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Austin Budget Approves $1,400+ in City Expenses

Monday, November 1, 1869 regular

City budget approved: The council unanimously passed nearly $1,423 in appropriations for the final quarter of 1869, covering salaries for the mayor, police officers, and city officials, plus expenses for street work and animal removal.

Salary dispute delayed: A former mayor's petition requesting unpaid wages from 1866-1867 was postponed to the next meeting, suggesting financial tensions from the post-Civil War period.

Police and infrastructure focus: The budget included three police officers' monthly pay and significant funding for street repairs and maintenance, indicating the city's priorities for public safety and infrastructure.

Routine administrative business: The meeting covered standard items like approving previous minutes, reviewing quarterly reports from city officers, and addressing the city sexton's (gravedigger's) duties.

Full Transcript

Council Rooms November the 1st 1869 Council met pursuant to adjournment His Honor Leander Brown Mayor in the Chair Roll called, and the following Alderman answer to their names, Aldermen Palen, Purvis, Russell Collins and Fox Minutes for October 4th were read and adopted. The Report for last Month by the City Sexton was presented and read Petition by William H Cass asking for balance of Salary as Mayor of the City 1866 and part of 1867 was read, and on motion seconded and carried, and laid over to next regular Meeting. Quarterly and Annual reports by the City Officers were presented, and passed to the Finance Committee The following appropriations were asked for (viz) Mayors Salary for the 4th quarter of 1869 $125.00 For Pound rent 4th quarter 56.00 Assessor and Collector 4th quarter 125.00 City Attorney salary 4th quarter 25.00 City Sexton salary 4th quarter ...... 25.00 John Bever Policeman Month October 40.00 Williams Henrick Policeman do do 40.00 William McClellan Policeman do do 40.00 John W Farr 1 month and ⅔ Marshal 55.55 Work Already done on Streets Tools & 578.15 For removing dead Animals to this date 40.15 Silas Peterson Repairing Engine & Oiling Machine 46.2 C Demsalkes Black Smith account 5.2 Baker & Raymond for Stationery 4.70 Feeding Prisoners Positively account 6.22 which was seconded and the Roll being $1422.9 called the appropriations was made a unanimous vote Adjourned until half past Seven Oclock P.M. next regular Meeting A. C. Horne Jr Recorder