The Green Forest tribune., 1909-06-11
Assessors Balk on Actual Values.

assessed at l0O cents on the QOlIar II the county assessor of of the state can help it. But they have not hit upon 8 uniform percentage basis of assessment When the state tax con- missioners, at the convention here, insisted as a first principle that the assessor must follow the law literally, the assessors asked for a recess, held a secret session, agreed to go home and "do the best they could" and then went home without the formality of reconvening with the commission. Governor Donaghey and Representa- tive D. A. Bradham of Bradley coun- ty addressed the joint meeting, as did also David A. Gates, one of the con- missioners, and others. Morning and afternoon sessions were held and the new law was discussed from all it's viewpoints, but not a single action was taken that brings the assessors and the commissioners any nearer to- gether in carrying out the provisions of the act The secret session of the assessors came late in the afternoon. A vote on assessing property at it's full value was taken, but failed to carry, only one or two, it was. report ed, voting in favor of the motion motion to have all property assessed at 50 per cent of it's true value lost, 16 to 20. The secret session then adjourned and the assessors left for their homes The assessors had pre- viously requested five-minutes recess for the purpose of holding the se- cret session. The recess, however, developed into an adjournment, as neither the commission nor assessors reassembled after the executive ses- sion.
 The assessors listened to the speech es made by Governor Donaghey MT. Bradham and MT. Gates of the com mission. Following the latter's speech storm of protest broke out against the plan to assess property at its full value. From all parts of the meeting came queries regarding that plan and objections to it. Until that time the attitude of the assessors was in doubt None had spoken and the majority remained quiet during the speechmaking, but when questions and protests began to rain about A1r. Gates head at the close of his speech, there was no longer much doubt as to what the assessors thought of the plan. The result of the secret session was anticipated Assessors expressed themselves as being desirous to do all possible toward securing more reve- nue and toward getting all property on the tax book on the same basis of assessment, but baked when It. came to assessing property at it's full value, unless the tax rates were first reduced.
 The commission hammered on the point that the law demands tat prop erty shall be assessed at it's full value and that to assess property on any basis lower than 100 per cent is violation of the law. The assessors answered that such assessments would bring in far too much revenue and more than is needed and that such an assessment could not be afforded by the average taxpayer. The assessors also contended that if they did assess property at it's full value the com mission would not have he power to fix lower basis of assessment in ttc fall Mr. Gates contended directly contrary, that the commission would have that power and cortended that the word ''proportionate" in the aci allowing the commission to fix the assessments in proportionate value of the different counties, gave tSe com mission the power to lower the basis of assessment.
 After it vas learned that the asses eors had adjourned without agreeing to assess property at it's full value the commissioners decided that they would wait until the assessors re- potts of assessment are made out ill the fall aEd then act on those reports. "If we think an assessor has nos as- aessed property in his county high enough we will raise it. We will si. as a state board Of equalization and adjust the situation then, raising or lowering as we see fit" was the state ment of the commission.
 The commissioners emphasized the point that the assessors have much to do with the future success of the new system. However, it was also brought out that the commission could raise the basis of assessment, wheth- CT the assessors chose to do so or not, by increasing the assessment of each county in the fall The com mision asked, during the meeting, that the property be assessed at it's full value and offered then to adjust the situation later, when it could be definitely ascertained what percentage basis of assessment would fill all needs of revenue
 The greatest aggregation of bands ever brought together in Little Rock will be here on the 18th, 18th and 20th inst, when the first annual band tournament will be he'v under the auspices of the Stlte Band Associa- tion, of which Charles k. Shoemaker is president and Charles B. Stewart is secfetary The Retail Merchants Association has undertaken to assist in the preliminary arrangements for the tournament, provide the prizes, and insure the success of the enterprise.