The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1913-03-09
Proposed Progressive Enactment q
Three Measures Into Law Would
Cost Iowa Hail Mil
lion Dollars.
RAILROADS ARE READY
DO Not Object to Physical valua-
ton Of Property-6anks Pay
Taxes Three Times Says
Milwaukee Banker.
Especial to The Gate city. j

DIES MONIES, March Should
the Iowa legislature in the spirit of
enacting progressive legislation, pass
three OF the biggest measures now be-
fore 1t, the state would be put to the
enormous expense Of having physi-
cal valuation of corporation property
made by three different bodies. 1t is.
roughly estimated by competent au-t
thority that to secure such valua-
ton will cost at least half million
dollars. Conservative members of the
| Legislature therefore suggest that 1t
would be advisable to have but one
power to make such valuation. The
three present bills giving different
boards the right to expend funds for
making such a valuation are:
The permanent tax commission bin
The public utilities bill.
The executive council bill for classi-
| ication of property.
An ad valorum valuation of corpora
ton property is urged in connection
with the tax commission as a practical
basis for. the computation Of taxes In
the public utilities bill 1t Is urged as
a proper foundation for fixing rates OF
service; in the executive council bill
it is also apparently designed for tax
alton purposes.
/ Representatives of railroads. and 9TH
er corporations who have visited the
state capitol since the commence
ment of the legislature state frankly
that they do not object to a physical
valuation 1t therefore merely re-
mains for the legislators to determine
whether they wish to put the state to
the expense OF making such a valua
ton at this time, and If SO to what
body shall be given the power. Should
by chance permanent tax commits
sion and utilities commission be es
tablished, to which, should be given
this power, has been asked by some
members. If the tax commission II
given it as a right to establish a basis
!. for taxation they conflict with the
utilities commission which would es
tablish basis for rates, If vice versa
! the utilities commission might estab
,, lish a basis not in equality with 9th
: er assessable valuations fixed by the
!. tax commission.
!. This ad valorem valuation Is urget
: by supporters of the proposed ia.
!, commission as one of the means Q
: getting practical basis for compu
ltation Of taxes, yet after it had beel
used two years by the permanent ia
commission in Minnesota it was abar
= coned and the gross earnings metho
: adopted.
!, That the permanent tax commission
: furnishes a more practical basis TO
= computation of taxes is denied b
:. members of the legislature who hav
= been studying the operation OF tn
commission in those states wher
such have been established Con
!, plant is made in Iowa against tn
:, actual valuation. of farm propert.
:, because such is not secured, and 1t
proposed by county assessors to 81
this actual valuation: yet in Mort
~ Dakota where permanent commit
sion has been established it is tn.
~ winter asking the general assembl
= to repeal it's actual valuation" la
. and allow 1T percentage. basis la
$ In Kansas the tax commission Is as
ing just the reverse, SO it Is pointe
out the permanent commission dot
not settle the dispute as to the be-
Us basis. In Wisconsin the commissic
~ devised still another method, I'll
A. income tax in addition to the pro
sh artv tay The Testimony OF one Nj
!, -