The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-29
THE ANNUAL PUZZLE
Board Of Tax Levy Trying to Lower
Tax Rate and Raise More
Funds.
Board of G. and G.. in for Lively
Talk After Presenting
It's Case. <

Seven men on whom rests the response
bility of fixing the rate Of taxation in Hen
nepin county for 1908, met this morning
in the county commissioners room. The
taxpayers are clamoring for a lower rate
and the heads Of departments and boards
are urging that the economical policy pur-
sued In the past has been unWse and mig
gardly to such an extent that public works
have suffered. The board of tax levy gets
1t hard from every side, and yet it was
pleasant party Of gentlemen that gath
cred this morning to fix the taxes. They
were Acting Mayor D. P. Jones, City
Controller Joshua Rogers, Alderman A.
Il. Merrill, chairman of the council COM
mittee on ways and means; President w.
W. Folwell of the park board, President
L. F. Qinby of the school board, Chair
man e. P. Sweet of the board of county
commissioners and County Auditor Hugh
Scott. DR.. Folwell had been elected chair
man OF the board at a previous meeting.
Not having heard from the state board
of equalization what the assessed valua-
ton Of Hennepin county and the city of
Minneapolis had been fixed at or what
the state would want for running the gov
eminent and for state schools the board
Of tax levy could not get down to actual
work on fixing the levy. But 1t inquired
as to why certain departments and boards
wanted more money next year than was
allowed them for this year.
Board of c. G. G. Needs.
The floor was first given to the board Of
charities and corrections represented by
Commissioner J. G. Moore and Secretary
Johnson. This board was allowed 1882, S76
with which to conduct the affairs of the
city hospital, the workhouse and the poor
department While for next year it wants
100000. Of this sum $4,000 is repre-
sented by an alleged deficiency for new
contagious disease building at the city
hospital. There are, generally speaking,
increases in all the boards departments.
This was explained by the fact that the
city is growing and the demands on the
department are consequently heavier. The
poor department asked for SAL, 900. An
itemized statement was demanded, but
was not forthcoming, and Secretary john
son was sent back to the city hall to as
certain exactly what was being spent
1t was found that the department had
been run for $34, 900. 1t was inquired how
it came about that people sent to the poor
farm by the city arrived there in hacks
Mr. Johnson did not know. All that had
gone at the expense of the city had gone
on the street cars.
II could use 100000 in the poor depart
ment' declared Mr.. Johnson, land do
justice to every cent of it..
The members of the board were dis
tinctly annoyed by the hospital deficiency.
Those present recalled that a year ago
the board of charities and corrections had
been allowed a stipulated sum for the con-
struction of a two story contagious
ward. There has been built a fine three
story building.
There was some lively talk among the
members of the board of tax levy when
the representatives of the board of char
tiles and corrections had gone. 1t was
&C thof 1Ct%
exceeded its authority in putting up an
expensive building and in exceeding it's
appropriation. The architect was ordered
to appear before the board of tax levy and
an attempt will be made to fix the respon-
slbll1ty, In What appears to be a WantOn
disregard Of the edict. Of the board Of tax
levy. The contract is alleged by some to
be illegal and it is believed that it can
not be collected upon. 80, ~
Inheritance Tax Refundment.
Harlan P. Roberts made an urgent
plea for an appropriation of $4,000 for re-
funding portion Of the inheritance tax
collected by the county some years ago
under law which was declared to be H.
legal by the supreme court. Much had
been refunded under suits brought by the
interested persons, but there still re-
manned $4,000 not returned. The claim
ants were prepared to take their money
in installments and would be satisfied
with third for next year. The John
Crosby estate has about 81, 900 coming in
this manner and likewise the John Orth
estate, both Of which were represented
this morning.
The Park Board.
Park Commissioner Fred L. Smith spoke
at some length for the park board. AS in
crease was imperative, as some of the
finest parks were growing up in weeds for
lack of care. The increase did not con-
template any improvements on the out
lying parks and the board could easily
use 100000 more than was asked for.
The rate of taxation for Minneap polls
for this year ranged from % 80 mills to
So.4o mills depending on the ward taxes,
based on an assessment valuation Of
SlO2, 212,5 SOC. The assessed valuation will
undoubtedly be raised to $121, 500, 900, or
whereabouts and a reduced tax levy is
certain, even if more money is required.
The following table gives a summary of
what was appropriated last year for 1902
and the estimates for 1908 for the same
departments:
Granted Wanted
49, for 1902. for 1903
state tax ..:........ $183,27O
State schools .-..,.,. 252 GAG
County revenue ..... 33OS12 S202 00n m
City of Minneapolis
Current expense -. $567 2SO 552 293 Ia
Intertst fund ...... 314 S15