Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1922-05-06
SATURDAY, NAY 6. 1922.
WILL THE TAX RATE GO UPi

meeting, received from the various
departments of the city administration
their estimates of the amount OF
money they will require. and which
they would like to have. for conduct
Ing the affairs OF their departments
during the ensuing fiscal year. which
begins July 1 next The total of
thoso estimates Is s2.ss9. 9.S79ls. or
nearly three million dollars.
This sum seems quite staggering |
for our city. with its population of
only little more than hundred |
thousand. But there is no doubt every |
dollar OF these estimates could be ju- |
dioiousiy expended during the next
fiscal year. with duo regard TO econ
omy and practical results. In a manner
that would confer great benefit upon
the community. Indeed. much more
could be practically and prontably ex-
pended. II the community could afford
the outlay and stand for the conse-
auent taxation. as the pressing de-
mands OF city of Wilminston's size
and calibre invariably exceed the
capacity OF the community 10 bear
the burden of taxation necessary to
meet them In fun. TO say nothing of
providing for the future.
The two largest items OF expenditure
are for public schools and the Public
Safety Department, both OF which are
csrentials of the highest Importance.
Tho Board Of Education asks for an
increase of about 100000 over last
y~Ar In tn. amount To be appropriated
BY City Council. The Department Of
Public Safety sets forth need for
nearly 100000 moro. Here Is an ad-
vance Of nearly half n million dollars
for two departments. Interest pay
ments 60 be provided for also will call
FOR larger appropriations. owing 10
recent increases in the city's bonded
debt and stil others in contempla-
ton.
Naturally. the city Council is re-
luctant 20 increase the city tax rate
.fs
but ~ would be impossible TO grant
the allowances set forth in the depart
ment estimates without making a
substantial increase. The task or the
City Council. therefore, Will be TO pare
down these estimates as far as pos
sible, 40 that the total OF the appro-
rriatlons finally agreed upon vii
come within the available cash re-
sources IN prospect. and the total o'
taxos that may come from the present
tax rate, or possibly a small increase
one unexpected handicap IN makins
financial arrangements for the mex
fiscal year Is that the total propert!
assessment. on which the tax rate i
based. win show little or no increase
Ordinarily. the yearly increase In IN
taxable valuation OF property is ex
pcc,ed 20 provide for the natural In
cr~ase IN the demands OF admins
trntion without interfering seriousl
with the tnx rate. But the establish
msnt OF fair values for the large ne'
Union Park Gardens section by tn
recent public sale Of these propertie
compellcd a reduction from last year
assessment figures. and this interfere
Go prevent any material increase 1
tine total valuation In the entire cit,
So far as public sentiment goes.
may be said with certainty that nearl
all our property holding citizens ar
opposed 20 any increase whatever (
the tax rate. They feel convince
that the present rate-s1.s5 on n
500 OF assessment-is as high as
should be and they would resent az
ditional imposition. II Is equally tr,
TINT all those persons and bushes
interests which are especially tax,
Cor city purposes are bitterly oppos,
60 higher impositions They belie'
the prevailing rates are excessive. ar
should be lowered. indeed. that son
OF them should be abrogated.
So here is the dilemma OF c.
Council; To provide adequately {
the practical needs OF the city. al
a. the same time avoid any increa
IN tho tax rate. n is a serious tas
ono that VIII give the Counc.lm
great concern. They are In d
fcrent position from those who n
uvsly conduct the operations OF t