The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1889-04-16
Menaciur Conditions, Etc.


The present assessment law prescribes the
manner in which every parcel of land in Florida
can be correctly listed and assessed, and every
land owner be protected in his rights and also
compelled to pay his taxes When iand IS cor
recty listed for assessment, the owner Is pro-
tected in the ownership of his property-in his
home for his family. When citizens real
estate is incorrectly placed on the assessment
roll-by double assessment as unknown, or
listed to another, etc, a cloud is cast upon his
title which NAV cause him great trouble, cost
him much money, and perhaps he may thereby
loose his propertv-which may be his home.
There are instances in some counties III flofida
where the property of a citizen has been prop
erly listed in his name he has paid his taxes,
and holds his receipt therefor ana the same
property is entered on the same book as owner
unknown" In every such instance, though the
OWNER has rAID his tIr5s, HIS una Is SOLD Jor
NoN-PAYMENT Of t1res! Ia each case the owner
of the property and the purchaser at tax sale are
both wronged. 1t is simply fearful to contem-
plate what these criminal Irregularities will lead
to in the future as regards land titles.
There is justly much complaint as TO the val
uation of real property for assessment, and also
as 10 the careless manner in which lands are
listed-incorrectly described on the assessment
rolls in many counties. These conditions exist
from no defect in the law, but on account of in
competency or carnlessness and neglect on the
part of assessors. If the former, it is Florida's
mi sfortune if the latter, it is criminal wrong
against the State-THE PEOPLE, who are sup
Co.., RI 10
them, and not for incompetent work, by which
they may be robbed of their possessions-ttejr
h0naeSi
While the existing assessment law is a very
good one, we believe it can be amended to adj
vantage, namely Compel the division Of every
county into assessment districts provide for an
assessor for each district, and compel the assessor
to go upon and view every tract or parcel of land
when the valuation for assessment is made; and
create State Board OF EqualiZ lton. These
provisions would certainly lead to aircr valua-
tons and more accurate descriptions on assess
ment rolls, and the nearer we arrive at these
conditions the better for AL concerned.
While upon dis subject will say that as
SCISSORS are very poorly pal for the work i'm
posed upon them, bat this fact furnishes no
excuse for failure to do that work CORRECTLY
They know-or are supposed TO know-the du-
ties devovng upon them, and about what
salary they will receive, and when they
qualify for the position they obligate to
perform the duties of The ofiicc-aN of
the duties dcvovng upon thcm-correcily
and satisfactorily tothe people, whom they serve,
apd by whom they are ptil-to do their whole
dn'v. not "A portion of ito do their work cor.
rtctly, not inrorrecty. 1t were better that this
work be lcl, ua lone than that il he done care
lcs,lv and incorrectly. Provide ample compen-
sa,ion for competent assessors, cndcav0r to Sc
cure competent officials, and prescribe heavy
penalties for failure 10 perform duty THIS is
II necessary in order to project the people in their
n -ht>-Ner prvpeWy-TIIEIR HOMES. The pco-
pie support the government, pay their taxes and
compensate officials in order that they may be
projected in their every right, and when they
are not TINS protected government is farce.
Incompetent officials can never protect the peo-
pie in their rights. Give the people competent
officials, properly compensated and the people
Will rest secure in their rights.