The Harrison times., 1911-06-24

erty on the tax books that has here
toforc escaped
The new bill, which will become
effective the last of September if not
submitted, does not change the levy,
but distributes it differently. Under
the present law, the levy is as fol-
lows; General revenue 81 10, School
So 90, Confederate pension $1.5O,
State capitol $3.50, total 500.
Under the new act, it will he di,trib-
uted as follows: General revenue
S2.25, State school 500, Confed-
crate pension 81 80, State capitol
SOL total $6.75. 1t will be OBJ
served that the new law raised the
general levy one-half mill, and de
creases that for the schools, pension
and state capitol, Under the new
law, the various rates are based on
the capitol rate, that for general
revenue being five times the capitol
rate, for schools six times, and for
pensions three times the capitolrate.
This same proportion is to be borne
after the automatic reduction of the
rates begins on the famous sliding
scale" after the assessment had
passed the aggregate of $3.50, ,O0O,-
600 which few believe it will do
this year.
But which rate will apply this
year, the old or new, is the question
that many are asking, The assess
ments, which are now in progress,
will close August 10, and about
September | the books will be turn
ed over to the county clerk. The
equalization Boards will then have
an engagement with them, after
which the taxes will be extended,
and the books turned over to the
collector FOR collection In the mean.
time the new revenue will likely be-
come effective the last of September.
Which rate will then apply? I'm
doubtedly the new rate, although
it will be practically impossible to
put the whole machinery of the new
law into operation for this year.
Nor is this contemplated by the
Commission. The Commissioners
say they are attempting as nearly
as possible to secure a uniform as
sessment this year of 90 cents on
the dollar, hoping eventually to
secure a full valuation as provided
by the law. In an address Just
issued to the county assessors by
l.. NJ. Burge, chairman of the Com.
mission, he urges them to assess the
property of the county uniformly,
adding "under existing levies we
advise and ask that YOU work to
the end that all property be assessed
fifty percent of its true value He
imprcsses upon the assessor the inn
portancc Of his office in the follow
ing language: "Thc assessor is an
important factor in the revenue ma
chinerv of the state He is the con-
stituted agent; must make a rendi-
dition of property for purposes OF
taxation. The Importance and dig
nifty of your office, carrying with it
such grave responsibilities, should
stimulate you to demand a just and
proper assessment Of all property
You cannot allow your position to
be treated lightly or inditlerently."
The commissioners are attempting
to visit every county during the as
scssmcnt period Last week Com
missioner Gates visited five counties
in South Arkansas and found condi-
tions very favorable Commissioner
Brown visited the counties along
the Ft Smith road, and was equally
pleased with what he found. Chair
man Burge has been very sick for
the last two weeks and unable TO
Join his colleagues in the campaign,
The new bill, while radical in it's
effects on the revenue system, is
complex and will be difficult for
the lay mind to understand Should
the poor mans taxes, however, be
increased, that would be an argu-
ment that would outweigh all the
oratory of statesmen and blatant
mouthings Of demagogues, If given
a chance at it then there is no doubt
Of his attitude toward it,
But Mr. Gates says that it will in
reality reduce the taxes that are
paid by the poor man, as there will
be uniformity of assessment, and the
rates are SO made that the net re-
turn will be the same as at present
plus the natural increase. This act |
positively does not place an addi-
tional burden on any person who
has been assessing on anything like
fair customary valuation says Mr.
Gates. He further asserts that the |