Evening star., 1954-01-12
Council Weighs
Cut in School
Bond Issue
Falls Church Hearing
Moy Reduce Sum
Submitted to Voters


Falls Church's proposed $780,
900, school bond issue may be
substantially reduced before it
goes to the voters on March 8.
Members of the City Council
indicated as much last night in
a busy financial session, which
also saw a $685., 900 water bond
issue tentatively approved and
a series Of tax revisions planned.
The council set January Is for
a hearing on both bond issues.
But some members said they ex-
pect to move for a cut in the
school bond amount before or
dering the March referendum.
Presenting the case for the
school funds. School Board
Chairman John A. Johnson said
it will take care of increased
enrollments only up to 1856.
Three Line Up for Cut.
Asked by Mayor M. Eldon
Colby for initial expressions,
three councilmen lined up for
a cut in the school bonds.
Councilman Donald G. Benn
said that. with other capital
needs pressing on the city, he
feared the issue might be de-
feated in the referendum.
ITO keep faith with our chill
dren," he declared. I'VE must
adopt the bond ordinance in a
form which the public will ap-
prove"
Councilman Charles E. KEEL
logg said he, too. would like to
see the $500, 900 request trimmed.
He said he feels it is possible
school officials could accomplish
their program for 20 per cent
less than they ask.
Councilman w. Raymond Tay-
lor agreed the proposed con-
struction might be done for less.
Others Indorse Board.
The only other councilmen to
take a stand were Grant G.
Hilliker and Charles c. Seymour.
Mr.. Hilliker said he had perfect
faith" in the School Boards
competence to get accurate cost
estimates. He said he favored
approving the full amount asked,
because large issue would in
terest bond buyers more, and
large-scale construction would
keep unit cost down.
Mr.. Seymour did not commit
himself to the whole program,
but said he did not question the
School Boards ability to figure
costs.
In the other bond issue, the
council showed little disagree
ment. The $685., 900 will be a
water revenue bond issue. $208,-
600 of it to construct a new sup
ply main across the Potomac
River to tap into a new dam near
Little Falls. The Army Corps Of
Engineers plans to begin con-.
structing the dam this spring.
Water Revenue Financing.
The other money would pay
of general obligation bonds for
existing water systems in the
Willston and Poplar Heights
areas. The entire issue would be
financed out of water revenues
and would not affect the general
tax rate.
In other business. the coun-
Gil accepted an interim report
of its tax study committee. head
ed by Mr.. Hilliker. It has five
main recommendations:
l. Undertake a program to-
gether with the City Chamber
Of Commerce to attract new
business to the city.
2. Reduce or eliminate the
personal property tax.
8. Bring property assessments
more in line with market values.
This would in most cases mean
raising assessments.
4. Extend the coverage of the
business and professional license
tax.
S. Seek more Federal and State
aid by pressing for regularly re-
vised population figures used in
determining ALLEGATIONS. At pres
ent. only the decennial census
figures are used, which are said
to work a hardship on fast
growing communities like Falls
Church.