The Lamar register., 1921-02-16
SECOND TAXPAYERS MEETING
Gathering Last Thursday Evening
Again Discusses High Rate of
Taxation.


ed over by Chairman Chas. Maxwell.
The committee consisting of K. E.
Nye, C. Ray Strain and l. II. Myers
appointed by the previous meeting to
submit a statement with regard to the
increase in taxes reported with de-
tailed statement which showed some
startling figures-and yet probably
no more startling when calmly survey
ed than the same period would show
in probably any line of active busi-
ness. The statement shows the fig
ures which establish the following
facts:
The assessed valuation of the coun-
ty has increased from Sl6,S05, $50 in
1916 to 1923, ,s10,62O in 1920, or a little
over 40 per cent-probably much less
than the real advance in values during
that period.
In the same years the state taxes
increased from $34, 1858 to SS2,622.-
IS. or nearly l4O per cent. This was
partially caused by heavy war ex-
penses.
County taxes outside of road fund
increased from S73,035.3l to 97,623.-
o., or 33 l-3 per cent. This was less
than the increase in valuations. The
road fund however increased from
s2s,l3I.s7 to S71 ,431.s6, or 1852 per
cent. This made the net county in
crease 66 2-3 per cent.
The school district taxes increased
from s35 ,943.47 to $72,377.77. or about
IOl per cent.
The city taxes increased from $780,
O7i.35 to s5s,37771, or about lS0 per
cent
The total figures as read by the
committee lead to much debate from
all people present and the discussion
was general and much Of it very aim
less. II seemed that few had any sug-
sestions to offer of any real reduction
in EXPENSE but mostly just to change
the pocket it has to be paid out of.
Some suggested that the street sprink-
ling and cleaning be done by the bust
ness men instead of the city. This
might reduce city taxes small frac-
ton but the most of the city taxes
are paid by the business men and tins
would only turn it into direct charge
against them.
The idea that the business man was
q good football for everything to take
q kick at seemed to please some SO
another rose and proposed that they
let the business men pay for the nlght
police. 1t seems to be the idea that
all the business man gets for paying
the bulk of the taxes is the right TO
live. II he wants more let him Dig
into his pocket and pay for it.
Mayor Wagner and City Attorney
Fee for the city and President Todd
Of the school board defended the act
ions Of their respective boards and ex-
plained many transactions that had
been questioned. The one most per-
t;nent question brought forth at the
other meeting-the 10 per cent OF the
cost of the light plant as compensa-
ton to an engineering company-was
allowed to pass without further ques-
ton by the meeting of Thursday even
ing.
II was the sense OF a number OF
heavy taxpayers that taxes must be
cut, but while everyone got 4 chance
to get his particular kick out of his
system, not one real idea was advanc-
ed as to where or how it was to be
done. The fact is the same kind OF
meetings are being held in hundreds
of places in the east, the west. the
north and the south, to consider this
same question and with the same re-
suit. Not only this but every manu-
facturer, railroad official and business
man in the country is holding meet
ings with himself nightly considering
the same questions in relation to his
own business. Expenses must be re-
duced, but where to begin is the ques-
ton. Each wants to pass the buck
along to someone else and as elected
officials are easiest to take crack at
they are the first goats.
w. Marx was in Wichita on bust