Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-12-10

year to year. as the facts. AZ shown
BY lists % furnished, shall warrant
In the matter Of taxation Of furni-
ture, the amount Of exemption which
was sufacient twenty years ago. is all
out of reason ct the present day and
should be increased. As to method
Of valueing. It is not what it will
bring at forced sale, but what would
IL cost one to replace with something
that would serve the same purpose,
and then insist that the law be en-
forced.
The taxation Of automobiles varies
very much. In Portland, we tax them
the first year on 500 Of the cost and
reduce the value 3096 esch year. This
il very fair. but 1t II not the method
used in other cities and towns. The
state of Ohio has q Law. statewide in
its use, taxing them the irst year at
90% Of the list price, End YEAR, 5000
of the list price, 3rd year. 70e6 of
list price, 4th year. 5000 of list price,
5th year, 500 Of list price. If law
could be passed In Maine like this
and continuing same per cent of re-
duction after that 1t would secure
uniformity. The question Of second
hand cars could be easily adjusted.
Taxation Of Bank Stock. I would
have ali Bank and Trust Companies
in the State. except Savings Bank
required to furnish the Board Of
State Assessors, January LIST. each
year, a statement OF the par value,
book and market values, Of their
stocks. When the State Board re-
ceives these returns. would have
them fix q value for taxation, print
the same in pamphlet form and mail
a copy to every local Board Of As
SCISSORS on or before April 1st Of
each year. said local board to use
such values in making up their as
sessments.
In the taxation of Bonds, Stocks,
Mpneys at intsrs6t. I would have
each local board study carefully the
facts as shown In lists furnished
under the listing bill. when passed,
and also secure from the Probate Of
fee in their county an account Of es-
tates Of persons deceased. resident in
their town, who left any estate, and
dSSeo6 tueu.
Real Estate. Timber Lands
Fix a fair value in 1891; continue
that valuation Until April /, 1925;
then add SEE to valuation; continue
this rate until April !, 1880: then
! add 1000 to valuation; continue this
rate until April 1, 1885; then add 1870
to valuation; continue this rate I'M
til April l, 1910; then add 20%o to
valuation: continue this rate until
April l. 1915; then add $3.50 to valu-
alton continuing on the same basis.
| Should the timber be cut off during
these five year periods, add on sup
Elemental list proportionate part of
five year increase. Wood lots and
mixed growth could be valued in
same way, adding a certain percent
age each year for natural increase.
II some of these suggestions can be
adopted it will be one step at least
III securing uniformity in valuation
and will tend to stop some of the
statements SO often made, that the
poor man is overtaxed and the rich
and more fortunate man escapes. 1t
Will cause a more just and equitable
distribution of the public burden re-
lieving local boards from charges of
favoritism and satisfy taxpayers that
they are all being treated alike.
| COL Milliken's address was warm
ly applauded.
George A. Cowan of Damariscotta,
chairman of the board Of assessors
! In that town, discussed generally the
rural assessor and his problems. a
subject of especial interest to all
delegates, and his address was an
preciated by all.
"Ths Rural Assessor and His Prob
| lems."
Try George A. Cowan. Damariscotta
Mr.. Chairman and Gentlemen:
The rural assessor of today ia fac.
ing harder problems than ever the
great Pathagoras dreamed of solving
In most of our towns we have two
classes OF property. the village prop.
erty and property Of the outlying dis.
trict, so distinct. that to place pro.
portionatc values on them is next 70
impossible.
The village property consists of .
| Wv VA AoAiu VIII us buildings
garages. livery stables. now obsolete
various classes Of stock in trade and
more commonly than in the out1vinp
district, excess value in household
furniture and musical Instruments.
Inc property Of the outlying dis.
trict consists Of farms and buildings
standing timber. wood lat present on
a gold standard like our American chr.
rency), and various classes of live
stock
On the several items in both village
and country districts, the assessor. II
possible, must place a fair Just and
equitable value. SO that each particula,
item may meet its proportionate share
OF the tremendous tax burden tina,
modern civilization and mis-rovern.
ment is placing upon an already bur.
dened people.
Among the items enumerated there
are those. which in nature. declare
against fair worth valuation. This
piano and other instruments of music
for example. The man or woman
whose soul is not thrilled by music. Is
mt only for the dungeons of criminal
darkness: the Yankee spirit is moved
TO deeds Of valor by the tunes OF
Yankee Doodle" and the "sta,
Spangled Banner and sinners have
been redeemed by the sweet chords OF
Nearer Ny God to Thee"
Suc,l propertv taxed q. ,,.