Evening star., 1942-01-07

A Budget Bureau finding that the
District will wind up the next fiscal
year with a surplus of s3,333,o16 was
given today as a reason why that
agency has urged the Commission
ers to "spend your own money" for
emergency facilities to provide war
time protection for National Capital
life and property.
District officials stoutly maintain
there will be no such real" sur
plus in revenues at the end Of the
next fiscal year, in that projects
definitely scheduled but delayed by
lack Of priority ratings, ultimately
will require all the estimated excess
in funds, which they call a "legiti-
mate reserve.
This disagreement over what the
city heads refer to as the "so-called'
surplus brings again into focus the
fact that the Commissioners several
times have petitioned the Budget
Bureau to approve a grant to the
District from the Presidents emer-
gency funds for provision of long
list of things for civilian defense
against a possible enemy attack
notably 18 emergency water reser-
voirs for use in case the normal
water system is disrupted. and a
variety of more or less costly units
of fire-fighting apparatus to supple
ment the service of the District Fire
Department.
Earlier Requests Trimmed.
United States Civilian Defense
Chieftain La Guardia has come to
the support of the Commissioners
but so far without avail. Earlier
requests by the Commissioners have
been shaved down to less than $780,
900 for these special purposes. But
the impression gained by District
officials is that Budget Bureau OFF,
cials feel that since the 1943 District
budget sets up expectancy of sur
plus District money should be
spent for the purpose.
However, the city heads so far
have resisted the move to have Dis
trict taxpayers foot this bill, in
addition to the 100000 advanced
under the Blackout Act eventually
to be repaid by the DISTRICT as well
as other extraordinary costs still
anticipated They argue that Con-
gress has authorized municipal out
lays, for projects which are being
deferred because priority ratings
cannot now be obtained for con-
struction materials. They insist the
need for such works, to a large de-
gree schools and other building con-
struction, still remains and the out
lays will be made as soon as ma
terials are obtainable.
The Budget Bureau has broken
the estimated surplus" down into
an item of S820,595 for the general
revenue account; s1.382,037 for the
highway fund coming from the gas
oline tax and motor vehicle fees
(Which will be increased hereafter
by reason Of the recent 1-cent hike
in the gasoline tax; and 81 1.l30,884
from trust funds. No surplus" was
found by the Federal agency for the
water fund.
OF the total surplus as set down
in the budget books, District officials
explained, only the $820595 esti-
mated to accrue in the general
fund could be used for civilian de-
fense purposes. The only exception
would be where water or highway
projects were classed for civilian
defense, and the greatest need of
the District now, it is said, is for
equipment and help for the fire.
fighting service directly. The high
way and water funds cannot be used
for general purposes under existing
law.
Need For Schools Continues.
Considering the general fund ac-
count, District officials emphasize
that the school budget was cropped