The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-30
ALDERMEN TO MEET
TOMORROW NIGHT
Question Of Tax Levy VIII Engage
Attention of Higher Branch of
City Council.

In order to facilitate the work of
the Commissioner of Revenue, Presi-
dent Adams has called the Board of
Aldermen to meet tomorrow night at
8 O'Clock, to consider the tax levy,
as proposed by the Finanre Commit
tee.
This. of course. does not anticipate
greater revenue than that of last
year.
Next year. however, everything
being equal, the revenue will fall.
This of cousse. does not anticipate
an increase on The city assessments
for this year, now in course of prep
aration. That will make another
story.
But with conditions existing Just
as they do now, the income from
taxes next year will be just s22. 440. SO
more than that of last year. because
the bank capital tax will next year
be s1.15 instead of $1.40. as il now
u.s.
All of these things are very plain
tof course noD, to the layman. The
average layman knows about as much
concerning the various discussions on
the proposed levy as a native of
South Africa knows about the Gay
ton Coal Mines. He will learn more
about 1t after Commissioner Tresnon
and his force OF experts make out
the bills, and when the clerks in
Treasurer PAGES ONCE begin to
gather in the maxuma-
Cuttings It's Moneys Worth.
At any rate. City Accountant Golfer
says the city is not paying any more
taxes under the new levy than IL Is
getting benefits for. The demanh
Tor improvements to streets and the
greater demand for schoolhouses, and
the increased number of people neces-
sary to take car of the additional
work, all require money considera-
tons. AZ money does not grow on
trees. says Mr.. Cofer. and there Is
no other way TO get what the people
are ciamoring for. then there must be
some raise In taxation
1t was said by on OF the leading
city officials yesterday that Speaker
Cox was right when he stated that
segregation OF taxation had nothing
to do with the increase 10 taxes in
Richmond.
ut is the incessant and ins!stent
demand for street improvements, -"
said this official IF tho people in
sst upon getting up-to-date improve
ments all at once they must expect
TO pay for II. II we remain quiet ana
calm for year or two, and take our
improvements az we can get them,
without rushing into hysteria about
gutter here or a small pool OF water
there, or a few stray sprtgs of grass
In the roadway over yonder. we may
find that increased taxes may not be
necessary.
"Tf IN fiddler is hired some one
must pay for the Hddling"
1T is better TO have little money
- hand" said Mr.. Cofer yesterday,
FOR improvements. than TO have TO
go into the bond business every time
we want anything done.
~ Is also more pleasing 10 the
citizen to have his taxes lowered than
It is 10 have II raised. This little
raise this year may he reduced next.
If all goes well There is iikly to
from which wifi he derived more
taxes next year. Then city Council
may. IN i's own good way. make a
reduction
All the discussion aboti. taxes r. a
little premature. anyway. because the
proposition submitted by the Finance
Committee may not be adopted by
Council The Board may not take
kindly to i. at the meeting tomorrow
night
Something must Re done. however,
SO that the Commissioner OF Reeve
nue. cna c., 40 work on his annual
routine OF duty.
The asees>rs have completed JEFF
ferson Ward. They are now work
ing on Madison Ward, and viii take
up Lee Ward next. then Clay. In
about two months It is probable the
city will know what the new assess
merts mean an increased income 10
TN local treasury.