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RG35 Contracts and Bonds (1907-preaent)
History
Since its inception the municipal government has contracted for
various types of work. In the early years, the majority of contracts
were for upkeep of streets and construction of city buildings. Until
1858 contracts were awarded by the city officials in charge of-the
work, who usually were specially-appointed commissioners. A more
formal process was instituted in 1858 whereby city officers advertised
for sealed proposals for public work; these proposals were opened at a
public meeting and the contracts awarded to the lowest responsible
bidder. This system has remained essentially the same up to the
present. From 1900 until 1947 proposals were opened and contracts
awarded by a Board of Awards (RG 37). After the Board of Awards was
abolished in 1947, the Board of Estimates (RG 36) assumed this
function, which it continues today.
Records Summary
There are few contract records dating prior to 1907. What does
exist is scattered throughout the records of various agencies (the
archives HRS index may be of some help in locating these materials).
Contract records dating from 1907 to the present are more complete and
these materials comprise this record group. Most of the contracts
from 1907 to 1924 concern street paving and sewer construction,
although construction of schools, markets, bridges, and other public
buildings also is covered. These materials are indexed under the
agency doing the work. Contracts and bonds dating from 1925 to the
present relate mostly to structural construction or alteration. Other
contract types cover supplies, equipment, and building rehabilitation.
Series
Contracts and Bonds. 1907-present. 191 cu. ft.
(191 boxes). Item listing.
Arranged chronologically.
Contract Ledger Cards. 1922-75. 14 reels of microfilm,
Arranged alphabetically.
RG36 Board of Estimates (1900-present)
History
The 1898 municipal charter established the Board of Estimates
and the body's first meeting took place in 1900. While the
composition of the board has changed over the years, its two main
functions - preparing the annual budget and supervising the city's
income and expenditures - have remained the same. (Present members of
the board are the mayor, city council 'president, director of public
works, solicitor, and comptroller).
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