New Orleans Republican., 1875-12-02

turned Other States have provided State
boards Of equalization, with power over
the local boards. Should State board Of
this kind be created it should consist of
to examine the valuation of the property OF
each parish as fixed by the local boards,
once In five years visiting the parishes tor
that purpose.
Valuations, when once 20 examined and
approved by the State board should remain
for hve years without alteration, with pow
er in the local boards to correct each year
in case Of destruction or Improvement or Of
change of ownership.
1t is further suggested whether property
belonging to religious aud other associations,
not dedicated to or used for strictly church
or educational purposes, and from which
rents and revenues are received, should not
thls city alone property Of the value of
several millions exempted from taxation,
yet in no manner used TOR church or educa-
tional purposes.
Secondly-There must be increased econ
omy in the administration of all branches
and departments of the State government.
While, as have indicated, the expense of
government has been reduced to one-ha alf
of it's former limit, still further reductions
and economy are possible.
The present system of assessment and
collection is too expensive. The remedy
lies in legislation. 1t is suggested that the
law be 80 changed as to provide that in the
city of New Orleans, instead of seven State
| assessors. with large salariee, one assessor,
with salary say of $4,000, and with such
clerical force as may be necessary; also as.
sistant assessors--one for each assessment
district.-to be paid for the time actually
| engaged in listing property. limit Of
compensation to be fixed. Also to provide
board OF equalization in the city Of New
| Orleans OF five, consisting say of the Auditor
| and Treasurer of the State, the Mayor of
the city and one administrator-say Of as.
sessments-and one expert in real estate, to
be appointed by the Governor, and to be
paid for the time while actually employed
| This board to have the power usually given
to such boards to hear and decide ali CON-
plants and appeals from the assessors
valuation, during say Thirty days exposure
of the assessment rolls. A copy of this as
which case the department Of assessments
could be abolished. The cost of assessment
| by this plan would lot exceed ons-fOurth
the present cost.
| The expense of collecting the State taxes
can be materially reduced by proper legis-
lation. As to taxes payable in the city of
New Orleans, the assessment roll can be
placed in the hands of the State Auditor,
who, upon application of the taxpayer, will
certificate to be presented to the State
Treasurer and the money paid directly into
| the treasury. A slight increase of the pres
ent clerical force in the Auditors and
Treasurer's offices will enable them to dis.
charge this additional duty. This will sage
to the State the present exOrbitant commits
sions paid 10 the collectors. In all the par
ishes, except the parish OF Orleans, the
percentage commission for assessing and
collecting State and parish taxes to be &c
rated as not to yield greater compensa
ton to the collector than $4,000 per annum
and for the necessary clerk hire.
This letter suggests few reforms which
IT carried into effect, will greatly reduce
the expenses of the State government. By
proper legislation and economy in the ad
ministration of the municipal offices. the
expense of carry ling on the city government
can be greatly reduced. l submit, then, re
store order and confidence aud you quicker
investments in our productive lands anG
build up with our labor the waste places o.
the State; then the increased value of thu
taxable property in five years, with the pro
posed one half OF one per cent maximum
taxation for State purposes, and with al
even system of equitable assessment
throughout our borders, will yield a suffi
cient revenue to provide for the payment O.
the interest and principal at maturity O.
the public debt, maintain the levees, con
tinu6 anu strengthen the public schools, and
in fine, provide the means tor supporting
the State government in all its functions.
In conclusion, have to remark that the
co operation for which you ask at the hands
of the Republican State Central Committee
in behalf of the taxpayer, will, l am per
suaded, be readily accorded by those will
whom l am associated, and it is my hearty
hope that o temper may be exhibited BY
the Democrats in our Legislature as high
minded az is the Property Holders Unior
which you announce to be "non-partisan'
in it's character.
Very respectfully your obedient servant
| S. B. PACKARD,
President State Central Committee.