Evening star., 1941-03-25
Overton
Continued From First Page

fiscal relations between the two gov
ernmentS."
In response to question by Chair
man Hunter, Mr.. Keech said he did
not believe passage of the DirkSen
bill would interfere with operation
of the Overton formula. The Dirk
sen plan, he pointed out. would
merely provide information for Con-
greSS on the value of Federal owned
property here.
: Commissioner Hazen also de-
scribed the Overton plan as the
"faireSt that has ever been sub
mitted."
Chairman Hunter, at this point,
wanted to know if he could go before
the House and assure its members
If they approved the Overton bill
that the fiscal relations problem
would not arise again in four or five
years. With such assurance, he said,
the House probably would pass the
measure.
McCoach Replies.
Commissioner McCoach answered.
The Overton formula will stand
up positively as a long term PROPOSE
ton" he said None of us knows
what this emergency is going to
bring on. If the emergency contin-
ues, we may have to have temporary
cash"
Representative Bolles, Republican,
of Wisconsin was curious as to
whether the District could create a
deficiency in event Of an emergency.
I'VE can't Great a deficiency" re-
piled Col. McCoach. Its a penal
offense."
Mr.. Keech said the Overton for
mula has such flexibility that it will
last" for a period of at least 10
years.
Commissioner Young told the sub
committee the present $4,000, 900
Federal payment "is not enough and
isn't fair" He pointed out the Dis
trict is in desperate need of addi-
tional revenue, and asked: How are
we going to get it?"
Dent Questioned.
Edward A. Dent, District tax as
sesSor, in response to questions about
the Dirksen bill said it would be
impossible for the Board of Federal
Appraisers that would be set up
under its provisions, to complete
the valuation of all United States
property here by January l, 1912. as
required in the measure. He eX-
planned there are 5000 individual
pieces of Government-owne prop
erty in Washington, and that the
board could not appraise more than
25 or 80 a day. The job, he de-
clared, could be completed, how
ever. in about two years.
Mr.. Dent said MS Office has placed
a valuation on all United States
property here. Representative
Bolles inquired about the valuation
placed on the Capitol building.
He replied "s25,OO0,000." He ex-
planned any valuation would be
tfighly controversial"
Chairman Randolph of the House
District Committee, who attended
the hearing for about a half hour,
took part in the discussion.
My feeling, regardless of the
formula" he said. is that the Dis
trict at the present time is charged
with failure in a certain degree to
perform certain services it should,
That is due partly to insufficient
revenue.
I'VE recognize the need for better
schools and more adequate school
facilities. Yet that comes back to
the matter of money. 1 feel re-
gardless of any emergency, Washing
ton is going to continue to grow and
we must give consideration to the
needs OF the city"
I'VE are in desperate need of more
schools right now" remarked Com
missioner Hazen.
A. J. Driscoll, president of the
Mid-City Citizens Association, led
the parade of civic witnesses who
Endorsed the Overton plan. He said
organized residents of the District
feel this plan is the best way to
correct the troublesome fiscal rela-
tions situation
He also echoed the views of the
Commissioners that the municipality
needs more revenue. The question
Is how are We going to get it?" he
asked Taxes now are as high as
we can stand"
L. A. Carruthers. representing the
Federation of Citizens Associations,
said this organization had unani-
mously approved the Overton for
mula after a careful study. I'VE
feel" he declared, "it is equitable
and tust."
Mr.. Carruthers pointed out the