American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1922-02-17
ABrief Analysis.

"A n Hid Sis
Just as the citizens of Idaho and Power
County have never known until recently how
great was the total of the debts they owed in
their public capacity, also they have never had
before them in any single chart a comprehen-
Slve and accurate statement of the amount
they are spending each year for the running
expenses of their several governments.
The Press presents to it's readers herewith,
Courtesy of the Boise Statesman), a photo
graphic copy of the first complete abstract of
taxes available to Idahoans, showing them how
much money was raised in 1920, what part of
1T each county contributed, and how it was ex-
pended.
The chart was prepared from reports fur
nlshed by the counties and verified by state of
flclals. The compilation was made in the bur-
of accounts of the state department of fl
nance as one of the statistical studies asked by
the legislature. The Press has reproduced it
photographically to avoid any possibility of
error in resetting the figures.
The tables reproduced above constitute a
non-political statement of facts. But they
have a political value and will, probably be
used by both parties and all factions in forth
coming campaigns. This fact and the wave of
opposition to high taxation in the state make
their publication all the more timely and impor-
tant.
Possible comparisons are without number.
For instance, one finds that the largest item
In the expense of government in Idaho is
schools which require in the counties and dis
trlcts $8,0O8 ,0O9.24 from taxation and $624,-
290.51 from other sources and in the state or
ganization $812,351.51, a total for all schools of
~$9,444,651.26 which is not far below half of the
total expense of government.
One finds that the next largest item is
highways, for the building and maintenance of
which the people are paying $1,029,95133
through the state and $1,301, 590.63 through
the highway districts, a total of $2,331, 541.96.
Schools and highways together are about half
the total expense of government.
Taking Power County for example, with
her 5105 people and her property valued at &c.
8 ,769.84, on finds this county pays a total of
1856 ,644,38 for public benefits or over 3112 per-
cent on the valuation of her property. This
seems like a huge amount. Where does it go?
This abstract of taxes shows that $578.86
goes to support the state legislature, $1988.25
the courts and $8,808.71, the state departments
lie, Bureau of Supplies, Dept. of Public We'll
fare, Dept. of Finance, etc. But State High
ways alone take about twice as much as these
three items together, or $20,429.90. Power
County must also contribute $16,113, to state
educational institutions, but this is light COM
pared to the $139,657 we put into our own
county and city schools. Thirty seven percent
of all money raised goes into our own schools
and As percent into our total state and local
contribution to our school system.
Power County citizens put $49,527.94 into
their county administration department lie,
Auditors office, Assessor, etc. Over $1,000 is
required for bond redemption and interests.
county only, schools get over $4,000 from all
sources cities and villages $4,000 and high
way districts $53,957. The following tabula-
tions condenses the report on a percentage
basis:
E Where Your Tax Money Goes.
For State Highways - 5 percent
For County Highways ~.15 percent
For State Schools & Dercent