The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1930-05-09
AUDITOR CHASE'S
TAX COMMENTS
MUCH INFORMATION FURNISHED
ON TAX MATTERS IN THE ABB
STRACT ON TAX LISTS RE-
CEIVED FROM STATE AUDITOR
CHASE-TABLE SHOWS COM
PARISON FOR 80 YEARS.


Illuminative facts on tax matters in
Minnesota are contained in a COM
prehensive abstract of tax lists of the
counties of the state for 1929 just re-
ceived from State Auditor Ray P.
Chase.
The figures in the table furnish con-
elusive proof that the tax situation in
the state is critical, and that remedial
action is imperative. Mr.. Chase, who
has made an exhaustive study of tax
matters, is thoroughly familiar with
every detail of this institutional sys-
tenn of levying funds for governmental
purposes, which has been employed,
elementally since the dawn of civiliz-
alton.
His authoritative comment enables
the taxpayer to read in the table the
history of taxation in Minnesota and
to recognize the danger revealed by
the shifting figures. The table shows
a representative comparison of tax
lists over period of 80 years.
Mr.. Chase pointed out that tax rates
in northern counties, soaring to 100
mills and more, have become conf1s-
catory and virtually have reduced
some counties to insolvency
"The remedy is to curtail expendi-
lures, get improvements only when
we can afford them, reduce admins
trative expenses and stop borrowing
Just as individuals should not live be-
yond their means, so communities
should not erect costly public Struc-
lures or inaugurate improvement pro-
grams for which they cannot pay.
"This does not limit communities to
a strictly cash system, but means they
should pay as they go when possible;
that the present generation should
meet the obligations it incurs, and
that deferred payments on an i'm
provement should be redeemed with
in the term of the project.
Every possible move should be
made to reduce administrative eX-
penses when this can be done without
sacrificing efficiency. We have large
number of federal, state, county, city,
village, township and school district
employees. We feel the need of in
creased governmental activities, but
compromises must be effected in order
that improved service may not add too
great burden. Clearly, the problem
requires careful study. Bond issues
should be reduced in amount and, in
some instances, wholly eliminated.
"Incurring of Indebtedness on long
term bonds, to be paid by gener-
alton yet unborn, for improvements
that will be worn out or superseded
by something better prior to the mat
urity of the debt, is criminal in
thought and should be made SO in fact
by legislative enactment"
Aitkin county is used as an illus
tration. The figures are from 1929
levies which reveal the sources of all
taxes levied and the channels through
which they are expended:
Total taxable valuation: $7,587, 780;
average tax rate $500 mills; total tax
$842, 111.05; of this omount the state
receives $38,81709 school and Univer-
sity $9,270.83; teachers insurance $376.-
SO; county 1851 ,638.63; city and vii
lagos $35,937.96; townships $139, 079.83;
school districts 1886, 989.83.
Taxes on money and credits are
listed separately, as follows: total
value, $451 $4,000; total taxes, $1,354.02;
state taxes (one-sixth of levy $225.70;
county taxes (one-sixth of levy $685.
70; township, city and villages taxes
(one-third of levy $451 81; school dis
trict taxes (one-third of levy $451.31.