The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-06-11
STATE OFFICIALS
ARRIVE TO KEEP
EYE UPON BOARD
Robinson and Beasley in Men,
phis to Watch Work of the
Shelby Equalization Men on
Assessment Figures.

Hal Robinson, member of the state
board of equalization, reached Memphis
Friday and will remain for some time
keeping a watchful eye on doTngs of
the county board of equaliza ton which
body is now receiving complaints on
the realty assessment of W. 7, Con-
don, county assessor II one believes
in signs the poor, down -trodden tax
payers is in for rather rough shedding
and his pocketbook is going to be
touched not gently but in a manner that
is calculated to bring a squawk.
MIR. Robinson was asked Friday the
reason for his visit and opined that
he was here to attend sessions of the
equalization board; that he had a large
amount Of proof to lay before the coun--
ty equalizers This proof consists Of
statements of values of property taken
from records of sales made in Memphis
since last November and will be pre-
Sented with the idea of having the
county board uphold the assessment OF
w. T. Condor, county assessor, or per-
haps raise his figures for Condon's as
sessment reduced the total valuation OF
city property from the state o6o 6oard s
figures by approximately $45, 100000.
The county board has taken no ac-
tion on complaints so far filed by tax
payers. They have been kept so busy
receiving complaints that they have
been unable to do much else. Through
out Friday morning taxpayers in large
numbers swarmed into the county court
room where the board is sitting and
kicked about assessments. Those who
did not kick were about as numerous
as open saloons since Jan. 16
Is Real Work.
While in Memphis Mr.. Robinson and
his assistant. j. d. Beasley will gather
some information concerning the value
nf railroad nrnnprtW in this city well
as information on public utilities, but
their principal duty is to keep an eye
on the county board.
When the assessment figures made
by w. T. Condor were made public,
that official declared that this was the
most accurate assessment that had been
made in many years, 1t was pointed
out also that the valuation fixed by
the state board had been reduced by
more than O,0O0,6 900 despite the fact
that Condon's deputies had previous
ly cencurred in the assessment OF the
state board.
When the county board began its
sessions Thursday, Ben Goodman, chair
man, stated that In many instances Cons
don's assessments were unreasonable
and out of line. Mr. Goodman also
pointed out that difference of $59,-
900, 900 existed between Condon's as
sessment on city property and that fixed
by the city equalization board even
after that body had made a uniform
increase Of 25 per cent.
Present indications are that the coun-
ty equalzers favor reduction from
Condon's figures and the chairman OF
the county body is evidently impressed
with figures of the city board. Mr.,
Condor maintains that his figures are
as near correct as is possible to secure,
and Mr.. Robinson, of the state board,
Is equally satisfied that his assessment,
the highest in history. is also correct
Seems Politics.
To an. outsider it appears that the
realty assessment for Shelby county is
merely a matter of politics in which
the taxpayers poCketbooks are to be
the victims. 1t also appears that Gov.
Roberts state board of equalization
holds the winning hand for, despite the
action of w r. Condor in reducing as
sessments and the proposed action OF
the county equalization board in max
ing further reductions. 1t is within the
power of the state board to restore its
own assessment or even raise its own
figures. The raises, if made by the
state board, can be made arbitrarily and
are final, action of lesser bodies to the
contrary Notwithstanding.
Whether the state board Is going to
take an arbitrary stand or whether
they will be reasonable and lenient in
dealing with the taxpayers of Shelby
county is a mooted question.
Summarized, the situation Friday Is
that Condor has made his assessment
and must stand or fall by it. The coun-
ty board is being swamped with com
plants from property owners seeking
relief from what they term glarng mis-
takes and inequalities and members of
the state board are standing by await
ing the action of the county board be
fore showing their hand or making any
statements as to what they propose do
ing.