The globe-independent. (Hagerstown, Md.) 1943-19??, 1951-12-06

also stated that he personally was
strongly in favor of keeping the tax
rate as low as possible, but that the
actual rate for so will not be de-
termined until he and the members
of the Council go thoroughly into the
proposed budget for the coming year
and the anticipated revenue.
Councilman Hellane also spoke on
the question of taxes, during which
he frankly stated that a so cents tax
rate might be good business, but he
wondered how they could keep it at
that rate and still give the taxpayers
the services they need, and he point
ed out that in his ward alone he
could spend 100000 next year for
badly needed Improvements such as
sewerage, streets and alleys. Coun-
Gilman Hellane then was frank
enough to add in joking manner,
eff we raise taxes where are we -
next year is election"
Getting down to the question of
schools Mr.. Burhans, speaking for
the commissioners, stated that right
at the present time there is a million
dollars worth of school construction
going on and that it is the purpose
of the County Commissioners to give
Washington County the best schools
within their power, He also stated
that the undermining of all county
schools - and that means inside
toilets, running water and modern
heating plants for the rural schools
that are now without them-Will be
completed within three years.
Speaking of the teachers salary bill
vetoed by Governor McKeldin that
will be reconsidered by the 1egisla-
ture at the forthcoming special ses-
sion, Mr.. Burhans stated unequivo-
cally that while all the members of
the board are 100 per cent in favor
of the increased salaries which the
board has already granted the teach
ers in this county-he does not feel
that the burden of meeting this ad-
ditional expense should be borne by
the taxpayers, but should be paid
by the state out of the sales tax,
which had already produced more
than double the revenue that was
anticipated when the tax went into
effect
Commissioner Delphey also spoke
on the school situation in the coun-
ty, during which he stated that he
was all for building the best schools
possible within the means of the
County, but did not think it was
necessary to go to extremes.
The question of the facilities
available at the County Home was
answered by Commissioner Mob1ey,
who stated that everything possible
was being done for the old people at
the home, taking into account the
fact that in all probability the entire
building would be RACED in the near
future to make way for the new
mental hospital. He pointed out that
it was the duty of the commissioners
to closely and jealousy guard the
finances of the county and he felt
that it would be penny wise and
pound foolish" to spend money for
major Improvements at this time.
Another question that has come
up at several Council meetings, con-
corning the low water pressure in
the Hamilton Homes and Carroll
Heights section, was answered by
Councilman Jennings, who stated
that, in addition to larger pipes be-
ing laid in those sections, the Water
| Board has requested, in its 1852
budget, money to erect a water
tower that should increase the pres
sure materially.
The meeting reflected the hard
work done by the Chamber of Com
merce Committee, which was head
ed by John NJ. Baer.