120 Chicago Bureau of Public Efficiency 



Maintenance and Operation. 



Prior to 1910, automobile expense was not kept separately, 

 but, together with other expenses, was charged to a miscellaneous 

 operating account. Beginning in January, 1910, a separate 

 "Garage Account" was opened in the ledger and a separate col- 

 umn allotted thereto in the record of "vouchers audited." A 

 more comprehensive review seemed desirable, and the Bureau 

 therefore examined and tabulated all vouchers for charges of this 

 character during the past five years. The total automobile cost 

 thus determined for that period did not, however, include any al- 

 lowance for depreciation, but it has been computed at one and one- 

 half per cent, per month, except that depreciation on the one 

 machine which was exchanged is considered to be the difference 

 between the purchase and exchange prices. The automobile ex- 

 pense tabulated from payment vouchers, together with the esti- 

 mated depreciation, shows the total cost for automobile service 

 during the last five years to have been as follows : 



Expense per Total 



Year. Park Records. Depreciation. Cost. 



1906 $ 309 $ 174 $ 483 



1907 2,361 660 3,021 



1908 3,622 737 4,359 



1909 3,991 1,248 5,239 



1910 8,066 1,503 9,569 



Total $18,349 $4,322 $22,671 



The Bureau suggests that the Lincoln Park Board dispose 

 of the 5-passenger White Steamer assigned to the Commissioners 

 and the 2-passenger Cadillac used by the general foreman. It 

 would be equally convenient and much cheaper to rent a car for 

 use of the Commissioners when necessary than to retain one con- 

 stantly in service for their use. Since the promotion of the 

 Assistant Secretary to the Secretary's office, he has continued to 

 use the 2-passenger Cadillac formerly operated by him as assist- 

 ant. Aside from a salvage value of the two machines of approxi- 

 mately $1,150, the annual saving suggested on maintenance cost 

 would amount approximately to $2,900. 



