New-York tribune., 1885-08-13
rycBEAsING THE CITYS TAX RATE.


.Judged by the tax rate, the efforts to reduce
the enormous cost OF the city government are
the reverse of successful. The Aldermen have
lust declared the rate this year TO be 81 40 rs
against So 20 last year. This increase will
weigh heavily on the people ut time OF general
business depression. Ii does not alone repre-
sent the actual increase in the sum which the
ncople are called upon to contribute, as there
was an increase of nearly S33, 1000, 900 in the
assessed valuations of property subject to tax
alton. There was also decrease OF S669, l36
in the amount included in the levy this year for
State taxes and the appropriation for the public
scho ols was $572, 100 less than last year, while
for some other purposes less amounts
were appropriated. But for the salaries OF
city employees and judicial officers there was
decided increase. True economy will first
show itself in the cutting OIL of snecures, and
IN the reduced amounts appropriated for sal
aries. In that direction, however, there is
steady increase instead of decrease.
In 1850 a substantial reduction was made by
the passage of the Public Burdens bill. But
owing to the way this city has been misrcpre-
sented in the Legislature at its recent sessions,
the good effect of the reductions made in 1850
has all been swept away by subsequent legis-
lation The principal business of the repre-
sentatves from this city, with the exception OF
few such members as Mr.. Howe and MIR.
Robb, has been TO increase salaries and PEN
sions and TO add to the public burdens. by
means of such legislation the salaries of nearly
all city employees are now fixed by law and thus
placed beyond the control of the Board OF Esn-
mate. One of the first things to be done in the
way of municipal reform in this city Is to re-
organize and enlarge that Board by placing
upon it representative citizens who do not di1-
pense patronage In any way. and then TO give
the Board control over the salaries of all
officials. II should be restricted so that sal
aries could not be increased for the same work
now performed In some such why as that the
neople can look for a considerable reduction in
the public expenses.
The waste is by no means confined to the pay.
rnent of useless salaries. Tho rotten manage
ment of the Public Works Department still
continues, and the 5000 contractors have not
loosened their hold upon tho city treasury.
The increased outlay for stationery aud print
ing rents. and for similar purposes, indicates
other leaks. Then the city is called upon to
pay an unjust proportion OF the State tax
amounting to 46 per cent of the total sum
levied for that purpose. Last year. in addition
to maintaining its own schools. the city con-
tribued $7S5,579 for the support of the com
mon schools OF the rest of the State. That is
manifestly unfair. and calls for redress.
especially considering that there are thousands
OF poor children unable to gain admittancc to
the city schools for lack of room. These and
many other facts that might be mentioned make
clear the Importance to the people of this city
of electing good members of the Legislature
and of having them pledged to wise policy of
municipal reform.