing Of numerous parks and
playground, less frequent garbage
and refuse collections, and elimina-
ton of many public health agencies
would be necessary If requested ap-
preparations Of these departments
are refused, Sullivan asserted.
Every Item Checked
Every item in the 1888 budget
was scrutinized carefully by Che
controllers Office and myself, rep
resentatives Of civic organizations,
and heads of departments under
discussion" Sullivan said. Recon-
mendations agreed upon by repre-
sentatiVes OF the Indiana Taxpayers
Association, Chamber of Commerce,
and the Indiana Association for Tax
Justice were incorporated in the
budget reductions"
Sullivan pointed out that the
amount of money to be raised by
the $1.3l9 tax levy is 1924, 1884 less
than the amount derived from the
1882 levy of $10S.
A reduction of more than Sl21.-
600 900 in the assessed valuation of
indianapolis property, and increased
delinquency expectation of per
cent instead Of Q per cent, were cited
by Sullivan as reasons for the levy
increase.
Tax Money Decreases
ut is the opinion of this admin
istration that the proper function
Of government is to serve the people
by providing adequate and compe-
tent operation of all departments, "
Sullivan said. Unless sufficient
funds are allowed, these functions
must be curtailed.
SINCE 1880, the beginning of this
administration, the amount of
money raised by tax levy has de-
creased $600,03202, comparing the
1880 and 1888 budgets" Sullivan as
serted. This decrease was made
despite the fact that it now is
necessary to support institutions
projected by previous administra-
tions.
A new unit has been built and is
maintained at city hospital, the
municipal airport has been estab-
hshed and the police radio system
installed. These and all other pub
lie improvements, including more
than 100000 worth of park board
property, must be maintained. else
the loss in deprecated value will
offset my many thousands of dollars
any economy of the present.
Health Work Needed
Operation of city hospital, pub
lie health work in schools and
clinics, collection OF garbage and
refuse, repair of streets, and pro-
vision for competent legal counsel
to defend the city. all are public
functions which benefit the people
directly.
There are several minor depart
ments, such as the department of
weights and measures, which repay
indirectly each year many times
their cost of operation. Even The
dog pound pays several thousand
dollars yearly into the general fund
from sale of dogs for pets
1t requires money to operate a
city government and We must have
1t If the citizens expect the govern
ment to continue functioning.
Next-The new budget effect on
park board holdings.