New Britain herald., 1924-03-03
LOWER TAXES

One feature of Mayor Paonessa' $ statement, published in the Herald of last Saturday, is especially worthy Of emphasis. Ii was predicted over q year ago in these columns that when 1924 came around the great issue-the issue which would bring its adherents to the front-was that of lower taxes. Such is the case nationally today. and such is the case in this city. The prospect of lower taxes in the future is one to attract a great following to the people who work hard for tax re- duction.
 No one, however, unless he is mar row of vision, advocates lower taxes if they must be obtained by failing to make the improvements needed in the city. No one has any love for the city would like to see New Britain fall be- hind in the race of cities merely to obtain lower taxes. And this is the feature of Mayor Paonessa's statement that needs emphasis.
 In order to make the improvements referred to and yet to lower the tax rate, it will be necessary that the grand list grows from year to year. There are two ways of increasing the total of the grand list, one by assessing present property more than it is now assessed, and tho other is by creating new property which may be assessed. The first way would. of course, make the owners of the property on which the assessment was increased, pay more taxes even if the present rate were continued. The second way of in- creasing the total Of the grand list would lower the tax rate for all, plac- ing the burden of payment of addi- tional taxes only on those who could well afford to pay taxes because they had become richer in the possession Of this newly created property upon which an assessment was levied.
 The Herald had consistently ad- vised investment in building. The peo- pie have been building rather exten- sively, not only in this city but all over the country this winter Thus new wealth has come into the world. With the coming of these new proper ties, there comes an opportunity for new assessment which is just and fair. Thus, in advising building, one gives advice that will be of advantage not only to the owner of the new build ings, if the investment proves profit able as such investments thus far have shown themselves to be, but Of ad- vantage. also, to every individual who pays taxes. In simple words building boom in city creates new values. The grand list is increased. \ tax rate Of 22 mills, for instance, will bring a greater income to the city with the in- creased grand list than it would had there been no new building. This in- creased income will take care Of the improvements needed, even thought the tax rate be left as it is. If, there fore, the city becomes more wealthy in it's property values. through new building, it may be able not only to take care Of the improvements but it may be able. also. to take care Of those improvements with a still tower tax rate.
 The subject may not be left with out a mention Of the advantage, in a financial way. that will come to every taxpayer through the adoption Of q zonjng system. IT various properties depreciate in value, and there are no new buildings to make up for this de- preciation, the total Of the grand list falls. and tax rate Of 22 mills, for instance. will fall to bring the former income. The tax rate must be raised CT the necessary improvements given I'D. which. of course. would result in a general property depreciation all over tho city. T. thsre is "n" thing zoning does fl stabiiizes property values. A valuable residence, -ou which there is high assessment. Eiii not become less valuable. and so by given lower assessment, becaus" Oi a building placed near it which d"- tracts from it's value as residence. Thus, with a zoHing system in city the value of property Will remain fixed, except for natural depreciation which cannot be prevented but which may be taken care Of by repairs. and every new building put up adds so much to the grand list and lowers the amount necessary 10 be paid by tax payers other than tHc owner,
 There has bern economy in th" present city administration. Due