The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1905-07-04
GOVERNOR VOORHEES, ON NUM-
CIPAL TAXATION.

CIPAL TAXATION.
AS the question Of taxation is para
mount just now the views Of ex-Gover-
nor Voorhees, on the subject are of in
terest. In a recent interview he said:
Municipal taxation is one of the
most important questions of the day.
The taxpayer has been too long neg
lected in this State. All legislation
has leaned in the direction of the tax
spender. This year the taxpayer has
at last been recognized. A movement
has been made toward the modifica-
tion of exorbitant rates, so high in
some cases that they amount to con-
fiscation of property This years leg
islation upon this subject will cause a
closer scrutiny of mum icipal expendi-
ture and will be productive Of wiser
business management in municipal adj
ministration. The act in question in
augurates no radical departure from
the present system Of taxation in any
municipality in the State. 1t merely
provides different method of deter
mining the rate of taxation by vest
ing more power in the hands OF the
people. 1t provides that in munich
palities of less than $4,000 population,
the Common Council, Board of Alder
men of governing body thereof, may
| fix the tax rate up to about $1.68 on
the hundred emitting fractions; that
in municipalities of more than 1000,
the Common Council, Board Of Alder
men or governing body thereof, may
fix the tax rate up to about sl.8S on
the hundred, emitting fractions, and
that tax rates in excess of these
amounts shall be fixed by vote Of the
people themselves. In other words, it
gives the people, who shall have a
right to vote on questions that affect
their property, more power in deter
mining the tax rate.
If, however, in any taxing district
it is thought wise by the governing
body that this rate should be exceeded,
such governing body shall submit the
question of such increase of tax rate
to the people themselves, giving them
good reasons therefor and allowing
the people to decide. l think it would
be wise for the next session Of the
Legislature to amend the referendum
principle Of the law so that the vote Of
the people upon the question of ex-
cessive rates should be made upon the
day fixed by law for holding the prim-
airy election. The machinery for such
purpose would then be in operation
and as the assessments would then
have been made and the proportions
decided upon, the time for fixing the
rate by vote of the people ii neces-
sary, would be most opportune. No
fairer proposition could be offered to
the people than vesting in them the
right to voice in determining how
great tax burden they will suffer.
1t will compel public officials to render
a most careful accounting to the peo-
pie for the expenditures of public
moneys. it will reduce taxation and
thus enhance the value of all real es-
tate in New Jersey and attract in
dividuals and home builders to our
borders. This measure was recon-
mended by all the Commissioners APP
pointed-b by Governor Murphy to con-
slider the question of equal taxation
and has been argued at length and
with. great PARTICULARLY of detail,
time and againsby one OF those Com
missioners in public and official re-
| ports.
1.-THE creation OF the State Board
of Equalization, governing all classes
of property, with power to equalize
valuations as between different taxing
districts each contributing to the
county taxes, and as between counties
each contributing to State school
taxes, is most important measure
and promises most beneficial results.
There is no more important board in
the State and it will, / believe, within
the course Of time, settle the vexed
problem of taxes in a satisfactory and
equitable manner, and the question
of taxation will never be settled until
it is settled right and in accordance
with the constitutional provisions on
the subject
1.-THE taxation of second class rail-
road property at local rates, an act Of
the past session of the Legislature,
will add over two hundred thousand
dollars to the income Of Jersey City
alone. 1t should appreciably reduce
the tax rate in that city. Unless in
creased revenues reduce the tax rate
in our various municipalities, the tax
payers receive no benefit therefrom.
THERE is a prospect Of a most inter-