The Daily Alaska empire., 1950-04-22
COUNCIL DISCUSSES SMALL SALES TAX;
 NO ACTION ThKEN

A one percent sales tax for Ju- neau was discussed at the regular meeting of the City Council last night.
 The discussion began after May or Waino Hendrickson told the council that several groups in Ju- neau are circulating petitions call ing for enactment of an ordinance setting ur a one percent tax, rev enue from which would be ear marked for retirement Of bonds issued Tor city Improvements.
 Although it took no action CT the matter, the council showed in terest in the sales tax idea.
 City Attorney Howard Stablar pointed out that such an ordinance would have to be submitted to Q referendum vote of the people of Juneau, and 55 percent of the vote would have to be in favor of pass ing the ordinance.
 Interest in the sales tax idea stemmed partly from the fact that the Juneau Independent School Districts board decided at spec ial meeting Thursday evening tc ask voters to authorize a S750,o0t bond issue at an election May l6 the bond issue to cover the school districts share of the cost of con- structing a new school equipped with a large auditorium-gymnaS- ium
 If voters decide at that election that the much-needed school vii be built, the city Of Juneau will be financially responsible for two thirds of the amount of bonds is sued, it WIS pointed out.
 School expenses now take eight mills of the twenty collected in property taxes here, councilman J. P. Christensen said, and adding any more school expenses might mean that half of the city's in- come would have to be used for school expenses.
 Councilman Christensen said that city improvements, including the planned municipal building and fire hall, will have to be paid for, and raising the city property tax above the present rate does not seem to be the answer. T think that if the people of Juneau were sure future admin istration could not misuse sales tax funds-that these funds would go only for retirement of bonds they would favor such a tax" he said.
 The Council decided to let the matter rest and await the appear ance of the petitions from private citizens.
 A motion was passed to call for bids on a medium priced car for the police force.
 Police Chief Bernard E. Hulk re- quested that the new car be a sedan instead of 6 panel truck because, he said, with a new am- bulance due any day in the city the police car will no longer be required for ambulance duty.
 "A panel truck is too top-heavy for chasing speeders,' he said
 The present police vehicle will be traded in on the new car.
 Councilman Alfred Zenger sug- gested that the property and fin ance committe be authorized to investigate the possibility of pur- chasing a lot on Star Hill as a playground.
 The lot, between East and Ken nedy Streets on Fifth Street, is used at present as @ playground, and some of the best basketball players in the city learned to play there, he said
 A motion was passed authorizing the investigation.
 A motion was also passed ap- proving the application made by the Juneau Realty Company for financial help in constructing side- walks in the recently-annexed Highlands section. The sidewalks are to be constructed in front of 20 houses whose owners have ag- reed to pay two-thirds of the cost if the city pays one-third.
 This tS the same proportion of the cost paid by the city in all parts of Juneau.
 The Council passed a motion authorizing the printing of the newly-adcpted traffic code in book let form for the convenience of drivers Bids will be called for on the job.
 ERnNT HAYNES