Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-10

sfble to collect. II must be borne In
mind that there are 81 great number
OF delinquent tax bills on real estate
| on account OF lifc-tcnant" interest
which can never be collected for the
period II was 80 carried on the land
books II II has passed On to fee owner
The vast majority of delinquent bills
are for poll taxes and for assessments
OF tangible property on amounts rang
Ing from $50 to $50. or in taxes from
lSc. TO 53c. In addition to above noted
items. add the number OF bills on ac-
count OF erroneous assessments which
Will be found In 800 annual books of
record. these to be multiplied by 80, the
number of years from 1876 To 1915 "A
total OF ll,7oo. and the proposition Is
staggering In view of the work neces-
sary to such an examination, and I
repeat. the cost will be staggering too
From the revenue standpoint there is
some consolation; the probable collect
, able bills arc those against real estate
In connection with these. we must re.
member that sooner or later they will
be collected. certainly whenever n par.
eel changes ownership, because pur.
chascrs Will not take title with lien
| for unpaid taxes standing agalnet prop.
crty.
! We believe that our w-making body
VIII decline to multiply employees and
decline To add to expense account un-
| turn in shape of revenue
MUST MAKE RADICAL
CHAN IN ACCOUNTING
But that there is a radical evil in
| this connection all admit. How can II
/ be rcmcdicd?
| The wise provision, will be to require
the treasurcrs of all the counties and
( cities (and local tax collectors, other
than treasurers, where they exist II
J The State desires TO extend tho safe
! guarding provision TO such ctics) to
I open an account. beginning with 1916
against each parcel OF property In their
I respective districts. on which they-must
/ collect the tax, and to credit each pay
ment as made. to Offset the oldest
| charge against such parcel, regardless
| OF ownership at~the time. To collect
delinquent taxes thereafter on any
species Of property recorded for tan
| alton. II the dclinqu n Is the owner
! Of real estate: such real estate. or SO
much thereof as may be necessary TO
| satisfy the claims Of the State and
/ county or city. shall be sold by the
treasurer, after due notice 10 the de-
! ltnpuent owner. and Judicious and
reasonably ample advertising of the
property selected for sale in the news
! paper selected by the city or county
In which the property Ia located for
! its official notices, at public auction TO
! the highest bidder, all excess In price
received, over and above the amount
| required to discharge the obligations to
the State and county or city, including
the charges incurred. shall be paid over
to the fee owner OF said property as
soon IS n settlement is made. At this
| point ! am reminded that at least one
| bill will be presented to the General
| Assembly providing for renting out i'm
| proved property, and through the
/ rentals collected recover to the State
and county or city the delinquent taxes
! Such a provision Is so full OF proba-
| b!lities for contingent liabilities against
/ the government, such AS responsibility
! for repairs to prevent deterioration
| insurance, otc., etc. to say nothing OF
| the cost for accountings necessary
| that II ought not to be considered for
Ia moment.
| In the matter of assessments
| whether of land and improvements