The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-01-04

ed under extremely difficult condi- tions. We were authorized by the 1891 legislature to sell one mill lion dollars in funding bonds for the purpose of eliminating the balance of our inherited burden of temporary debt, the other mill lon of which had been paid by us in 1930. Due to the general de- precision, 1t has been impossible to secure any bids for these bonds, az result of which we have been compelled to cope with the sltua- ton by the sale of tax warrants. ft Is pleasing to note that these have been accepted by financial authori- ties in New York in preference to those of many other cities, because of the confidence felt in our H. nancial future as a result of this program of economy. We have met our interest and redemption pay ments fully and promptly, so that the city's credit stands unimpaired This condition must be main. tained and this can be done only by continuing this policy even more drastically.
 The natural decline in tax re. ceipts. due to conditions over which we have no control, has low cred the citys current receipts to a very large extent. 1t was there- fore found necessary, in order to avoid an increase in the tax rate for 1892, to effect a reduction of ten per cent in the salaries of all city employees. It Is well known that this burden was met cheer fully and promptly. TO the salarled officers and the school teachers. whose contribution in this regard was voluntary, the city owes q heavy debt of gratitude.
 The handling of these problems has added greatly to the duties of the comptroller and the board of finance, and 1 am deeply obligated to them for their unselfish assist ance.
 am sorry to announce that Mir Lewis $. Reed, who has served the city so long and so faithfully as n financial advisor. has found 1t necessary, as a result of his manl- fold duties, to retire from the board of finance. While am most re- luctantly compelled to accedc to his request, 1 know that every citi- zen joins in my expression of grati- tude for the many valuable ser vices which he has rendered and will rejoice to know that he will still continue to serve in the im- portant capacity of treasurer of the Mutual Aid Unemployment Fund.
 1 am appointing in his place, Mir Harley W. Tripp, secretary of the Colonial Trust company, whose tried ability in financial matters will commend him as Q valuable member of this board.
 IL has been increasingly evident that the salaries paid to city em- based upon the service rendered by the individual Great discrep- ancies have been noted. and 1t iY my intention. during the coming year, to subject this matter to a proper corrections may be made In the budget for 1883.
 Legislation.
 The revised charter granted by the 1881 legislature became fully operative on January 1, 1032. This charter has already been the sub tect Of much favorable comment throughout the stute and should go far toward co-ordinating the veri- ous branches of the city govern ment to make possible greater ef- ficiency in conducting our opera tions.
 The annual report of the cor porution counsel contains certain for legislation de- signed to lessen the number of claims against the city by reason of conditions affecting sidewalks, sewer boxes and telephone and telegraph poles. In my opinion, these matters should receive tho careful consideration of your hon orable board at m early date.
 Taxes
 The collection of taxes during the past year has proceeded In n satisfactory manner in the face of extremely adverse conditions.
 While there are unfortunately n great number of people who find 1t almost impossible to pay their tnx bills. 1t is gratifying to note that many realize the importance of this matter to themselves us well as to their city, and have met their obligations promptly
 We have no desire to be unduly harsh with those who are tempor- arily handicapped by misfortune. The law in this matter Is most spc- cific. however. and we have no al formative other than to continue the vigorous campaign which will ulti- mately reach every delinquent tax payer.
 Public Works
 At the very beginning of the past year, the city suffered u most la mentablo loss in the death of Ed ward F. Bradley superintendent of the streets. water and sewers. Dur ing the year in which he occupied this position, MT Bradley had not only given an example of great ef- ficiency in the conduct Of these de- partments, but had endeared him. self to all our citizens with whom he had come In contact.
 It is most gratifying to note that Thomas J. Fleming, who was ap- pointed in his place, has in every way maintained this standard and has handled his difficult task in n manner worthy of high com mendation.
 The paving of Baldwin street and a part of West Main street have been the outstanding accom- pUshments of 1881, but a vast amount of work on other streets has placed our street system in better condition than ever before.
 The policy of oiling streets has been continued on liberal scale. While the initial expense of this operation is high. it will ultimate ly result in q much lower cost for maintenance, so that the expense is amply justified.
 While there can be no criticism of the water department, the fact remains that over a mill and half of our annual tax levy has to be appropriated to make up the defi-