Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1922-06-21
COST OF GOVERNMENT In THE
STATE SOARING FASTER THAN
VAL ATI0NS ARE INCREASING
Taxpayers Association of New Mexico,
Through Its Executive Committee, Urges
Rigid Economy in State and County Ex-
penditures; Situation Regarded as Serious.

| homa, $40; Texas, s13S; Utah,
lS1SS; Kansas, $3.50; Arizona,
$lS4; Colorado, sos. New Next
co stands forty-first in the list of
states in this respect. Though
| it may be shown that New Next
co.'s per capita burden of state
and local taxes is lower than in
several other states, it can, also
be shown that New Mexico's tax
/ paying ability is lower than that
/ Of such states.
In 1920, our total assessment
Of property in New Mexico was
$404,S25,546, which reflected the
prosperity of the people and in
dustries of the state in 1919. In
1920, however, the conditions
were such as TO result in a loss
of 100000 on the 1921 tax
roll, and the prospect now is a
| further loss of perhaps 100000
| coo will result from reduced valu-
ations of livestock and lands.
In view of the foregoing, our
budget makers should exercise the
greatest consideration and care n
the preparation Of their estimates
for 1928. 1t may be possible to
eliminate many items, postponinS
expenditures therefore in the hope
THAT normal conditions will be re-
stored All items should be sub
Ijected to the most careful scrutiny
and pared to actual necessities. The
careful expenditure of funds during
1.-THE remaining half of the. present
fiscal year will help materially to
reduce the tax burden next year by
Ileaving balances to apply on the
I1923 budgets. We urge upon all
Estate, county, municipal and institu-
Itonal officers the importance of
Irigid economy in expenditures for
1.-THE remainder of the year, and care
lin the preparation of budgets for
next year. We are aware of very
lmany instances where administra-
tors are maintaining a high stand
ard of efficiency on a basis OF
, economy and it is our knowledge
and appreciation of their efforts
that lead us to urge a general OBJ
servance of these principles.
Economies Are Possible.
Tin many of our offices of state
; and local administration, we be-
lieve that economies are possible
through the employment of fewer
assistants, and by a longer work
ling day. Salary schedules Should
be revised on the basis of compe'
tency, and the nature of the work
required More travelling is done
than is required, and a consider
able saving in this item can bt
brought about, If there is a desire
Ito bring it about. Office equipment
furniture, supplies, printing, etc.
should be purchased only after &
: comparative consideration of quail
ty and price. In other words, pub
jlic business should be conducted a.
a well managed private business i
conducted. We are not unmindfu
of the fact that a large increase II
: public expenditures is due to tn;
demands for those services whici
should result in greater degree o
) comfort. convenience and develop
: ment of our people. This gives al
: 1.-THE stronger force TO our insistenc'
J Ilpon economy in our administrative
departments.
school Expenditures.
| What has been said above ap
DIeS WITH equal tlllplidoIS ~ -
: penditures for public school educa
ton, which comprises SO per cen
' of all public expenditures, an
| about SIS per cent Of all fund
= raised for taxation. In our school
| lies the hope of the future whic
: makes the duty of those charge
( with their conduct and administra
: ton even more sacred than is tn
r case in other branches of publ
= service. If the funds so LIBERAL