The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1922-10-19
SOME FACTS ON
CO. AGENT TAX
ELECTION CALLED On CONTINU.
ING COUNTY AGENT AP.
Preparation
County Agent Work Costs &c Per
Quarter Section

A petition was presented to the
County Commissioners during their
last session calling an election on
whether or not the county continues
the appropriation for County Agent
work. The petition as presented to
the County Commissioners reads as
follows:
Whereas the taxes of said Hand
County, South Dakota, have become
burdensome, and whereas they can be
greatly reduced by eliminating entire
ly the County Agent and all others
connected with the said Farm Bureau
of said Hand County, South Dakota,
Therefore, we the undersigned
freehoiders and electors of said Hand
County, South Dakota, nrepy petition
your honorable body to submit the
0uestin for appropriating
dollars Is for agricultural work
In Hand County. South Dakota, TO a
vote OF the people of said Hand Coun-
ty at the coming general election on
November 7th, 1922, for their decision
in compliance with Sections 1866 and
1856 of the Compiled Laws OF 1919 of
South Dakota and amendments there
to-"
The petitions were circulated by
John e. Marston, T. M. Burns, K. p.
Lloyd, Robert Scott and others.
That those signing the petitions did
so without knowing the amount appro-
priated for county agricultural extern
sion work is shown by the fact that
the petitions do not show the amount
under consideration.
What County Agent Work Costs
, The Hand County Commissioners
appropriated for 1922, $780, 90, $250O
of this to maintain the county agent
Office and $4,000 as Hand County's
share TO employ a district woman
egent who will work with women in
Wand, Faux. Sphinx and Beadle coun-
ties. Under the natter arrangement
the College pays the salary and the
four counties pay her expenses.
This S2850.00 Is sent to the State
Treasurer where so per cent, or $1710,
Is added by the state. The Govern
ntent then adds $3.50. 90 making a total
of 100000. This funds pays the sal
aries of the County Agent and Clerk,
Office rent, telephone, automobile mil
cage, stationery, stamps and incident
al expenses. All vouchers must be
u KID. bv the State College, Board of
Regents, Governor and State Auditor
before the State Treasurer issues any
checks.
The $4,000 State Appropriation
and the $4S0.00 Federal appropriation
will be lost to Hand County IL the
Hand County appropriation is discon-
tinued. There are 40 counties en-
ploying County Agents in South Dak-
ota. If Hand County does not claim
what is rightfully her share of State
and Federal funds, these funds will
he used in the other As counties en-
nloying county agents.
What County Agent work Costs the
Taxpayer
The average total tax on each quar-
ter section of land is $77.58. OF this
amount 22c goes to support County
Agent work. This is equivalent to
about four cigars, a quart of cylinder
oil, or a dozen eggs.
Or figuring it from the standpoint
of taxes paid, it costs SIC out Of every
$4,000 TO maintain County Agent
work. 1t does not take a great deal
of service on the part of the County
Agent to pay this back to any farmer
who Uses the Office or the Agent.
Hand County's assessed valuation is
$37 ,135, 772.00. On each 100000 the
cost of County Agent work is TIC. In
other words, on an $4,000 10 valuation
the taxpayer pays Size to support
County Agent work. On a 100000
valuation he would pay Acc.
VIII Taxes Be Reduced
TIL pafifinp roHa5 the claim, that
taxes will be greatly reduced. Will a
reduction OF 22c on a total tax of
S77.58 per Quarter section reduce taxes
greatly2 Do you believe that SIC out
of every $780, 90 taxes paid will reduce
taxes greaflyf Do you think that on a
valuation of $4,000. 90, 61.2c is too much
TO pay to maintain the County Agent
office?
The County Agricultural Extension
Work, of which the County Agent and
Home Agent are an important part,
is the only educational agency work.
ing directly with farmers, their wives
and families. If the appropriation is
discontinued in Hand County it means
that all county agent work including
work with men, women, boys and girls
will stop. Hand County Is one of the
leading and progressive counties of
the state. Certainly the people of the
county will not discontinue this work.
now that 1t is getting we'll established
and better understood.
1t takes YES vote on the smallest
ballot in the bunch November 7th to
continue 1t.