The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1918-12-21

cent. The principle Of this proposal is
the same as that which is in the 500
mortgage exemption law. which has
been sustained by the state supreme
court.
Perhaps the most striking feature OF
the proposed bill is that which will pro-
vide that the revenue from taxation to
be raised hereafter shall be no greater
than the amount raised in 1913, unless
on appeal to the state tax commission a
greater amount is authorized. This
check is designed to prevent exorhitant
taxation when valuations are brought
up. as is proposed. to practically the
full value. 1t is understood readily
that IL valuations are increased. and the
tax rate remains the same, the burdens
on taxpayers are increased.
SHOWING OF EXPERIENCE.
Experience has demonstrated that
rarely are rates reduced when valua-
lions are increased. The old rates go
on and taxpayers are required to bear
additional burdens. 1t is recognized
that the revenue needs will vary in
different cities. towns, counties, park
and school corpora lions. and to meet
special and unusual situations. the bill
will give the state tax commission the
power 10 hear an appeal anc decide
whether a greater amount of revenue
should be allowed.
Municipal corporations would have
the power to reduce the amount raised
by taxation below that raised in 1918,
but would not have the power to I'm
crease it without approval after a hear
ing by the state tax commission.
Present statutory limitations on the
tax rates of municipal corporations,
which include counties. townships,
school and park board corporations. as
well as city and towns, would be remov-
ed because of the substitute check al
ready explained. but there would be at
the same time possibility of more
latitude in the amount Of revenue that
could be raised than there is at present
under the tax rate limitations. because
the state tax commission could author
ize the raising of more revenue il il
found such a step warranted by special
or unusual conditions.
The proposal to restrict the amount
Of revenue to that raised in 1918 and to
give the state tax commission author
ity. in special caess on appeal. to allow
an additional amount Is compared with
the jurisdiction now exercised by the
public service commission over public
utility rates. The public service COM
mission may vary the rates to keep the
utilities in a condition to provide eff
Client public service.
on FILE.
In behalf of the proposal to authorize
the state tax commission 10 assess all
public utilities. banks, trust companies
ad probably building and loan associa-
tons il is submitted that the state now,
in its public service commission and in
the bank and building and loan depart
ments, has reports and other informa-
ton always available. which would en-
able the tax commission to deal more
intelligently wit hsuch property than
can be done now by most of the local
taxing authorities.
The power of the state commission TO
remove county assessors and of the
county assessors to remove township
assessors is held to be necessary to
bring about uniform valuations and
equalize the tax burden. The proposed
power of the state commission 10 re-
value property in any taxation district
is for the same purpose. This power is
exercised in many other states
MOBILITY or SYSTEM.
Under Indisns's system. one county