The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1914-12-12

Assessment equalization and equit-
able taxation is to be the aim of the
City Commissioners during the next
year, according to tentative plans an
nounced to-day. The triennial assess
ments will be levied during 1915, be-
come effective in 1915 and remain in
force for three years. 1t is proposed
to increase property valuations and
thereby be i'll a position to decrease the
tax rate in future years.
Immediately after the Commissioners
organize for the new year they will
name two assistants to aid Assessor w.
ii. II. Buckley, whose term extends until
the first Monday of December, 1915.
In the present year Buckley had one as
sistant. The trio, the Commissioners
say, will be expected to lay the basis
for the lower tax rate.
No specific tax rate has been sug-
gested, the Commissioners saying they
simply have in mind the fact that the
total valuation in Harrisburg now is
approximately $49,000,000; that it is
too low, should be materially increased
and, if that can be accomplished, the
tax rate can be propoftionately reduced
New buildings and improvements
made within the last year, it is expect
ed, alone will boost the total assess
msnts by between $2,O0O,000 and $3,-
100000, although the real aim is to
boost the assessments to we'll on to
$100, 100000.
The plan the Commissioners now
have in mind is to appoint as assistant
assessors persons recognized as possess
ing expert knowledge of the values of
real estate in the city and who can
conscientiously fix fair and equitable
values on property.
Aim to Aid Small Property Owners
The chief effect of this plan, it has
been pointed out, would be to "eease
throtting" the little property owners
those who own homes the values of
which run anywhere from 1900 to
$4,000. It appears to be the opin-
ion among the commissioners that the
assessments against the less valuable
properties are Just and equitable. How
ever they figure that if the assessments
are fixed at full value the small own
ers will still be benefited through the
decrease in the tax rate.
1t has been pointed out that many
$4,000 and $4,000 homes are now as
sessed at not less than eighty five per
cent, of their full value and the own
ers are paying a nine and one-haf mill
tax rate. If the full value is assessed
and the tax rate cnt by three Or four
mills, as it is figured it can be if the
total valuations is nearly doubled, his
taxes will be even less than now.
The owners of the more costly homes
and other buildings, not now taxed at
the same percentage of valuation as
the small homes would be required to
pay a higher tax through the increas-
ed valuation, some of the commission
ers say.
One of the City Commissioners to-
day declared anqualifedly that "some
assessors engaged by the city in the
past have had little or no trouble fx-
ing fair assessments on the less ex,
pensive classes of properties, but when
they come to assessing the more val
liable homes and buildings they shake
and shudder in fear of the owner. Or
possibly because they are incompetent
they haphazardly place the value too
low.''
Assessments in Other Cities
Manufacturers who have intended To-
eating here have told the City Com
missioners they gave up their plans be-
cause of the high tax rate. This caused
the Commissioners to study conditions
in other cities, with the result that at
least some of them are convinced the
more valuable properties here are as
sessed too low.
In New Zealand, it was learned, the
real estate owners are given the oppor-
tunity to fix the values on their prop
critics and make the proper jeertification
Continued ON seventh Psss