TH First City Manager Flashback Article 6.4.20flashback friday
Dubuque's 1st city manager began work in 1920
Ossian E. Carr aldreportedonCarr'sarrivalinits "In many instances, propriated and those in charge
introduced a budget June 1, 1920,edition. the budget system, are not permitted to expend more
g y than their allotment, the budget is
process to control CITY MANAGER TAKES HOLD properly handled, is practical. If they spend regardless
government spending. O.E. Carr became city manager of the amount in the budget, it is
of Dubuque this morning. the salvation of cities no better than the old manner."
BY ERI K HOGSTROM The oath of office was admin- Carr delivered his first speech
erik.hogstrom@thmedia.co,n istered by Mayor James Alderson swamped in debt. in the city to the Kiwanis club
in the presence of Commission- meeting today, when he set forth
Dubuque's first city manager er Louis Brede and City Engineer OSSIAN E. CARR, DUBUQUE'S his policies in running Dubuque
took the reins of municipal gov- Walter Cullen in the mayor's of- FIRST CITY MANAGER on a sound business basis.
eminent 100 years ago this week. fice.... "I come here with no friends
Ossian E. Carr introduced a Since his arrival in Dubuque the list of appropriations made by and no enemies, and I'm going
budget process to control gov- last Friday evening, Mr. Carr has the old council for the year 1920, to endeavor to give the city as fair
ernment spending shortly after beenmakingastudyofconditions several funds have been marked and impartial an administration
taking the city manager's job in here. He has been informed by for cancellation and a budget as it is possible for me to give,"
June 1920. the members of the city commis- system is being considered for Mr. Carr declared.
He had been the city manag- sion of the importance of street Dubuque. Whether this will be- The dire straits of the city's fi-
er of Springfield, Ohio, before and sewer projects that have been come a permanent institution nancesweredeploredbythecity
arriving in Dubuque. He served awaiting his attention. It is thought Mr. Carr would not state, but said: manager.
in Dubuque until 1925, when he that much of the new manager's "In many instances, the bud- "The June statement for the
accepted an offer to become the time will be used in consideration get system, properly handled, is last three months shows the city's
city manager of Fort Worth, Texas. of street and sewer improvements. the salvation of cities swamped resources dwindling rapidly, he
Here is how the Telegraph Her- After a careful consideration of in debt. If a certain amount is ap- said.
Contributed
Ossian E. Carr was the first city manager of
Dubuque. He began work on June 1,1920.
He served in Dubuque until 1925.