The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-06-22
CITY FINANCES.

At the meeting of the heads of the de-
partments of the city government on
Saturday, several matters were referred to
which might, il allowed to pass without
explanation, occasion alarm in Seattle and
unfavorable comment abroad. There was
nothing disclosed at that meeting which
| was not well known before. There is
| nothing in the financial condition of the
city which has not been thoroughly can
| vassed.
The main difficulty to which attention
was drawn is due TO the fact that many
city records were lost during the fire, and
since that time SO much property has
changed hands that it is not easy to trace
original liability for grade taxes. Many
persons have purchased real estate upon
which street assessments have not been
paid, and are now disposed to resist pay
ment unless the city can clearly establish
its claim. 1t can be readily understood that
such primary proof is not readily attain
able, and in several cases the city has been
non-suited on technicality. The money
is not lost to the city except in a non-suit
or by operation of the statute of limita-
tons, and it is not altogether settled
question among lawyers whether an unre-
leased lien for taxes comes within the
scope of that act.
Meantime, however, holders of scrip on
unsettled improvement districts are seek
ing to recover judgment against the city
on the plea of negligence on its part in
securing payment by property-owners.
/. is because of difference of opinion as
to policy that an apparent clash has oc-
CURED. Some of the members of the
Council believe that the cases should be
pressed to judicial settlement, and If the
city is to be declared responsible and the
taxes beyond recovery, it is better to ac-
cept the condition and assess all property
owners or issue bonds. This may have to
be submitted to as matter of law, but it
will not be generally considered as equity.
The other course il to endeavor to COM
promise with the Directing owners and
take what can be secured without resort to
the courts. The latter is, in some respects,
the preferable course because the condi-
tons are hardly similar in any two streets,
ouo ~ 10 uAiuucstlOldDly the more prudent
course to deal with each upon its own
legal merits. In the case of Washington
street, for instance, there is more than
technical objection to paying. Yet
the property owners are willing to submit
to re-assessment and pay upon what
they consider an equitable basis. Another
case is that of Dexter street, amounting to
$4,000, where the old City Council prom
ised q re-assessment which has never been
made. Although in April the City Treas
urer again called attention to the urgency
of the matter, the report has been lying
ever since in the hands of a committee of
the House of Delegates.
Ifthere is neglect. there must be loss;
but there is nothing to be alarmed about.
The city enjoys the benefits of the i'm
provements, and if few people are dis
posed to attempt to profit by the misfor-
tune which destroyed records, and the
courts hold that they may so profit, the
city must bear it as part of the loss, as it
has reaped the benefits of the fire.
As to the deficiency of revenue. that was
foreseen year ago, and all recent legisla-
ton has been in the direction of renair-
| ing it.