Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1906-06-07
COUNTY BOARD EQUAL|
IAIION Of TAXATION

All the assessors Of the county met shat
august body, the County Board Of Equal
ization Of Taxation, in the Court House on
Monday for the purpose Of receiving instruc-
tions as to what is expected Of them under
the Avis law.
The Board is yet scarcely five days old,
yet among the twenty assessors we notice
some who have grown gray in the service
Of their townships in pursuing the elusive
property Of their constituents. But the
three commissioners are fresh from con-
ference with Governor Stokes, who assumes
all knowledge Of farm and town values.
and that contact makes them strong for the
task before them.
Mr.. Redfeld told the assembled assess
ors who they were and what they were
there for. That he was President, Mr..
Nichols ard Mr. Jones were the organiza-
ton, and W. Harrison LiYermore, the Sec
retary. While it didn't appear in the pro-
ceedings, it is nevertheless true, each draws
a salary Of So 33 day for 300 days in the
year.
In calling the meeting to order Mr.. Red
field made felicitous speech, outlining in
part the duties of this Board, saving =
TAT the last session OF the Legislature
there was bill introduced by our Senator
creating what is known as the County Board
of Taxation. That bill was passed by both
houses and signed by the Governor, and
has become law. Mr.. Nichol, ex-Sherif
Jones and myself haye been appointed
members Of that Board for Gloucester Co,
We have entered upon the duties of that
office, and have requested all of the local
assessors Of the county to meet with us this
morning in order to become somewhat
familiar with the provisions Of the act.
.sWe have met for our mutual benefit to
advise with you and give any information
that We may have thai will p of service To-
You IL making up yonE assessments and
aiding rs ii carrying out the provisions Of
the new Law.
The Law ii relation to the manner d
making assessments has not been changed.
The law making it mandatory upon each
assessor to assess property at its true value
remains just the same, and one Of the OBJ
jects of Che County Board of Taxation is to
aid you in making your assessments, and
fixing values according to law. The pur-
pose of the Law and the duties Of the Board
are to secure the taxation Of all property in
the various counties Of the State at its true
value in order that all property shall bear
its full, equal and just share Of taxes.
SsThe County Board Of Taxation willsin-
sist upon each assessor in the County as
sessing property at as nearly true value as
their judgements will permit. This rule
will not apply to any particular locality,
but must be applied in every taxingdistrict
in the County. Weare not responsible for
the law, but we will be held strictly &C
countable for carrying out its provisions
The meeting resolved itself into kind Of
a go as you please conference, the assessors
firing questions at the Tax Board in rapid
succession for nearly three hours and then
adjourning not at all satisfied with the first
sitting.
Among the replies made to questions
were the following
Deductions are allowed only on affidavit.
II deduction is allowed, notify assessor in
district where holder resides. There are no
deductions fer debts OF record. A note due
in bank must be assessed to the holder
Bank values include capital stock, surplus
and undivided profits.
Mr.. Redfield said he was satisfied much
bank stock had meyer been assessed. There
was no way ii could escape if the assessor
did his duty.
Assessor Abbott said the Glassboro bank
refused to give him names Of stockholders,
outside his township.
Certificates Of deposit, and bank balances
are assessable.
Assessor Heritage said it was a very un-
fair thing to assess neighbor's hank bal
ance you happen to know about, while
many who had bigger balances, that you
don't lsow about, escape. All should be
sworn, he said.
All assessments date from May 20. De-
duction cannot be allowed for debts outside
she State.
Assessor Carter said store stocks were
difficult assessment and much value there
escaped taxation.
Commissioner Jones said the great Clay
ton glass works, with four furnaces, valued
at S400, 900, were assessed for only S37, 900,
while the small Woodbury. plant was as
sessed at $50, 900.
Mr.. Burkett referred to hotel values, and