The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-03-08
RL,nNfoND,s TAX RATE.

RItHNfoND'S TAN RATE.
Adrocacy Of al increase in the tax rate Of
community is seldom popular, the efficiency Of
a cove-nmea; usually being judged according to
the money saved rather than the money spent
mis- is only as II should be, anc uncer ordi-
nary circumstances That government which saves
money and lowers the tax rate is better than that
which spenas and increases the rate. As usual
tAinc government is inclined toward extraya-
Fancv rather than toward economy, and the value
q "a change Is measured by the saving accom-
plIshed thereby.
There are exceptions. however. Times come
when saving is the reverse Of TRUE economy,
when progress is hampered by the lack Of funds.
No city can grow rapidly as has Richmond
without discomfort Inconvenience and injury
unless municipal Improvements and growth keep
pace with the growth Of the community itself
1t is we'll to take thought before acting, but the
necessity Of increasing the rate Of taxation in
3 community which well afford the Increase
should not be accepted as an argument for stag
nation II the income already available is being
spent wastefully or not. so as TO gain the best
results, efforts should be directed toward divert
ing the outgp into its proper channels, but II the
income is being spent as 1t should be and the
lack Of needed improvements is the result Of
the lack Of the necessary funds and not due to
the improper use OF the funds In hands those
funds should be increased.
II viii not be contended, we believe, that the
revenue OF this city is improperly handled. There
may be isolated examples of expenditures that
some people think could be better employed to
other purpose, but even these protestants will
ad1Yit that these expenditures are advisable II
not necessary. A few hundred, or even a few
thousand, dollars spent here might pe more pro
fltably spent elsewhere but the budget adopted
by the council provides for nothing that is not
highly desirable, and If one item might be les
sened In order TO enlarge another. both items are
necessary and both might even be enlarged. On
the whole the municipal budget is TOO small.
1t could be doubled with advantage. Richmond
is no longer village or even a small city. It IS
growing, and growing rapidly. 1t needs more
money, and needs II badly. The council has
done well by the public schools of the city the
street cleaning department and for the improve
ment OF the streets, as well for other depart
ments. Nevertheless, while 1t has done well, and
as well as possible Under the circumstances, and
while the funds to be expended have been judi
cially distributed, with a few exceptions, what
should be done has not been done
Municipal improvements are not keeping pace
with the growth of the city. and unless they do
&C that growth will be restricted. We are talk
ing Of annexation, and practically every ap-
proves but annexation will cost money. We are
not taking care OF that which we have. and If
we are to do so and at the same time secure the
benefits of the acquisition of territory already a
part OF the city in fact, If not in name, we must
increase our expenditures for public improve
ments
TWO means of securing this revenue have been
suggested One Is TO raise the tax rate two and
a half mills on the dollar and the other is to
Issue bonds to the amount Of 100000. Either
means the payment OF more taxes. If the first
means Of raising money be employed we pay
the surplus rate. II the second be employed those
who come after us pay H. for money borrowed
must be returned with interest, and when the
time comes to meet the maturod bonds taxes viii
have 10 be increased. The question. then, is,
shall we pay for these improvements. or shall
our children?
One O. these courses must be followed If Rich
raond is to go forward. The vjrgtntaa believes
Il at thu citizens Of Richmond are willing to
spend 10 save; are willing TO pay for progress
Of the city TO Richmond. Our revenues have not
been wasted in riotous living: they have not been
expended unpro1taby. but, on the other hand
they have 9.cn wisely and economically doled
cat Iot many ueeds have been neglected. t1sR-
de- These circumstances there is but one thing
to DO and that IS to raise more money Discus
SION should be confined solely to the best method
cr' completing this end
A CLEANER BETTER RICHMOND.
Clearer and better streets is the demand OF
iirhr-n,,a t.n.,.