Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1943-01-11

still would be more than granted
for this year.
Wartime restrictions have reduced
proposed OUTLAWS for the Water De-
partment by more than $1,000, 900,
to set up budget of something less
than S2,200. 900, but the budget plan
calls for an expenditure Of SIS 900
for preparation Of plans to enlarge
the water supply for the District
and suburbs.
While a deficit in the water fund
is anticipated at the end OF this
year, budget officials calculated this
would more than be made up by the
end of next year, on the proposed
budget basis, due to the provision
in the current appropriation act
which provides for a 10 per cent
penalty for delinquent payment Of
bills.
In discussing the Districts reve-
nue. situation for next year, the
Budget Bureau estimated 1914 would
close with an unobligated balance
Of 1921, 43e, but this calculation in
cluded various large trust accounts
which do not represent charges
against District tax revenues, al
though it was agreed on sll hands
that the proposed budget would be
better than balanced.
Presidents Statement.
70 -
financial picture, the Presidents
message said:
General fund revenues amount to
approximately. 80 per cent of tho
total revenues for the District Of
Columbia. These revenues have
seen growing in proportion to the
upward trend Of population, proper
ty values and business conditions
occasioned by the war. 1t Is not
expected, however, that revenues
will show an appreciate increase in
1874, If the population stabilizes as
it is expected to do under the pres
sure for decentralization and the
absence OF new housing.
The largest item OF revenue in
the general fund is the property
tax, amounting to approximately 50
per cent. The levy is based on an
estimated assessed valuation Of
81 $40 900 900 taxed at the rate of
Sits per 500. This valuation is
Sill 900 900 higher than this year.
Other important items in the 1914
general fund revenues are the tan
gible personal tax. the corporate in
come tax, the individual income tax
and beverage taxes, all of which are
expected to produce substantial in
creases over prior year yields.
Revenues for the highway fund
have been affected by two offsetting
circumstances. The increase in the
gas tax from to cents per gallon
was expected to provide additional
revenues in 1912, but succeeded only
in arresting the decline in revenues
occasioned by the rationing of gaso-
line and rubber. In 1913 the gas
tax, which provides the bulk of the
revenues for the highway fund, is
expected to yield only about 10 per
cent of the amount realized in 1912.
Changes May BE Made.
mo appreciate decline for 1914
is anticipated at this time, although
1t Is realized that further readjust-
ments may be necessary later and
the budget has been planned &C.
cordingly. Other sources of revenue
for the highway fund, such as the
registration of motor vehicles and
issuance of drivers permits, are ex-
pected to decline, principally be-
cause OF the absence of new cars.
This decline may be somewhat off,
set by the influx Of foreign cars to
the District of Columbia.
THE water fund revenue esti-
mates reflect an increase of slightly
more than II per cent for 1914 over
1913. This estimate Is predicated
upon the increased use of water
and the additional collections of
water rents which will result from
the new 10 per cent provision on
overdue bills"