Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-03-01
High Taxes in Augusta.
Communicated

The taxes of 1909 are a painful memory
which may possibly be more impartally
considered now than when the unwel-
come call of the collector was first re-
ceived
The rate of taxation, for all purposes,
including the support of schools, was
s27.75 per $1,000, the highest rate sin 1898,
when in a part of the city the rate was
SIS. The first point to be. noted is that
the increase has been gradual one.
Starting with 1906 the first year Of
Mayor Plaisted's administration, we note
the lowest rate for several years, about
$23
In 1907, Mr.. Plaisteds second year, the
rate increased to $780,
In 1903, during his third year. the rate
further increased to s24S5, while in 1909
under Mayor Johnson, the rate has reach
ed $2775.
1t seems, therefore, that not only has
the increase been gradual, but it is also
devoid of political significance, extending
as it does through the administrations of
both Mr.. Plaisted and Mr.. Johnson.
AS matter of fact, the increased rate
has been mainly caused by two radical
changes in the policy of public expendi-
ture, which began in 1906 and have become
gradually operative upon the tax rate
since that time.
What are these changes?
First: The building of good roads.
During the years of 1906, 1891 and 1908
approximately 10 miles of improved high
ways were built at a cost of s56, 600. 1t is
Of course understood that these roads
were built with borrowed money
1t may not be generally understood that
this increase Of $4,000 IN the city debt
involves an addition of 1920 to each an
nual appropriation for 25 years. The adj
ministration of Mayor johnson faced the
apparent necessity of completing and ex-
tending some of the road work which had
been left unfinished.
1t was not thought best to issue more
bonds and the only alternative was to
meet the need by direct increase of ap-
preparation.
Hence the extra sum Of 5000 was in.
Guided in the tax levy Of 1909 and ex-
pended on the Bangor road, Sawell and
Hospital streets and the State highway
on Mt. Vernon avenue. Thus it will be
seen the movement for good roads is re-
sponsible for at least $1O,530 in the appro-
priation of 1909.
found in the progressive movement in the
school management of the city.
Under the Board of Education, which
began it's existence in 1905. almost every
branch of our school system has been
advanced in efficiency.
Schoolhouses have been repaired, heat
ing plants have been replaced, transpor-
tation of rural pupils improved and ex-
tended, higher wages paid and the annual
loss of some of our best teachers has been
stopped.
A commercial department has been es-
tablished in connection with the High
school.
The imperative need for more room at
the High school has been met by the
erection of an additional building at
cost of $4,000, built with the proceeds of
a further issue of city bonds.
Approximately this has increased the
amount to be raised by taxation about
as follows:
temporary increase of current
expense $4,000. 90
Permanent improvements .... 100000
Annual payment of bonds .... 100000
interest 10000
Total .slS, 800. 90
Ihus In summary it will be seen that
the two causes of good roads and good
schools unite to cause an increase Of $685.
ssaO0 in the appropriation Of 1909. which
accounts for $40 per $1,000 of the total
rise Of about 81 since 1906.
Was this money well expended and did
the city receive a full equivalent for it's
money? ~
Perhaps the most effective answer
'cEr1& ,t.-a -e- &