The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-10-26


CITY TAxIs-BoARD OF AssEssoRs-ExoRBI-
TAST PAY, &c.-Very few of our hundred thousand
tax payers ever lookio the items which swell up
the enormous amount levied annually in small
and large sums upon individuals. We have, from
time TO time, exposed many extravagances in the
different bureaus where these expenses originate
Our expostions have had the effect, if not of re-
medying evils, at least of enlightening the public,
and the remedy will be applied in time. We have
double duty to perform in these matters We not
only pay considerable amount of taxes ourselves,
but, from our position, we are guardians of the
public interests; and shall continue to exercise
that guardianship, as hitherto, without apology to
the officials entrusted with the matters in question,
as we have as little confidence in them as in any
Of their predecessors in office.
We now call the attention OF the city to the
duties and pay Of the Board of Assessors, called,
and we shall show that, for the work done and the
responsibility involved, the compensation is very
much too great; and that, from want of any check
Of auditing or comptrolling officer, great abuses
may eas, in this bureaa-perhaps we shall develope
instances where abuses have been perpetrated
A late report Of the President OF the Cro,on Wa
ter Department, now before the public, fully
explains the proceedings attending the con-
struciion Of, and assessment for, sewers. II is
an able document. and will repay pc
russl by tax payers. IL suggests a mode Of ap-
poriioning such assessments much more eqitably
than is now done. We shall see that this hint
shall not sleep in a drowsy ear" We will also
s,srtle the public with facts collecting,
in connection with this subject, which will demon
straie the utter ineficency and improper construc-
ton Of our entire system Of sewers in this city.
AT present, we have to regulate the Assessors.
BY reference to report of the Street Commits
soner Of tie month Of April last covering period
Of little less than six months, 1t will be seen that
the assessments levied for the various works there
in specified amount to els, 533, white the paid
to contractors was but Si33 046; the difference Of
ESQ fs6 going TO pay surveyors, inspectors, asses
sors, and collectors In other words, the assess-
ments levied upon owners amounts TO nearly
twelve per cent upon the contract price for the work
done.
OF this twelve per cent, more than two ptr cent
went to the three assessors, who received 1851
n six months, or s2S5O each, which is consider
ably more than 5000 per snnum, besides which
they have other "pickincs" which make up their
pay fully to 1000 each per annum-a much higher
compensation than is received by any other Office
holder appointed by the corporation, however
arduous his duties or prodgious his responsible
ties. The Mayor himself only gets $4,000
Now, what are the duties performed by these
three men, at an expense to the city Of $4,000
yearl Very little; next to nothing. The surveyor
makes the actual spportionments, the clerk to the
assessors adds the assessors fees, and the
sign the documents But the responsibility is great,
is i'll The chairman u the board receives the
complaints Of those who consider they are appor-
toned too large share Of the assessment, and he,
at his discre ton, reduces their quota, distributing
such amount reduced among others, who are not
knowing enough, or lucky enough, TO procure such
favors
Now, we say nothing here OF the personal cha
racter Of the present incumbents-we charge no.
thing against their integrity; but we hold that they
are placed in position where they are liable to
great temptation, an in the absence Of any check
whatever, the public has right, as the only qua
ranee against oppression, that this Board of Assoc
sors should be composed of men Of the very highest
character, Of the most unimpeschable integrity.
II il should be discovered by any chance that they
have in any CAGE yielded to bribery, they can 10 no
wise urge that they were so illpaid as to be ex.
cusable II that plea can ever be urged for official
corruption, canGot apply this case for they are,
by all odds, the best paid, with perhaps the least
responsibility Of any Of the peoples servants. |
Surely $4,000 year, at least, may be saved to |
the people, by giving these assessors, (f all three
Of them are necessary far salaries, Of say loo,