The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1890-05-14
CITY TAXES.

1t VIII not be denied that the fear OF high
taxes had much to do with checking the
transfers of real estate. In the midst of
the most active buying and selling that the
city ever experienced there came the an
nouncement that the taxes were to be
doubled and trebled. The new general law
made an increase imperative, and the
county assessor applied TO the county
court for instructions He dared not de-
part from the law, and yet feared to follow
it strictly, knowing what popular indigna-
ton would be aroused if he were to assess
as the statute directs. The present city
council was elected on platform which
contemplated the expenditure of vast sums
of money, 'progress' and public i'm
provement having been the campaign cry.
| The impression suddenly seized the people
that the taxes would be extraordinary and
exorbitant, and there Was remarkable
decline in the number of daily transfers.
just what part the high tax fear had in
bringing about the drop we do not pretend
to say, but that it was influential in the
matter is generally conceded. Whether or
not the fear was well-grounded remains to
be learned. The truth will be known when
the assessors notices shall be sent out. If
these notices tell of an extraordinary in
crease people may as well settle down for
long wait for the return of activity in the
real estate market. 1t is all very well to
talk about high taxes and the lavish ex-
penditure of public money making good
times, but the facts will not verify it.
Nobody likes to pay high taxes. All taxes
are regarded more or less in the nature of
robbery to which individuals must submit,
and it seems to be in the average mans
nature TO beat the assessor and collector.
High taxes are accounted plumber and
spoliation. Those who own nothing that
is taxable or that can be found by the
assessor, are high tax advocates, while the
property owners are invariably in favor of
the lowest possible taxes. 1t IS also a fact
that intending investors invariably include
among their investigations inquiries con-
corning the tax rate.
The city council has the power to restore
public confidence regarding the taxes, and
it also has the power to outrage
the community and further depress
, the real estate market. 1t is rumored
that the assessment now being prepared
is extremely high, full value being placed
on much property, as against 40 or 80 per
, cent. in previous years. The assessor
probably thinks he must do this under the
law, but the council should see to it that
the rate is placed so, low that the increase
: will not be so great as to alarm some and
Cypress others. Doubling the taxes in one
= year will not be relished by anyone except
those who are without property; nor will
| it be encouraging to those seeking real
: estate investments. Furthermore, the cor
poration has no legitimate occasion for the
| taking from the people of an unusually
} large sum of money this year. There is
no legitimate demand for the expenditure
r of large sum of money beyond what is
already in the treasury The city anC
county building is provided for, as are
the current ordinary expenses of the gov.
eminent; and there are no extraordinary
improvements contemplated the cost Of
which must be borne by the city. Side
walks, pavements, sewer and water maiI
extensions are all paid for by property
owners. The necessities not being grea
;, the taxes should be kept down to reasonable
) limits, and this should be done in the inter
: est of the general welfare, as well as t,
Avoid the oppression of individuals. L
: the council is wise and has the good O.
= Salt Lake at heart it will lower the tay
!. rate as the assessed valuation OF property
= goes up, and thus show to the world thai
Salt Lake continues to be low taxed
!, city, its reputation in this respect beins
;. one of the strongest points in the town
favor If the council is not wise and care
nothing for the future of the place, it viii
impose excessive taxation, and not onl,
Cypress our own people but deter other
U from coming here to invest.