Evening star., 1953-12-10
Commissions 5
Records Open
To Civic Group
Suburban Sanitary
Agency Also to Hold
Budget Hearing

Accountants for the Allieeik
Civic Group of Silver Spring last.
night were promised access to
the audits and records of the
Washington Suburban Sanitary
Commission.
At a special meeting between
representatives of the civic group
and the commission, a pattern
OF future cooperation appeared
established. The civic group took
its first major step in a long
proposed survey of the commits
sion's operations; the commits
sion, in turn, announced that it:
authorizes the publication of
its budget for the year 1854 in
advance of adoption and the
holding of a public hearing prior
to final budget action. -"
The commission. in October,
had invited spokesmen from the
civic group to present requests
for information. In the inter-
change of data and recommends
tions, E. K. Stabler, WSSC public
relations director, told the citi-
zens, pattern for future CO.
operation may we'll be SET"
H. Ralph Miller, an attorney
for the civic group, asked at the
outset if the commission is will
ing to vhae its books examined.
Books always Open"
Russell H. Kepler, sanitary
commission controller, replied:
AT any time during regular busi-
ness hours-by appointment"
Ralph w. Bellamy, chairman
of the commissioners. added:
THE books are always open to
the public"
Does the commission. asked
Mr. Miller. consider the exist
ing rates (Which were increased
early this year, as temporary
rates . 2"
commissioner l.. S. CTed Ray
answered: The present rates
are for 1883 They have to be
reset every year by the commits
sion"
Question. If revenue exceeds
expectations, could the commits
sion then make a refund"
mo" said Arthur c. Keefcr,
general counsel for the commits
sion, "but an adjustment in
rates is possible. subject to the
commissions financial standing
at the end of the year."
Deficit Estimated.
In this connection, Mr.. Kepler
pointed out that cumulative
deficit of S572 900 in the sewage
use branch of the commissions
operations has been estimated
for 1858.
Would the commission object
/ to being under the jurisdiction
of the Maryland Public Service
Commisssion?" Mr.. Miller asked.
Mr.. Keefer said the commits
sion would have no objection
lit would be a wonderful thing"
He also revealed the sanitary
authority has been trying to
locate a competent financial
manager.
I'VE need a man experienced
in investments and public util-
tiles" Mr. Kecfer said. ut is
not easy to find such a man.
He would probably cost between
$4,000 and $4,000 a year"
Wanted Data Specified.
The civic groups last infor-
nation request was a two-page
specification of desired Statis-
tical and financial data for each
month, from July, 1850, through
1853. Asked also was the same
data showing annual totals from
1945 through 1852.
According to Stephen HotSko.
chairman of the groups Tax
and Finance Committee, the
civic group is vitality interested
in getting data on % monthly
items-including fees. billings.
water flow and revenues-for
each month this year.
Mr.. HotSko argued it would
be preferable to arrange an ap-
pointment for inspection of the
commissions books. He said he
realizes MI. Kepler and his staff
are extremely busy, and added:
1--WE can't barge in on you
when you're in the middle of a
budget"