Management of Municipally Owned Water Works on a Business Basis
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Abstract
the past decade there has been a decided trend toward municipal ownership of public utilities, including water works as well as electric power plants. The reasons for the trend are not within the province of this paper, but they are probably centered around the control of rates and the service provided, along with the popularity and pride of municipal ownership. But is it not true that there is now an accelerating tendency to discredit municipal ownership because of business policies of municipalities, especially with reference to the prevalent inability of those in charge of the administration of water works to fix or maintain water rates and service charges adequate to maintain and operate their plants on a business basis? The purpose of this paper is to point out some of the elements of this situation and to raise a few questions in the hope that it will lead to a wholesome discussion of the problem, leaning toward legislation wThich will be to the interest of the public and the water works profession.