The daily sentinel. [volume] (Grand Junction, Colo.) 1893-current, 1914-02-21
The Daily Sentinel
GRAND JUNCTION, COLO.
TAX D0DGING

n ne Sentinel has stated several lately there
IS most general complaint in this city in
creaseS-in numerous cases enormous increasesin
es Never has there been such general complaint along
this line in the history of the city.
Many taxpayers contendng that the assess
of their realty property and residences have been
placed at entirely too high figures in view of general
conditions There is no doubt in mind but what
there is justice in many of these particular complaints
Our attention has been called to numerous cases in
which the of residence has been fixed at
a figure representing what it to build the house
four, five or SIX years ago Cases have been pointed
wherein residences have been increased
from say $4,000 last year 10000 this year, 500
last year to $4,000 this year.
These and other complaints are numerous. Some
are unJustified but many are justified.
Citizens generally believed that the placing of full
valuation their property instead of third valuation
under the old system, would mean increase in
it expected the levies would be cut in
proportion to the raise in the assessments.
1t hasn't worked out this way in many cases.
However, The Sentinel does not believe all of the
blame is to be attached to any official any one
group Of officials.
propose to discuss, involving condition for which
no official can be held entirely responsible.
That is the question of tax lodging.
Some citizens who made honest returns the
valuation of their properties and who have found con-
siderable increases in their under the
ment plan making quiet Investigations ascertain
just how equitable and honest have been the
property made for and taxation by of
the larger interests OF the city.
There have been in circulation for long time,
apparently we'll authenticated stories concerning some
most fragrant of lodging and manipuations,
whereby heavy but just payments have been cvaded
in this city and county Some comparative statements
prepared by citizens along this line, showing gross in
CAPABILITIES in taxes, are startling to say the least.
So far as can see the assessor cannot be blamed
for this. Certainly the county commissioners
If false made the and made under
oath, he least powerless until it proven him
that such assessments have been made
here has been great deal of talk in official
circles in this and other counties to the effect that the
new law would largely eliminate this tax lodging game.
We contend therefore, if big portion of the business
and other property holders in their property
at full value and make effort to evade the law then
those who DO NOT WILLINGLY DO SO SHOULD
BE FORCED TO DO SO and The Sentinel stands
ready and willing do its part toward forcing tax
doging interests fully able to pay their just and lawful
amount of taxes to make such payments. 1t is
the duty of the small home-owner small business
to make such return of assessment valuation
the law requires than is for the large interests The
law applies to both and in fairness to all
lodging manipulation should be tolerated.
Neither is it fair for some of the larger interests
OF any community to be heavily taxed because they
turned in conscientious schedules, while other large
interests are lightly taxed because they turned in
truthful assessments.
1t might be well say that building and loan asso-
cations aren't the targets for the complaints. That
matter threshcd out year ago to building and
loan stock assessments.
We glad that such reports, which have been
in circulation concerning alleged gross inequalities in
assessments and concerning lodging, to be
least unoffcally probed.
If the average tax payer in this city finds his taxes
largely increased this year. then it is only Just and fair
that it that ALL taxpayers sharing alike in the
increases brought about by raised by any
other cause.
The complaints that being made by hundreds
of citizens increased deserving of attcr
ton.
The reports that heard to the effect that there
have been gross of evadng also de-
serving of investigation.
81. Those innocent have nothing TO fear. Those who
arc not, will have opportunity to make amends.