The San Francisco call., 1899-06-24

HNHN JOr1IN OF lUe OOdlu VI
II W " Supervisors declare that
II IN N they will keep the promise
which they made to the
people that nominated and elected them
and will fix a tax rate for the coming
fiscal year at not greater than 81 on a
hundred upon an assessed valuation OF
$3.50. .000. 900. This means that the Super
visors will not raise by taxation more
than s., 800. 900, no matter what the as
Sessed valuation of the property may
be. The reiteration of this pledge at
this time is of vital Importance to the
city. If the promise be kept taxpayers
will save at least 40 cents on every $1OO
valuation in their property. The re-
newal of the pledge is timely also as
the Supervisors will be called upon soon
to fix the tax rate
1t seems. therefore. that the city has
at last elected municipal officers who in
one important matter will keep their
pledges to the people. The tax rate last
year was 81 81 on an assessed valuation
of 1852, 00O 600. The difference between
that and what it will be this year may
readily be seen. but the entire saving
to taxpayers is not all included in the
comparison. Assessor Washington
Dodge has assured the Mayor and
members of the Board of Supervisors
that the assessed valuation of real
property will exceed $3.50 600, 900. 1t will
be at least $375, 900, 900, and probably
$4O0, 600, 900.
If it be the latter figure the rate to
taxpayers will be S71a cents. instead of
81 81 as it was last year. This will be
absolutely the meaning of the promise
of the Mayor and the Supervisors eX-
pressed in other terms. A dollar rate on
$3.50. .O00, ,000 means a total taxation of
SO, 100000. A rate of S71a cents on $780,
10000 means precisely the same reve-
nue. If the assessed valuation reaches
s400, ,00O, ,0OO the rate will then be S712
cents This fact, coupled with the re-
newed and absolute promise of the
Mayor and Supervisors, should be a
matter for general congratulation.
In discussing the matter yesterday.
Mayor Phelan and a majority of the
Supervisors were frank Both the
Democrats and the Republicans We're
pledged by their party platforms to a
tax rate of 81 on an assessed valuation
of $3.50 600 600. They were, therefore,
with three exceptions, absolutely with
out qualification in their promise to
keep their pledge. Supervisor Black
favored keeping his promise, but was
not sure enough of his ground to eX-
press an opinion. Supervisor Kalben
wants to observe his party pledge, but
is not altogether safe in doing so. as
imperative public improvements may
induce him to violate it. Supervisor
Collins considers the whole matter as
a joke, which is certainly justified by
the unfortunate fact of his official eX-
istence. With a peculiarly offensive
blackguardsm which is his character
istic. he declined with an oath to dis
cuss the affair.
The situation in reference to the tax
levy was ably summarized by Mayor
Phelan in his message to the Board of
Supervisors delivered on the Sd day of
last January. In that message Mayor
Phelan said:
The entire Board of Supervisors in
pledged to conduct the city government
on a basis of 81 on each 500 of $3.50 900 :
600 valuation, which would yield SO. 800 900
plus revenue from other sources, 81 .443, ,5l5,