Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1934-02-22

benefits received. II might be
/ thought that these assessments
| would be shared somewhat equally
among the sixteen counties. But
this is not the case. The project
extends but slightly into some OF
the counties and, obviously, the
lands above the dams would not be
benefited. They are injured. and
vast tracts of land will have to be
provided to make room for increas-
ed water held back by the dams.
Already several counties are insist
ing that no assessments can be
levied in their territory because no
benefits will be received, and other
counties are insisting that only
small assessments can be levied.
There will be no dams in the
Muskingum river itself. All river
bottom land in Washington county
will lie below the dams and will be
subject to assessments. 1t seems
certain that every acre of land in
this county which was in reach of
the 1913 flood will have to stand an
assessment tax The individual
real estate owner within the flood
area will find his property encum-
bered by special tax, the amount
of which will be determined by
board of appraisers, and measured
by the benefits received from the
flood protection. The county, city,
villages and other political subdi-
visions will be taxed as a whole
only for benefits to roads. bridges,
buildings and other public property
within reach of floods and owned by.
such subdivisions.
1t might be added that, so far as
now appears, not a dollar of the
food protection money will be spent
in this county, or within good
many miles of it's boundaries;
neither can the undertaking be re-
garded primarily as workmen's
relief measure, since the work will
call for the use of heavy machinery.
The conservancy project is prob
ably the largest single enterprise
our country has confronted. I am
fearful that it's magnitude and the
extent of the obligations con-
templated are not fully appreciat-
ed by the persons who will be even
tually called upon to foot the bills.
Provision is lacking in the law for
personal notice to real estate own
ers who will be subject to assess
ment and it is for this reason that
/ have set forth the facts herein
given. There is no question but
what, if the project goes through,
heavy assessment tax will be levied
against all real estate of our coun-
ty lying in the Muskingum valley,
which will operate as other tax
liens and be collected as other
taxes, and, unless it is paid in cash
will continue, with accruing inter-
est, for 80 years.
/ have the very great RESPONSE !
bility of speaking for Washington
county as to whether the project
shall be approved or rejected. 1, #
therefore, feel that the persons who /
will pay the bills, il it is approved, !
or lose the benefits if it is rejected,
have right to be heard To this
end / shall welcome post cards from |
interested persons giving expressed
views. Should groups, such as tax
associations, chambers Of COM
merce, the county commissioners,
city and village councils, or others, /
desire to express a judgment it will
be appreciated; or, if such groups
wish to meet for discussion, and 1
can give any further information
upon the project and official plan,
shall be glad to attend.
A final vote will be taken not
ater than March 3rd, and may be
earlier if a call is issued. / shall
act upon the theory that if parties
lirectly interested wish a change
rom present conditions, they will
,ay SO and it is desirable that they
speak early.-David H. Thomas,
Common Pleas Judge.