American Fork citizen. [volume] (American Fork, Utah) 1912-1979, 1922-04-15
TO THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE
ALPINE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Gentlemen:
We the undersigned members Of
the Farm Bureau com. appointed for
the purpose Of investigating ways OF
lowering our taxes, desire to call to
your attention the following facts
and recommendation
We find that during the past five
years the taxes on farming property
have increased over 100 per cent. The
School levy in this district doubled
from 1917 to 1920. There is slight
decrease in 1921. but this is more than
taken care OF by the raise In the State
school levy. This increased levy to-
gether with increased valuation must
have considerably more than doubi-
ed our school tax.
Reduction in the price Of farm pro-
ducts during the past three years Is
about 1877 per cent Of the present
price. In other words taxes increas-
ed 100 per cent. Value Of farm pro-
ducts decreased over 100 per cent.
In 1918 and 1919 one bushel Of wheat
would pay the land tax on an acre Of
ground. Now II takes better than 4
bushei to pay the tax on this same
acre. Measured In the farmers abil-
ity to pay his taxes have increased
400 per cent.
DELINQUENT taxes In this County
have increased 500 per cent. The
Superintendent, the clerk and teach
ers have all received substantial In
creases In their pay. In some In
stances 40 high as 100 per cent. In
addition to their regular salaries some
Of them have received from $500 to
$4,000 for transportation. Others
have side issues that also increase
their income. most of the male teach
ers at least have Jobs waiting for
them during the summer either on
their own places or for others that
adds considerably TO their yearly In
come.
According 70 our local business men
the cost OF living has decreased in
food products at least 40 per cent,
and clothing at least 3S 1-3 per cent.
We think the purchasing power Of
the dollar has decreased SO that the
person who received the same salary
now that he received two years ago
has to all practical purposes a salary
increased from 10 to 80 per cent. In
most lines Of work salaries have been
reduced.
For these various reasons We re-
commend that the school Board econ
omixe in every possible way. We
comend them for the saving they
have made in coal and insurance and
hope they will find other ways to
make similar savings.
We do not think our School Levy
under any condition should be above
seven mills for this coming year.
We recommend that most Of our
floating debt be carried over until
such time that conditions have i'm
proved. or our present tax system
has been changed so as to equalixe
our taxes.
We recommend that We do not run
our schools on borrowed money. II
is clearly unlawful. When our mon
ey runs out then stop the school.
In view Of the fact that salaries
have been increased abnormally. and
that the cost OF living has decreased
we recommend that you make cut In
all salaries OF School Officials and
Teachers Averaging at least 80 per
cent. We suggest that the School
Board start cutting their salaries to
$4,000 each, the Clerk $4,000
Superintendent to $4,000, High
School Principals to $4,000. other
teachers in proportion.
We do no. approve OF giving the
teachers one months salary as bon
us. We think II unfair to tax payers
for the school board to pay teachers
a months salary when they are al
home doing their own work or draw
ing pay from someone else.
We recommend that competent
teachers be employed in their home
Districts rs far as possible.
FARM BUREAU COMMITTEE.
by Edward southwick, chrm
W. w. Warwick. Secretary