Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1911-02-15

alley. The petition was referred TO the
committee on streets.
Mr.. Williams, from the lower board,
entered the chamber bearing IN invita-
ton from the Common Council for the
Aldermen to meet them in joint session
for the purpose of clecting Il school
trustee from the First ward.
The Aldermen declined the invita-
ton, asking that the election be de-
ferred until the next regular meeting.
The Aldermen, after concurring by
unanimous votes in the action OF the
Common Council on all papers sent in,
adjourned.
COMMON COCNCfL.
Council convened at 7:I5 with Il
members present.
Mr.. Burke from the finance COM
mittec presented the tax law for the
coming year. The report of the conf
miltec favored Il rate of $l.75 on the
800, with discount OF & per cent for
prompt payment by July aud 4 dis
count of 4 per cent on bills paid by
September /. 1t is provided that q
penalty OF 5 per cent be added on bills
not paid by December j, and 6 per
cent penalty added on bills not paid
within period Of 4 year. The old rate
was 81 90 per 800, with adiscount Of &
per ccnt,oft for prompt payment. Mr.
Burke explained that the new assess-
mcnl would amount TO about $3.50, :
coo. against 80, 400. eco, and it had
been estimated that the city under the
new rate would get IN increase Of
Sc, 600 4 year.
Mr.. Leadbealcr thought council
should have more time to look into
such change in the tax rate and
fassessmcnt, and moved that the matter
lie over for two weeks.
Mr.. Marshall said the matter had
been gone over carefully by the finance
committee and should be acted on at
once, as it is necessary that the
commissioners nf revenue be given
time 10 get the tax assessment in
shape.
Mr. Smith said 4 report on annexa-
ton had been postponed until the tax
vote had been fixed, and he could see
no reason for further delay.
Mr.. Brockctt thought delay Of two
weeks would work no harm to the city
and would enable the members Of
council who we're not members OF The
finance committee to have 4 clear
understanding of the entire matter
Mr.. Spinks said ever since he had
been 4 member of council people had
been asking him when tho assessment
would be raised and taxes lowered. He
believed 4 rate of 81 IS with t per
centum penalty would be Ec:tcr than
81 10 with per centum discount.
Mr.. Burke said the higher rate with
4 discount off enabled the city to add 4
penalty.
Mr.. Chaunccy thought the members
Of council should have as much know
ledge OF The tax bill Is the finance COM
mittec and sufficient time to study The
matter in order that they might vote
intelligcntly.
Mr.. Williams said many public works
we're in the utmost need OF funds and
it was 4 serious question il 81, 600 tue
additional amount cXpecsded on the
proposed plan, would be sufficient to
meet the needs Of the city. He thought
it was too important 4 question to de-
eide after IL minutes consideration, and
it was manifcstly unjust for any COM
mittcc to come before council and ask
such hasty and unconsidered action on
so big a question.
Mr.. Marshall said no report could be
given ont until tonight, as the finance
committee did not reach a decision
until Monday evening, He would OPP
pose any effort to inCreasr the tax on
the small home owners.
Mr.. Burke thought the city was meet
ing all demands for streets. sewers,
and other improvements, and there
was no need for any larger Increase OF
income.
Mr.. Smith said that every one
realized that this vas but preliminary
SklrUllSD llldl Tue IeasOl lOI aohiLS liIs
delay was that certain commercial
organization wished the old rate retain
ed despite the increased assessment.
1t was generally agreed by the members
Of the old council that when the assess
ment was raised the rate would be
lowered. He said he wanted TO put
himself on record as farorlng promises
that he made to the effect that he
favored an increased assessment with
a reduced rate OF taxation. He explain
ed that delay in acting on the bill
would affect the proposed annexation
plan. which is ajoint committee, of
which he is member, ia now engag-
ed in working on.
Mr.. Leadbeater had not at any time
been party TO any such agreement.
II such an agreement vas IN force it
was all the more reason why he wanted
time TO look into the facts.
4 recitation OF what the city needs,
including health laws and schools, was
made by Councilman Williams, who
thought the $4,000 increase hardly
sufficient to cover expenses.
AR Williams said that as a memhr