Evening star., 1947-01-29
Montgomery Weighs
Requests for Hospital
And Highway Funds

The Board OF Commissioners for
Montgomery County today had un-
der advisement two major requests
for funds presented at its weekly
meeting yesterday.
Largest sum was that asked by the
County Farm Bureau for road inn
provement. James D. King, president
Of the bureau, and o. w. Anderson,
county agent, outlined a 5-year plan
for improving a total of $40 miles
Of cunty roads at cost of more than
81, ,O00, 900.
Arthur c. Lambert, president of
the board of the Suburban Hospital,
Bethesda, without mentioning a
specific sum, said that more money
must be given the hospital to care
for county needy patients. During
the past three years, he asserted,
the hospital has incurred a loss of
$50, 600, in caring for such cases.
King "Restating" Request.
Mr.. King explained that he was
restating the request made last year
for road Improvements and which
was approved by the former county
board. However, no money was ap-
propriated.
AS possible means of raising the
necessary funds, Mr.. King reiterated
those suggested last year, among
them: A special 1-cent gasoline tax,
reassessment of properties adjacent
to the improved roads; a gross rev.
enue tax against public utilities; and
a special tax on amusements and
recreational activities.
At the same time he pointed out
that money could be saved not only
county governments, but also State
and Federal. by curtailing unneces-
sary relief expenditures"
F. Bernard Welsh, attorney to the
County Board, in reviewing the diff
ficulties confronting road program,
said that the present board was
elected on a mo bond issue" plat
form, and added that no money
could be raised by such means.
Mr.. Lambert said that the county
pays the hospital only 81 day
toward the care of eligible county
patients. He asserted that that
sum contrasted with So a day in
Prince Georges County.
Nelson in Similar Plea.
At the same time, H. L. Nelson,
representing the Washington Sani-
tarium, Takoma Park, made a SINH
lar request for more money for
county cases. He said he did not
have specific figures with him but
that it costs nearly $40 a day, or
more than twice the county allow
ance, to care for patients at the
sanitarium.
Brooke Johns, chairman of the
board, explained that both the hos
pital and roads requests would be
taken under advisement and would
be considered in June when next
years budget is studied
The board announced the ap-
pointment of Perry G. Burdette of
Woodf1eld and Leonard E. Brashear
Of Laytonsville as members of the
Board Of Assessors to fill two va
canies Salary will be $1,000.
The board adopted a resolution to
agree to follow whatever course the
District OF Columbia takes this sum-
mer in regard to daylight saving
time.
Other action taken included the
naming of each board member as
road commissioner from his~sespec-
tive district.
Andrew j. Kessinger, Silver
Spring, former member Of the park
ing lot committee, abolished several
weeks ago, was named parking lot
at $500 annually.
With the abolition of the former
committee a net saving of $1,000
formerly paid has been realized, 1t
was announced. County Supervisor
I. G. McNayr, former member of
the committee, will continue to as
sist Mr.. Kessinger without addi-
tional compensation.