The Washington times., 1925-05-08
CIT Y TAXES
To JUMP
30CENTS
Donovan Makes Announce
ment as Council Meets and
FormuIates Plans

The real estate tax rate be-
ginning July next will be at
least $1.70 per 500, possibly
higher, Daniel ]. Donovan, Dis
trict auditor, today informed the
Citizens Advisory Council at its
initial meeting with the Commits
sioners in the District building.
The rate is based on q budget
fer the fiscal year next Of $751;
OO0, 900, a 100000 increase over
the budget Of the present fiscal
year. The tax rate now is $40.
After this statement, Commits
sioner J. Franklin Bell told the
council that the question of taxes
was one of the important matters
for the council to consider.
In Hands Of Council
1T is up to you men to decide"
he said, whether in the future
taxes shall remain the same, go up
or come down."
Auditor Donovan pointed out that
an increase Of one cent in the tax
rate would yield approximately
100000. He said, however, that 1t
was too late for the council to act
on the tax rate effective July /,
but that 1t could consider taxes for
the fiscal year beginning July /,
1927.
The council meeting opened with
members taking the following oath:
Il, -, having been duly
elected a member Of the Citizens
Advisory Council at a meeting
called with the approval of the
Commissioners Of the District Of
Columbia, do soleniniy swear that
I will support and defend the
Constitution of the United States
and perform such duties as may
be assigned to said council by
said Commissioners to the best
OF. my ability, without fear or
favor; that / will exercise my best
judgment and will consider that
each matter submitted to said
council as one affecting the entire
District Of Columbia, and that
will well and faithfully discharge
said duties, 80 help me. God"
MuSC D0cld0 Progress.
Commissioner Bell, In a brief
talk, told the council that he was
glad the District Commissioners
now had some disinterested body
to voice the opinions Of the people
Of Washington. He pointed out
that the council must decide the
progress the city will make.
I'VE can probably get along with
smaller fire and police departments
and smaller appropriations along
the line" he said. but do we want
to do this? Shall we make good
progress, little progress or no prog
ress? That is the chief question
before the council"
Commissioner Cuno Fl. Rudolph
told the council that he would at
later date bring up before it
matters affecting his departments.
Commissioner Bell presented to
the council figures showing the
appropriations made by Congress In
the past two years. He then told
the council that 1t should 20 into
matters OF a general nature, citing
the following: Whether the Com
missioners should seek an increase
for road construction for parks, etc,
or whether they should ease down
on certain activities.
District Deeds Mentioned.
Councilman Charles A. Baker in
quired as to the situation regarding
an office of the Recorder of Deeds.
pointing out that the present office
is a fire trap and is so jan1med and
cramped up with files that the
office is many years behind in It's
work and cannot possibly catch I'D
until a new building is provided.
Commissioner Bell explained the
Commissioners were seeking a
Continued on Page 2, Column Sd
Radio News, Page 10.