The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, JUNE 15, 1931. MUNICIPAL FINANCE

Hokitika Guardian, 15 June 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, JUNE 15, 1931. MUNICIPAL FINANCE

Tine estimates submitted by the Borough Treasurer at the Council meeting on Friday night, indicated that the local body would have a - fairly tight year, by retaining the present rate. After discussion it was resolved to strike the annual rate the same as last year, namely Is 2d in the £, unimproved value. An increase of one penny on the rateable value would give an additional £290, but it was felt at the present juncture it was not wise to increase the levy on the ratepayers. The estimated revenue for the year on the rating Basis agreed to, in £0798, and the expenditure was put down at £G-lo(). showing a surplus oi £OIB, The Treasurer doubted il the full revenue would be collected within the period, and on an estimated basis be thought there might- be a if doit at the end of the year of £-120. The debit balance for the financial year immediately past was £3BO, so that if the full revenue is not collectable within the financial year, the drift will not lie serious. The Council is handicapped by the amount of its fixed annual charges. These cover salaries, fire prevention, street lighting, water works, streets and drainage, public library, cemetery maintainance, and various administrative costs. 'I he consequence is that the surplus over and above these charges, leaves a very modest sum indeed for extra works which may arise, while it is not possible to prepare a very extensive prooramme of new undertakings. 'lt is clear that the Council will require- to watch its general expenditure very closely, and the works committee has been instructed to curtail all extra

expenditure to a minimum. General

economy in local body expenditure is the need of the times, so that the ratepayers will not lie saddled unduly with rates. 'I be Government taxation is sure to be increased, and this toll will be necessary in these times of restricted business and earning capacity. without levying extra rates. The Council < onsidered various economies, and is going to lie frugal in its general administration. The salaries of the stall' were reviewed, but were not consiedred excessive, in lact are .not high, while no increases have taken [dace in the past. The opinion was ex. pressed that so long as the rate was not increased the salaries should not be touched The scale, as remarked, is a very moderate one. As a matter of fact, the clerical salaries are less than 5} per cent, of the expenditure, and shout 5 per cent, of the revenue, so that there is not much room for any reduction in reason. One of the difficulties of the municipality is the length of streets and foot paths which have to be maintained. For the area of the Borough and its population, it is well, served with rohding, and has also a very efficient water supply. The town enjoys various amenities for the upkeep of which the Borough Council is responsible. There is ft. well kept asset in Cass Square, and generally the reserves under the care of the local body, are maintained in a very creditable manner indeed. • No. doubt of late some relief has been experienced by the utilisation of unemployed labour. and good work has been carried out in regard to drainage particularly an,] a general clearing up of many of the streets. Good use lias been made ol (lie labour available, and no doubt if tne scheme is continued lurtber useful work will lie put in hand. The Council has resolved to do more tar sealing when the conditions are favourable, without undue expense, in lilling or levelling, and this is work of a .seini-permament character which will be aoprc'jated generally. It. is to he hoped more kerhing will he pos sible as the effect and utility of this class of work is apparent at once. Generally it may he assumed the Council will pursue the even tenor of its way bent on doing its_ best with the funds available. The late heavy expenditure on the water works exhausted the u'-umulated funds, but goou work resulted and the water supply system is in better condition than for some time past. Further work is to done on the weakest link in the eliarn of pipes, and with this accomplished the security of the supply should be more assured. Altogether, the local Council should have a useful ,\eai despite* file * restricted "fi na iic'e; by tne fullest utilisation of the staff and labour available, and with a close waxen o n outgoings the year should end not unsatisfactorily for a]l concerned.