Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-26
Especial to The Bulletin.l

New Lonron, Conn, Jan. 25 The forthcoming report of the New Lon don board of assessors is looked for with more than ordinary interest this year as there seems to be an almost demand for the equalization of taxa tion that would result in the increase of the grand list,- the increase coming from properties in the business center that have never been taxed propor-- tionately to the mortgaged home of the industrious workingman. That there will be increase in the grand list there is no doubt, but it will not be reached by an equaliZa tion of val uation of taxable property, but rather by the general increase in valuation of every piece of real estate in the city, without regard to any previous valu- ation. Therefore there is to be in- creased valuation without any regard for equalization. Once the increase in valuation Is made there is no hope for a decrease, and the oft-repeated story that an increase in valuation will mean a decrease in the tax rate will not prove true, for it is thus early un
 derstood that there is. sure to be an increase in the tax rate. to meet ex- penditures that have already been planned by the municipal managers.
 
 It was given out in annual city meeting that the revenue of the city must be enlarged to meet the expenses of the current year and the assessors were urged to pave the way for that income by an equalization of taxation. The majority of the board of assess ors in order to provide for this in creased revenue instead of making proper equalization adopted the plan of raising the valuation of all taxable property. This double increase of taxation will of course burden the man with the mortgaged home, who has little more than he can do to make both ends meet, more than those who have real estate that brings in substantial income. There Is probably not a tax payer in the city who would object to an increase in taXesIto meet extraordinary expenses this year, with expectation of reduction in tax rate next year, or some other year. But there is serious objection to an un- changeable increased valuation.
 The city is fortunate, however. in having comnetent and well naid as- sessinr officials. but the opinion is general that the assessors erred in increasing the value of properties ra ther- than adopting the fair scheme of equalization. The hoard of aS- sessorss are Allen PenhalloW Thomas R. Murray and Francis Bracken each at salary of $t.000 a year and a clerk, Frederick G. Burrows who re- ceives a salary of S1,S0o. All men ot experience in the line of their work | Just why the plan of increase in valu- ation was adopted. instead of an equal ! ization. thev will probably explain tc ] the satisfaction of the dear public al 1 the proper time. They are not giv- | ing out any information as to the l progress of their work in making UT ] the grand list. Mn. Murray placed | his iudrrnent against majority o+ l the board. claiming the general in. crease is unfair and unusual but ht | is not opposed to an increase in the 1 tax rate to meet all necessary city ex- l penses. He claims the millage could l be arranged to meet the requirements
 and could be graduated from year tt year. but that rule cannot be applied l to the matter of valuation. which be.
 comes a fixed charge against the tax.
 payers. So far as goes New London increased valuation does not carry
 with it a decrease in the tax rate.
 Many have read and re-read of tha
 winter in the lono ago when the en
 trance to Long Island sound was l frozen over and that oX-teams were driven over the drive between Fisher.
 Island and the mainland. If such condition ever prevailed it is not with | in fhe memory of onv living man Tsr