The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1912-06-28
SUGGESTIONS FROM AN Ex-
COMMISSIONER
Lynne, Fla, June "a, 1912.

Lynne, Fla, June "a, 1872.
To the Editor Ocala Banner:
That there is an unrest among the
people of the county is obvious to
everyone who is watching the trend
of events.
The fact of the county's indebted
ness is causing dissention among the
people of the county, and all sorts OF
plans are being suggested as rem
edy. To one who has had long expe-
rience in county matters the best
plan seems to be the easiest. | know
from experience that most Of the tax
payers are opposed to higher taxes;
therefore, let us reason together with
sober reflection, rather than criti-
cism. The county's Indebtedness is
due to several causes. Some of them
are here briefly stated:
Twelve years ago the state levied
mills. The state now levies seven
and one-half mills and the school
board seven mills-an increase of
five and one-half mills. In the face
of the above facts the board of coun-
ty commissioners undertook to carry
on the vast improvements in roads,
the building of five steel bridges, the
court house, the Jail, etc, without in
creasing taxes but little more than
the above The county commission
ers must provide running expenses
for four funds.
Now, suppose we had increased our
millage in proportion to the state and
county school board. The result
would have been that the county to-
day would not be in debt. To avoid
such a burden of taxation We declin-
ed to do it. Now, the board is receiv-
ing its pay in censure and condemna-
ton
Now, my friends, the remedy is
simple. While the board is trying to
do it's duty you should do yours. In
stead of censuring and criticising,
you should aid and counsel them. No
threats of mandamus. Have you
thought what the result would be to
enjoin the board and stop the wheels
Of fTua
Now, from the standpoint of an in
dividual, when the county, state or
nation spends more money for rev.
enue than there is revenue to meet
it, the balance sheet is against them
"a true condition of Marion county's
finances. My suggestion is one that
will not hinder the progress of the
county-is not perpetual debt of
bonds and interest. The time is near
that our county commissioners must
equalize the taxable property of the
county, make a budget of expenses,
levy millage, etc. Let the equaliZa-
ton be without equivocation. The
law requires property to be assessed
at its cash value. Let this fact be
the guiding star in the equalization.
Now, you have, by the aid of the as
sessment roll, the gross valuation of
the property of the county, against
which you levy your millage to meet
the current expenses. In your op-
Proclamation on assets and liabilities
from every source, provide for a sink
ing fund to reduce the Indebtedness.
etc.
If the above suggestion is rigidly
enforced we can pay all We owe, car
ry on the Improvements of the coun-
ty, and nobody's pocket will be hurt
| pen the above suggestion with
the purest motives and extend my
hand to our worthy county commits
sioners to aid them in any way pos
slble, and at the same time beg all
the people to do likewise.
One more suggestion to the people:
You must pay for what you get. You
must know that it is painful to our
county commissioners to have to re-
fuse your request Since our coun-
ty finances have reached a crisis, the
necessity of our being guarded in
our demands on the board seems ap-
parent to me-.
n. A FORT.