The coastland times. [volume] (Mnateo [i.e. Manteo], N.C.) 1947-1959, 1957-03-15
CAUTION CAN BE COMMEMORATE.

While there has been considerable disappointment ex-
that the Manteo Town Board this deferred
action the proposal to give to Virginia Electric and
Power Company franchise for the operation of electric
power system in Manteo, may call attention to oft
expressed belief that grave and important matter should
be quickly passed without ascerainng the full wishes all
who be concerned On this instance two members of the
town board both of whom considered among the most
highly popular of the towns younger business men, have
stated plainly that they are not fully informed on the sub
ec that they do not wish make hasty decsion and
that they weigh deeply their obligation to ali the citizens to
work for what they conscentiously the best
interests of the town
In this they backed by several other business men,
including those representing both older and younger groups
who have urged them to proceed with caution and defer
final action until various views have been fully examined
and considered Their action is also prompted by the belief
that the Town of Maneo either pick up that portion
the Roanoke Utilities within the town limits something
like $25OOO or in any event build system for $685.
00O and by the selling of electricity 225 customers
residing in the town of Manteo sort of profit
variously estimated at $500 year up This not
embrace of the possibility that the town might have
to manufacture current from diesel equipment, which
would require investment of upwards of quarter of
million dollars something which they readily admit is clearly
without the realm of possibility.
An important thing that to be overlooked is that
the proposition being viewed through the wrong end of
the telescope could be that the town of Manteo could
derive profits from small SYSTEM which would
the time being but any system of this grew
and expanded, would constantly demand and more
investment of money Lines would have be extended and
help empoyd there would be vicious circle of
expenses and problems which would delay any reduction in
rates. early benefits from any profits Moreover most
people believe some of know that politically oper-
aed enterprises in most all instances do not work for
the good of all the people Based simple conjecture,
these proponents that utilities for the town
could be kept by the employment of single outside
ice which appears most fallacious PREMISE and that
all the book work could be done without by adding
the duties of the town clerk
While they admit honestly, they know nothing about
the electrical business they expect to be enlightened
through the benefit of expert opinion and arranging
% wh Of so%e I e
and advise they think survey is worth while AS to the
cost OF survey nat mas neen ny Sn @G
to $6OO in which event this money would be waste should
the report prove negative and discouragng
In iSd fO
the best interests of the taxpayers being considered
why the Town Board instead Of taking any such
go ahead and get this advice all for free when by appealing
to the State Utilities Commission they might without cost
to the town. them to send to Manteo member of the
Commission with their expert rate clerk who already
familiar with every utility setup in this state and give the
town without COST the benefit of their knowledge and ad
vice.
qured they they do not know the money would have
to be raised by bond ISSUE dependent vote of the
people, if the town with funds diverted from the income
from water and rents and other funds could be
used to into the electric business To this they believe
many twenty people in the community would under
write much ST. 900 each to put into the venture
One thing that may be their greatest hurdle is to
keep all citizens satisfied continuing pay suf
fcienty high to bring profit the investment The people
are clamorg for lower rates. any rates charged by
the town must be concession from those prevailing
In this instance the town would be under regulations
under existing law by the State Utilities Commission and
depending the ability wise management disposition
charge sort of rate they might wish This might not set
well with the citizens who insist they should pay less Violent
present residential rates. which compare favoraby with
those charged by VEPCO with present commercial rates.
which already about Is per cent higher than those that
VEPCO would charge.
The cautious members of the town board say they
have not said final mo- to VEPCOs proposal They say
their investigation shows them that the people of the
town do not want the town go into the business they
find it would not be profitable they would then give full
consideration to the power company But in the meantime
they wish to consider what is best for the town.
Several citizens have expressed to this newspaper their
views what to the best interest of the town. parc
ulary it's businessmen In the first place profits to the town
he
alton Far ouweighing any possible small profits is the flu
ture welfare of all the town. and all the island which
depends for it's support few dollars Immediately in hand
in hope of benetng few large taxpayers may not be
important several dollars that will be saved in lower cleo
trio costs by each and every citizen big little throughout
the whole town. Furthermore the establishment of small
light spstem with consequent high rates. will