9 Called meeting of the City Council Jany 22 1881 Mayor H. A. Saylor presiding. Roll called. Present – Aldermen Kinney, Cook, Schuber, Radkey, Huppertz, Moeller, Platt and Wilson. Absent – Aldermen Betz and Brueggerhoff. Quorum present. The Mayor Stated that the Council was called together for the purpose of considering the right-of-way to the Austin and Northwestern Railroad, and to consider financial matters. The City Clerk was reported sick, and on motion was excused. Alderman Platt moved to postpone the question of right of way to Austin and Northwestern rail road and to give attention to the finances of the city. Alderman Radkey objected, and asked that the right-of-way question be first considered, as it was uncertain as to whether the Austin and Northwestern would be able to get into the City at all under the ordinance now in force. Alderman Platt earnestly urged the Council to consider the finance question. The motion of Alderman Platt prevailed. The following resolution offered by Alderman Kinney was adopted by the following vote. Yeas – Aldermen Kinney, Cook, Schuber, Radkey, Huppertz, Moeller, Platt and Wilson Nays – none. Resolution. Whereas, There exists a feeling of general distrust and apprehension in regard to the financial condition of the City of Austin, thereby impairing the credit of the City, and subjecting the City warrants to a heavy discount; Therefore, be it Resolved, by the City Council of the City of Austin. That the finance Committee be authorized, and instructed to examine, so far as may be necessary, the books and records of all the officers of past administrations of the City Government, in order to ascertain the exact present financial condition of the City, its resources, assets, and outstanding indebtedness, of every character, so that the present --- Page break --- Administration may fully comprehend the task before it. Of endeavoring to place the credit of the city on a proper basis. Resolved, That said committee be authorized to employ an expert accountant, who together with the City Clerk, under the direction of the committee, shall make the investigations required, and report the result of their labors at the earliest day possible, not later than the first regular meeting in Jany. next. Resolved, That the sum of One Hundred dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be hereby appropriated to pay for the services of said expert. The finance committee asked for further time to report on the account of Mr. F. D. Forster. Time granted. An ordinance presented by Alderman Happatz granting right of way to the Austin and Northwestern railroad was read. A petition of citizens and property owners protesting against the granting of right-of-way to the Austin and North western rail road through Cedar Street, east of East Avenue, was presented and read. On motion of Alderman Plate, further consideration of the right of way question was postponed until the next meeting. On motion the council adjourned G. H. Patterson City Clerk