Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1922-06-21
TAN SITUATION is SERIOUS.

The journal prints elsewhere in this issue the
report OF the eXective committee of the TAXPAYERS,
Association OF New Mexico, which every taxpayer
IN the state should read The report shows that in
six years the cost of administration in the state has
increased more than 90 per cent, or from s63l5-
6522f in 1917 TO SIS, 060,968S3 in 1921; the total
taxes levied on property has increased from s4-
3054ll46 in 1915 to $11,117SS133 in 1921 Dur
ing the period 1915 to 1921 the assessed value of the
property in the state increased from s272799CS2.
to $36S,423921 or about SO 1-S per cent While the
cost OF government has increased nearly $50 per
cent, and tax levles more than 1850 per cent.
AN actual cut in government costs and real
reduction in taxes is clearly demanded the report
states. The committee calls attention to the fact
that further Development of agriculture and mining
must largely depend upon capital from without
the state and that the restoration and conserva-
ton of the range, the attraction of new capital
for the installation of new irrigation works and the
development of mines must depend almost wholly
on certainty that taxes will be moderate that the
government viii be sound, stable, reliable and eco
nomical. and that Justice will be impartialy adj
ministerial"
Following upon the heels of this report but in
no way connected with it, except to show wither we
are drifting in taxation matters John Joerns state
educational auditor who has already visited sixteen
counties in the state is quoted as saying that Just
the eastern part Of the state He estimates that a
loss of million dollars may be expected this wear
in each county which means decrease of more
than thirty million dollors in the state as a whole
There will be lower assessments on livestock and
less livestock TO assess he is quoted saying Lower
valuation will also be placed on grazing and lands
AS a means Of economizing, the committee in
addition to urging the budget makers TO exercise
the greatest consideration and care in the prepara-
tion of their
believe economies possible through the employ-
ment of fewer assistants Gin offices of state and To-
cal administrator, and by a longer working dav;
that salary schedules Mould be revised on the ba
OF competency and the nature OF the work required
More travelling Is done than is required in the COM
mtttees opinion, land a considerable saving in this
item can be brought about" if there is desire to
do so.
That drastic measures should be adopted If
tax rate high that the average individual cannot
afford to pay his taxes, seems plain enough to the
average individual, But doubt very much if the
committees recommendation regarding lengthening
the working hours, employing fewer assistants and
revising salary schedules will fall upon sympathetic
among the office holders TO whom the state
would have to look TO bring about theseeconomies
Perhaps It Is not too visionary to hope that one Of
these days our state and county governments will
he conducted a busness-like basis and not be
used to perpetuae politicians in office. But long
present system exists doubt very much II
we can expect much retrenchment along these lines.