Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1922-03-03
CITY LOSES BIC RETURN
FROM PERSONAL TAXES
Finance Committee Find
Leakage When Comforting
on Annual Revenues.
DECLARATIONS NOT (,
MA DE
Another source Of Loss Declared TO
De Through Failure 10 Enforce
Licenses for Those Operating "For-
Hire" Cars md Jitucys.

Seeking methods for increasing the
revenues of the city, and discussing
equitable taxation for reasonable
privileges granted and benefits re-
eeived. the Finance Committee OF City
Council yesterday conferred with
Comptroller Henry (. Cofer on the
estimated revenues for the year.
The discussion brought out tho fact
that thousands OF dollars are los, 10
the city every year through failure
on the part Of citizens to make proper
returns 10 the Commissioner OF Reeve
nue.. Another source of loss was
found 10 he in the for-hire and jltney
class. many Of whom. while conduct
inS for-hirc business. fail to pro-
cure licenses for SO doing, The COM
m!;;ce determined To proceed at once
in efforts to regulate these two i'm
rortant revenue producing sources.
Commissioner Rose poipted out that
he had established a rule by which all
assessment blanks must be properly
rouchcd for ny citizens; otherwise.
the arbitrary assessment will show
increases over previous statements.
SO that citizens who have heretofore
requested the commissioner to mark
them up the same as last year will
nave 10 stand for increases or show
cause why such increases should not
tie made against them
return Same Property Figure.
People who have added to their
personal property year by year" said
Mr.. Rose, "blandly request us to
assess them as heretofore. Thus we
lose much money, for very large
percentage OF people either take no
interest in the proceedings or attcnp,
to sidc-step their obligations to the
city"
Comptroller Cofcr stated that the
city stood To lose IA large amount
through decreased revenue from the
street car company. The company
pays 3l-2 yer cent on its revenue up
10 S35O.OO0; per cent on the next
100000; per cent on the next 500. 600.
and 10 per cent on all above S5.G 900
Ihe reduction so far this year has
been about 30 per cent. although i,
was stated by street car officials that
me percentage is growing better
daiiE. No matter what may happen.
said Mr.. Cofer. the revenue from this
source for this year will be far lover
than last year.
Merchants Licenses Less
II was pointed out also that Tho
revenue from merchants licenses
would not be as large as las, v.a-
because of the decrease in business
and the retirement of a number nf
hrms from activities. The increase on
real estate and personal taxes is
ABOUT $4,000. while tho city stands
!" lose a large sum through l.risla
i've action on taxable inianEiblcs and
bank stock
The committee determined TO con
'cr WIN The City Attorney with the
r"Ject in View OF solving the nroh.
ION OF loss of revenue through ,r.
reSu!ariiies in jitncy and for-hiro
Fa'lc' The idea is to establish some
Hpeciiic tax for either method NJ
transportation aud 10 regulate IN.
fares charged by taxicab operators
The entire membership OF tho com.
H'ee was present. with the exccr.
i'"n or Alderman Melton. who is CON
i"."d 70 his room with a severe ease
- Erippe. The committee will mec,
"a 'NreutiTe session this afternoon al,
o'clock 10 further consider tho
Budget