The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-06-24
Kansans Anxious to Know IL
Taxes VIII Be Lower.
Members of State Tax Commits
sion Unable to Make Estimate.
VALUATION WILL Be LOWER
Substantial Reduction Due This
Year, Says Turner.
Value of Public Service COrp0-
ratiOns Is Increased.

Are taxes coming down in Kansas
this year? This question is not only.
one that has given political candidates
something to think about, but II also
is causing considerable discussion and
talk among many who are not out for
office, according to officials here
Members of the state tax commits
sion, which will have the final worG
about valuations and the tax levy. are.
reluctant to hazard any guesses abour
taxes for. they declare. any estimates
at the present time would be purely
guesses. But the members were
unanimous in expressing the opinion
that total valuations this year VIII
show a reduction over last year.
No Decrease I'm Tax Levy.
A reduction n. valuations. however,
they point out, does not mean any de-
crease in the tax levy. In fact, It
might mean an increase in the levy
they say. State Auditor N A Turner
on the other hand, has expressed the
opinion that not oily will valuations
decrease. but the tax levy also will
show a lowering.
"A substantial reduction in the tax
levy as well as the total valuation
should come this year" Auditor Tur-
ner said. This statement is based
upon estimates made by my office OF
the amount to be raised by direct
can be reduced along with the reduce
ton in valuations"
Discussing the probability OF a re-
duction in valuations this year. mem
bers of the tax commission said IL IS
reasonable to believe that there viii
be a decided reduction in valuations
of personal property This, they de-
clared, is due to the general decrease
In value of practically all products and
articles. particularly farm products
The members also expressed the opin-
ion that there probably will be IN
increase in the valuation OF city prop
erty. Reports reaching here show that
county equalization boards axe Inc
creasing the valuations of city prop
erty, while farm property is being de-
creased. Asked for an explanation OF
this condition. members of the com
mission said there seems to be a gen.
eral feeling that the valuations on city
property have not been high enough
in past years and that city property
owners should bear their share of the
increase of $4,000, 900.
Public service corporations, the tax
commissions tabulations show. have
increased in value more than $1,000
600 over 1921. This is due members
said, to the great Increase in municipal
power plant property. extensions in
telephone lines and in pipe lines. RAN
road valuations decreased more than
100000; street and interurban lines
approximately S1,000,00O; pipe lines
increased 100000; telephone lines
nearly 100000, and electric power
plants S4,OOO,OOO
on the other hand. the state will
lose more than 100000 -Talua-
lions as a result of the supreme
courts recent decision holding the
state law placing n tax on government
bonds unconstitutional. This act. tax
commission members said. has been
In force for more than forty years
Commissioners said it Will be more
than a months befo~e the toll vaiua-
lions and tax levy will be known. Re-
ports from county equalization boards
are not due until July 1, these must
be compiled and equalized. reports re-
amount necessary to be raised during
the coming year and the levy thus
The first week in July
The commission begins it's hearing on
of taxes by counties.