Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1911-08-18
Tax Rates.

There are two ways of increasing taxes
on property, one by increasing the valua-
ton by reassessment, another by increasing
the rate or proportional part Of the dollar
taken for taxes. As reassessments occur
infrequently while the rate Is fixed an
nually. the taxpayer naturally looks at the
rate to see whether taxes have risen or
fallen. Hence, when the rate has gotten
so high as to cause general complaint, an
increase in valuation by reassessment will
allow of an increase in taxes, although at
the same time there may be reduction
in the rate, as in this county: In 1910 on
a valuation of Sl6000.000 and a rate Of
100 cents on the $l00-we raised $780,
600; in 1911, this year, with a valuation
increased to $20,000.000 and the rate
lowered to 81 cents, we will collect $685.
600, which is Just as burdensome, just as
odious as If the valuation had been left
SIG, 10000 as in 1910. and the rate in
creased to III l-2 cents on the 500. And
do not suppose there is any man capable
of forming a judgment who would claim
that the property or opportunities OF the
taxpayers of Montgomery county are as
valuable in 1911 as they were in 1910.
Hence, the increase Of valuation by the re-
assessment was q purely arbitrary and
gratuitous act and could be repeated with
as much justice or necessity at any time.
do not impute any shadow of duplicity.
or injustice, or inefficiency to our assessors
or commissioners. They have done well.
how well nobody appreciates but those
who have cOnscienti0usly tried to perform
an equitable duty to all. What is done
we know, but not what's been resisted" |
am seeking to arouse a public sentiment
that will check prOdigal extravagance. And
this is an OppOrtune time, for the increase
in taxes Is danger signal and the owner
of property will neglect il at his peril.
In 1910 we levied 100000 for county
taxes and $4,000 for State taxes. In
1911 the levy is for $188,000 for county
taxes and $4,000 for State taxes-an
increase of $4,000 for the county and
$4,000 for the State, equaling rate Of
III 1-2 cents (nOt 81 cents at alb for the
county and 81 l-2 cents mot % cents at
ally for State tax, both rates based upon
the valuation of 1910, and everybody
knows Montgomery county Is less valu-
able to-day than il was in 1910. So that.
notwithstanding what rates may be writ
ten in the tax bill, you are to pay this
year $1.17 l-2 for county taxes and ~ 1-2
cents for State taxes, as compared to 1910,
being a total of $l.45 on the 500. And
besides this the residents of some districts
and all Incorporated towns pay additional
taxes, running from II to SO cts. on 500,
making grand total of from $i.60 to
$i.93. and when insurance is added, max
ing II cost per cent. TO own property in
this county.
From this point of view. who are chosen
for the legislature and for county commits
sioners to authorize and levy taxes are
matters Of the most vital concern to every
voter. To say II am of Paul or II am of
ApOllos" is but to perpetuate the vendetta
or factiOnal politics but every citizen Is
degrading himself and betraying his coun-
try who does not in times Of great stress
and urgency conscientiously select the men
with the conscience. the conviction. and
the equipment to correct the patent evils
that affect the body polite when eternal
vigilance" is relaxed.
CHARLES X. DARBY,
GAINESVILLE, Md.
For House of Delegates Democratic Dri-
tuariaa Auduat % 10t1