The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1922-10-19

49, --.~~.. AUS
ing the last Ave years has probably
been felt more In the last year or two
in the rural than in the urban districts
of the state, due to the less favorable
economic conditions prevailing in rur-
al districts. The farmer, having but
little to say in fixing the price Of
things he produces, has not been able
to protect himself to the same extent
as the manufacturer or the merchant.
"The farmers tax burden, measured
by the exchange value of his products,
has grown extremely heavy in the
last year or two. -
ut is worthy of note that both prin-
cipal levies under direct control Of
the people who pay the taxes-the To-
cal school district levies and the town
road and bridge levies-show large
increase In the Ave year period, the
former amounting to nearly $50 per
cent and the latter to little over 206
per cent. -.
"These levies show very conclusive
~ that taxes under direct control Of
the people of the rural districts have
increased more rapidly than taxes
levied by the elected officials of the
different units of government.
at Is also worthy of note that Of
each dollar levied In taxes In the
rural districts last year and pay
able this year, education will re-
ceIve nearly Al cents and roads
and bridges nearly 35H cents, or
a combined total Of about 76H
cents. III. - -
High tax rates are not always an
unmixed evil. They are often entirely
justifable, and frequently commend
able. In many cases the benefits de-
rived from the levies fully compen-
safe for high rates. 80 :.
IF high rates are the result Of de-
sirable and needed public improve
ments, and If the taxpayer is able to
meet the demand without finding the
tax burdensome, then they are prefer
able to low rates and dry rot. j.: -
"But II a desirable public improve,
ment will result in tax rate SO high
as to become an oppressive burden,
then the making Of the improvement,
however desirable 1t may be, should
be deferred until the taxpayer is bet.
ter able to meet the extra demands
on his pocketbook. High tax rates are
not necessarily bad; oppressive tax
rates are absolutely bad" 49,.
Taxes Near Oppressive Point
The governor stated that there, has
been much passing the buck" as. to
the responsibility. for higher taxes,
and added: -. ~@s< <-saL
mo single unit of government can
be charged with the entire RESPONSE.
bility. Expenses have grown in one
unit as rapidly as In another. h
However, regardless of RESPONSE
bility, tar rates have almost reached
the breaking point. Whether the aex
cesHive rates now 80 generally pre-.
waiting throughout the state are due
to the expansion of governmental
functions, or whether they are theJre
suit of the insistent public demand
for better roads, better schools, and
better other things, the factpremains
that tax rates have almost reached
the limit Of the taxpayers" ability 10
pay. Any further increase in the aah
ready heavy burden will be almost
sure to retard the future agricultural
Industrial and commercial develop.
ment of the state. ~ : - ga,
"The remedy lies In rigid eeono- :
my on the part of each unit Of =
government-in the school dis <,
trict, In the township, in the city,
and In the state alike-and In the
hating for the present Of any fur
Their increase In those activities Of
government calling for heavy tax
levies. Let bond issues for inn i
provements be made only after
the most thorough considerations
Let not the tax burden become soa
heavy as to Cypress the people," = :
The governor spoke briefly of some
Of the achievements of bis administra.
ton, showing how the republican
platform promises of two years ago
had been fulfilled. Among the most
important legislation mentioned was
the lay authorizing organization and
operation of cooperative concerns,
under which hundreds Of creameries
and livestock associations are pros.
pering, and the occupation or iron ore
tax, which he. said is expected to bring
the state 100000 a. year. Mime.
sofas great hard surface road pro
gram, now in successful progress, ~
so ~as cited. .. -...-....,