BOOK 19_1942-09-08 to 1945-05-07

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E t SDI Council consider at this time the inclusion in the 1944-45 budget an amount equal to 3/4 mill tax on the 1.00 assessed valuation. City Clerkread communication from Ieir. Elmer Ross objecting to the use of tax funds for construction of a building that would be used exclusively by Veterans, also stating a municipal building such as the one contemplated should be managed -and controlled by_The Recreation Commission, dedicated to the Veterans but open to any and all citizens. Councilman Granger spoke in favor of the proposed tax, stating that Veterans of World War #1 met in the old City Hall and later in the firehouse, which was built as a veterans' memorial, however, after about one year_the veterans felt they were not welcome and discontinued meeting at the firehouse. Councilman Anderson commented on the ruling from City Attorney McCarthy, stating he was in favor of doing everything possible for the boys returning from the war and be- Fa e- lieved the matter should be fully aired. Mayor Hilton asked the Committee to state any definite plans. Chairman Hedge replied they had in mind a building consisting of an auditorium seating approximately 20GO, and wings to be constructed which would be for the exclusive use of the veteran organization. Councilman Dritschgi voiced his objections to raising by taxation money to be expended for a building for the exclusive use of veterans. After considerable discussion, Councilman Fletcher moved, seconded by Councilman Gran- ger, that the 3/4 mill tax be included in the next tax rate. Under question, Councilman Armstrong; raised the question as to disposition of money raised on special tax rate in the event the building would not, for one reason or another, be constructed, Opinion stated was that money raised under the circumstances woLld be frozer3. Mr. Winchester stated the reason why Committee would like to see the 3/4 mill tax_ passed was to show good f aith with the County Supervisors who have assured them of an appropriation of $90,000 which will have no strings attached and may be used toward building an auditorium. ,Councilman GranC_er asked the committee whether or not they would be satisfied with a lesser amount than the 3/4 mill tax. Committee stated that they were agreeable to a compromise as all they are asking is for the city backing to help secure the County aid. Councilman Fletcher withdrew his motion with the consent of the sec- ond and moved, seconded by Councilman Granger, to add 1/2 mill to the tax rate. After more general discussion on the part of the Council and the Committee, Mr. Fletcher, with the consent of the second, again withdrew his motion and moved the original motion, seconded by Councilman GrGnger, to add 3/4 mill to the tax rate. Mayor Hilton stated he would vote yes with the understanding that control of the building, must be in the hands of a special commission rather than the Recreation Commission. Potion carried. Mayor Hilton thanked the Comihittee for their untiring, efforst and Councilman Mcidulty complimented them asbeing an outstanding group of citizens. Councilman Granger stated he would vote against salary ordinance as he was opposed to the form as written. Councilman Armstrong; had no objections to offer providing the budget tentatively accepted was followed religiously, with the understanding unexpended funds rithin any department set aside for a specific puapose would not be expended for any other -)urpose. City Manager Uead agreed that he was in full accord with this and would follow this program to the fullest extent.