Albuquerque daily citizen. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1895-1903, 1901-11-19
ASSESSMENTS AND TAXES
Called to the Low VaIua-
tons in New Mexico.
OFFICIALS REQUESTED TO MEET.

The following is the text OF the cir.
cular received by the assessors, tax
collectors and members OF the boards
Of county commissioners Of the differ
ant counties q; the territory from Gov.
error Otero:
Sir: Your particular attention is
called to- the action Of the terrific ial
board of equalization at its September
meeting, roluesting your attendance
with II on the second Monday i'm Jan.
Uary for the puf pose of consulting
together in regard to having a rca.
enable and uniform rate of taxation
upon the same class of property
throughout the territory. This desire
on their rart was communicated to
me by n letter requesting me to- so
call you, the chairmen Of the several
boards of county commissioners and
the assessors of each county, to con.
suit together at that time upon this
most important matter pertaining To
tho welfare and success of our terri.
tory.
At the statehood convention held
at Albuquc cue, October 10 aud l6.
TIC follow nR resolution was unani.
unusly adopted
Whereas, This unfortunate Condi-
ton has been caused largely by each
set Of county officers a"ting indepen.
Gcntl, of the others. and not consult
ing with reference to valuations upon
the same ass Of property; now
therefore, We II
Resolved, That we as citizens and
tan payers Of the territory heartily
approve OF the recommendation Of
the governor and territorial board OF
| equalization. cal.n g the different as
SCISSORS and chairmen OF the boards
| e county commissioners to assemble
at the capitol in January, 1902. to
| meet with the boai Il of equalization
| for the purpose of agreeing upon fair
aud uniform assessments In the DIFF.
fcrcnt counties, and that we pledge
them L hearty support and assist.
inco IN any measure to that end
which they may agree upon
Unless uut present assessment rolls
arc made to ConfG IN somewhat to the
facts, | will feel it my duty to report
the condition to the interior depart
mcnt at Washington for such action
as may be deemed necessary. And !
have no doubt but that congress will
he called rpon to remedy the great
abuse IN me matter OF assessments
and collection of taxes that prevails
N our t~crri,ory.
IN my annual report to the secre
tary of the interior, | have called at
tertion to the great increase of sheep
ana cattle. and other taxable wealth
n New MeNico. These statements by
me are not borne out by the assess
ment rolls. which show an annual de
crease In the value of property. This
Is primarily the fault OF the assessors
who do not properly list and value
the property returned by the tax
payer. II Is also largely the fault
II the boards OF county commission
ers sitting as a board of equalization
which should correct these errors OF
the assessors. but even then the col
lleatcrs are largely to blame In not
Efficiently collecting even the small
amount of taxes levied. and II Is
notorious face that only about So per
cent of the taxes levied are collected
aud tlrred into the proper treasury
This is a condition that can be nC
longer tolerated for the credit of the
territory and its different counties
You Will please acknowledge the
receipt Of ibis letter and Indicate tt
me without delay whether you vii