The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1902-07-25
Good SuggestIons.


In retiring from the Office OF sheriff ol
the county, Robert Kelly sends the fol.
lowing communication to the county
court, which contains some SPLENDID
suggestions.
To the Honorable County Court Of
Wasco County, Oregon:
In taking my departure from among
you as sheriff Of this county, do SC
gracefully, acknowledging the many
courtesies at different times extended
to me by this court and the county off.
cials generally. have, at all times, en-
deayored to perform the duties of the
sheriff's Office TO the best interests OF
Wasco county, and feel free to think
that my efforts have not been in vain.
The financial condition OF this countyhas
assumed more solid basis, which at
tribute in great manner to the exact
ing of prompt liquidation of taxes at
their proper season for collection and
immediate placing Of the funds SO col
lected in the hands OF the county trea-
surer; thereby enabling him to stop
interest on outstanding warrants.
court examination of my books.
Whenever a sheriff's term expires, /
think it is the duty of this court, in de-
ference to the outgoing sheriff, to have
his books exported; but, if after careful
examination, you have every reason to
believe his returns are correct, you could
obviate the necessity of incurring such
expense. | would recommend that a
uniform method of keeping books be
established by legislature whereby a
on on,,11 ha a1nnto1 that .rnt1IH hn
similar throughout the state. This
would facilitate the work OF experts,
when they were necessary. The asses
sor in his arduous duties especially the
present incumbent) has always been in
close touch with the sheriff, and be-
lieye with such careful man, having
the interest OF the county at heart, doing
his duty fearlessly, that within two
years hence, this county should be en-
tirely out Of debt. would suggest that
notice Of the meeting of the board OF
equalization be published in each and
every newspaper published in this coun-
ty instead of in one paper as heretofore,
thereby enabling the taxpayer to air his
grievances, should he have any, before
said board Should he then not appear,
Ilo lubuic CubhtdttCS SiOulO hOO w Oh-
tertained, but entirely ignored.
Your present assessment laws are, in
measure, defective. Whilst the three
per cent off for prompt payment is an
inducement to the payer, yet it seems to
me as if you are giving a premium on
the payment of his or her just debts.
The time given for enforcement of pay
ing taxes is too limited. The tax roll is
completed by the assessor in the early
part OF September, and after passing up
on it by the board of equalization in
October, it practically lies dormant for
space of three months. would there
fore suggest that all leyies should be
made on the first Monday in November
of each year, thereby giving ample time
for the county clerk to extend the roll
and place it in the hands of the sheriff
not later than the first Monday in Febru-
ary, thus giving the sheriff and his Off
cials more time to notify and collect
prior to delinquency, as under the pres
ent system the sheriff has not adequate
time for collection.
would also recommend to this court
that there should be some legislation
brought to bear, whereby warrants is
sued out Of the justice court for fugitives
outside OF the county, be placed directly
in the hands of the sheriff, so that the
expense incurred in conveying criminals
should not exceed the natural expenses
on transit. ROBERT KELLY.