Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1920-03-19
HEAR VIEWS ON
INCREASE IN TAXES
Citizens Give Finance Com
mittee Their
Ideas.
III. r. BURKE PRESIDES
Putt on Property on Merchants and
IntangibIes and Temporary Financ-
ing Are Suggestions Offered.

The finance committee Of the city
council last night held an open meet
ing in the auditorium Of the Cham
tbcr of Commerce and heard the
views of a number of citizens re-
garding the proposed increase IN
taxes on real estate in the city of
Alexandria which the committee
contemplates raising from 50 to
$3.50 en- the S100 assessed valuation
There was but few citizens
present, although the meeting lasted
from until II o'clock. The COM
mittee will formulate its report and
I it is expected submit to the city
council at meeting of that body
which will be held next Tuesday
night.
II. R. Burke, president of the
common council and chairman Of the
finance committee, presided and ex-
planned the purpose of the meeting
and read a paper showing the finan-
cial condition of the city. Accord
ing to his figures the total assessed
valuation of real estate is S7311.-
1S9, or an increase of S1,23S,319 over
|. 1916. 1t was explained by Mr..
Burke that the proposed increase in
the rate of taxation will yield the
city S23,52S additional revenue after
allowing the usual discount. Other
data regarding personal property
and the great increase in operation
of excuses of thc city was also given
| ny Mr.. Burke. Among other things
| he said The dollar has very differ
ent PURCHASING power from what it
did three yc@rs ago.
He enumerated the various in
creases in salaries paid, setting forth
that one item alone. the health de
partment, cost $4,000 year.
sThc expenditures last year he said
We're about $4,000 in excess Of
Athe receipts. The new assessment
HE thought would considerably in
4crease the revenue. { It.. however, he
said must be: a conservative, one.
The increase, Mr.. Burke stated, al
realized would be temporary eX-
pedient and would be adjusted when
there is mere equitable assessment
The state he said would have ac.
ress to the federal income tax re-
ports and may be able to get more
revenue.
Councilman Ruben asked if there
WAS any one present who could sug-
best how to make the deficit with
put increasing the taxes. Mr..
Burke again took the floor and said
be had heard city council, criticized
or its expenses for the fire depart
nent. However, he said the fire
Underwriters told. the council eithe,
1odern equipment would have to BE-
btained or. the fire insurance rates
aised which would have cost the
itizens about 100000 One thing
CIV being considered he said is the
ppointment of an electrical inspec-
pr. Council also is criticized for
S expenditures for the colored
Ehool. The property known as
olross he said was offered the city
pr $4,000 and someone objected
this location and said it would in
IRE certain property. This object, hs
bid. would cost the city $4,000.
This community ewes Mr.. Finke,
(airmaN of the school board, debt
gratitude he said. inasmuch as
I. FinEe through the purchase Of
nlber for the new school house for
lored children saved the city S12.-
10.
John NJ. johnson. member Of
e local bar, said he did not como
cpiticize council. but he under
bod that the receipts next yea,
Il fall short of the expenditure.
out $4,000 He was of the CON
etion that if the rate could be re
ced instead Of increased it woul
far more helpful to the city.
There are he said about $50
pperty owners in the city and b'
een 3 900 and 5000 of these ow
hir OWN homes. He said it won
great burden on about l,5'
rsonss who own their own home
assarted that there has been !
Il advancement in real estate al