Imperial Valley press., 1909-05-08
COUNTY ASSESSOR
 CATCHES THEM ALL State EquaIizers Approve His Method of Finding
 Property
Surprised to Note That There is Lit tie Evasion of Taxation in Imperial County-Predict Good Times When Land Questions Are Settled.

Two members of the State Board of Equalization, Alex Brown, of Stock ton, and Jeff. McElvane, of San Ber- nardino. spent two days in Imperial Valley, this week, Investigating gen. eral conditions and the work of County Assessor Fred Fuller on the land as- easements of Imperial County. They departed on Wednesday for the San Joaquin Valley.
 Both MT. Brown and MT. McElvane highly commended the work done by County Assessor Fuller and his corps of deputies, They express the be- lief that by fall practically all of the land difficulties that have harrassed the settlers will have been cleared away and that this valley is in line for great activities in every line next fall.
 We are following a new line of in- vestigation, this year." said MT Brown while at El Centro Wednesday. "'Hhe Legislature made special appropria- tion for this work and we are visiting every county of the State and sub- hitting to either the county chambers of commerce. or to these bodies and the organizations of real estate deal CTS jointly, selected list of proper ties in their respective counties, in order that they themselves may ap- praise them. Then we compare this valuation with that of the County As- sesSQr and with assessm ents of simi- lar property in other localities, and believe that in this way we shall se- cure all equalization which will be just to the entire State
 "Of course, it is too early yet to make any statement as to final re- suits. As to Imperial County, we have not followed this plan, because of the unusual conditions prevailing here. We have made a general survey, however, and will say that we believe your County Assessor has done remarkably well. He has had to meet conditions and situations which would have puz- zled an experienced jurist, and 1 be- lieve he has handled the sIruation wisely and we'll.
 "We expected to find that mu1n realty escaped actual taxation down here, but after going through the As sessor's office and noting his methods we have come to the conclusion that Mir. Fuller gets pretty nearly every thing to be found"
 Discussing the matter of the County Assessor retaining his commission on the total amount of personal property tax collected on the basis of the first years assessment rate, which rate was cut down for the second year, Mr Brown expressed an emphatic opinion that such retaining of commissions was just and legal This is a matter which is now involved in a suit be- fore the Imperial County Superior Court, the matter being submitted on briefs by the District Attorney, under direction of the Board of Supervisors, and by Ex-Judge Ansel Smith for the defendant
 Speaking of general conditions throughout the State, both members of the Board of Equalization declared their belief that crops in Southern California this spring are in better condition than those of the northern part of the State In the latter terri tory excessive rains fell early in the season and the late ra:ns were scarce thus curtailing the hay and grain crops.
 On Tuesday the visitors were talk en by automobile on a trip through the valley and down to Sharp's Head ing. returning to El Centro Tuesday evening. This was Mfr Browns first visit to Imperial Valley and the trip was revelation to him