The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1903-06-08
TO LOWER TAX RATE
INDICATIONS POINT TO REDUCTION
of PRESENT ASSESSMENT
FOR STATE AND COUNTY.
COMMISSIONERS ARE ANXIOUS TO
MAKE THE REDUCTION.

Vice Chairman Moore Is Inclined
BE Able to Do SO-Everything De-
ponds on state Rate-BoOks for
the Reception of Taxes VIII Close
Next Week-This Week VIII De "a
Busy One with the Tax Receiver.
Those Who Do Not Pay VIII BE
Doubled Taxed.
1t is probable that the state and
county tax rate for Chatham county
will be lowered. That is the opinion
shared by all those who are acquainted
with the situation, and unless the un-
foreseen happens, it is safe to say an
appreciable reduction will be made.
The collections have been better than
usual for this year. and it is limited
that this will result in a diminution
OF the present state and county tax
rate. The commissioners lowered the
county tax rate from 1886 to $3.50 last
year. and it is their desire to lower it
again this year. The appropriation is
the same. and the revenue greater.
Vice Chairman Moore of the Board of
County Commissioners. when asked his
opinion about the reduction of the rate,
said
1.-THE commissioners want to make
the reduction, and 1 wouldn't be sur
prised if they did. 1t all depends up
on what the state tax rate is. If that
is the same, the reduction will in all
probability be made. OF course. II
the state rate is lowered, the PROBABLE
ity will be that the state and county
rate may be lowered that much more.
1t is hard to say just what will be done
at this time"
Tax Books Close.
The books of the receiver of tax
returns of Chatham county, Mr.. Mar
Gus s. Baker, in accordance with in
structions from state headquarters, the
office of the Controller General, will
close next week. 1t is possible, though
not certain, that Mr.. Baker will open
a supplementary list for those who
have been delinquent in their returns
to date.
Those who do not file their returns
within the time prescribed are liable
to a double tax. The delinquent tax
list is relatively small this year, most
of the tax payers seeming to have
been impressed by the fact that
it was the wiser policy to make their
returns within the prescribed time.
The week just passed has been
busy one in the office of the tax re-
ceiver, II becoming necessary to Sc
cure an additional assistant. Many of
the large property owners came in
and made their returns. There was
also an unusually large number of
polls paid, though there are yet about
one-haIf of those liable to the tax who
have not yet made their return. The
law requires those subject to the poll
tax to fill out blanks in like manner
to those who own extensive interests.
Busy Week Ahead.
1t is expected that this week will be
a very busy one in the Office of the
tax receiver. The collections have
been unusually good-better than US
ual-this year, but there are always
a great many who procrastinate in
making their returns until the eleventh
hour. This is very worrisome to the
attaches of the office, as well as to the
property returner. and those who wait
until the last minute may expect to
have TO stand in line while before
getting their turn at the tax sheet.
II may be, as stated that Mr.. Baker
will open a supplementary list, but this
is by no means assured. It has always
been his practice to oblige the general
public in so far as was consistent
with the discharge of the duties of his
office. and IL it can be done, it will
But. even if it is opened it will not
remain lonS.