Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1901-04-18
THE SCHOOLS AND TAXATION.

The Board Of Education has been au'
thorized by majority vote OF the TAX
payers to borrow $4,000 to pay Tor
maintaining the schools 10 the end OF
the present term, We do not care TO
discuss the question Of the cause OF the
deficit which made the loan a necessity
Let the past go. The future Is open 10
good management and wise economy
In our opinion there will be no neces-
sity for large extra levy to cover
the present deficiency, In fact this was
clearly shown to the Board by Mr.
Geoghegan, when the proposition was
first made to apply to the Legislature
for an extension Of the tax limit The
increased income from the city's pro-
portion OF the county school tax VIII
more than cover the sum that has to be
borrowed.
As we have already explained the
Bill introduced in the Legislature, pro-
ylded for an increase Of the regular
taxing power OF the Board Of Educa-
ton, to the limit Of seven mills, an
nuaIly. This was opposed by the Dec
eret News as needless and oppressive
Moreover, II was shown that the meas
ure could not possibly be made avail
able for the present emergency and
that the only legitimate way to OBJ
tain the money for immediate use. was
to submit the question Of borrowing It
to vote Of the taxpayers This was
fought at first by majority Of the
Board. but was finally recognized as the
only legal remedy after an opinion to
that effect was rendered by reliable
law firm.
The Legislature rejected the propo-
slton for permanent tax limit OF
seven mills. but passed a bill making
the desired Increase for one year only
This was signed By the Governor, af-
ter an assurance from the Board OF Ed
ucation, that no extra tax would be
levied under Il beyond what might be
absolutely necessary. The understand
Ing has been, up to the time Of the cleo
ton that not more than a half mill
extra would be assessed. Under that
Idea, the vote was largely In the affirm
alive on the question OF the loan.
The taxpayers OF this city will fully
expect the Board 10 stand by It's own
assurances. The burden Of taxation
is heavy upon the smaller property
owners OF this city. Any large increase
Of the load viii be strongly resented,
The intlmation that there viii be
considerable increase OF taxation this
year. as a consequence Of the vote on
Tuesday, has aroused much feeling and |
Il ia for this reason we touch again
ON the subject. The Board viii have to
be careful about expenses and must
not go beyond the understood limit Of
the coming years assessment.
Our public bodies with taxing powers |
viii have to study how to cut a gar
ment according 10 the cloth in sight.
The sentiment against large salaries
ana heavy debts, is deep.seated and be-
coming more and more pronounced. The
cause Of education is dear to the peo-
pie OF this city and State, but there Is
limit to the power 10 pay money for
tie support Of the most necessary re-
lrirements, and that which Is needless
will have to be dispensed with.
The Board has received the cordial
support Of the press and the people in
The present emergency, and now let
and care be exercised in the
expenditure Of school funds, and re-
gard be had for the financial condition
u the taxpayers. and that body will be
Encouraged and sustained in every
audaole and necessary effort to keep
he city schools up to their present high
itandard, with such improvements as
IRE consistent with the circumstances
'urroundlng the people who have TO
'royide the means for the work.