The Wilmington morning star., 1945-10-23
GARDNER CHARGES
TAX LEVY UNFAIR

Charging that HllllleAo Jus taA It,
vies were unfair and working to
distinct hardship for city and
county residents, Harry Gardner,
member of the county Board OF
Commissioners yesterday declar-
al that the entire tax structure of
New Hanover County and Whining
ton needs revamping.
The commissioners remarks
came during the weekly meeting
of the county board at the court
house and were prompted by the
anpearance before the aboard Of
several property owners request.
ing re-adjustments of taxes and as
sessed valuations.
s'There are very high assess
ments on some properties in neigh
borhoods where values have de-
clined appreciably since last val
uations were fixed" Commissioner
Gardner said. These property
owners are deserving of relief, but
don't see how we can DO the
work fairly without wholesale re-
adjustment of the whole tax struc-
ture."
Also expressing himself as favor
ing changes in the general scheme
of tax levying was Commissioner
Louis Coleman who asserted, Il
hope someday to see North Caro-
lima state law which provides for
the sale of a mans land if he has
more than two years back taxes
due"
Coleman's remarks were pre-
cipitated by matter presented
the board by Chairman Addison
Hewlett, in which a mans per-
sonal, as well as property taxes
had been charged to small piece
of land owned by him. The owner
repeatedly was willing to relin-
ouish the land to another man if
the latter would assume the taxes
liability. The prospective buyer,
however, had agreed to pay the
county only $3.50 of the approx
mate $500 charged against the
property, and the county was faced
with finding way by which to
collect the remainder from the
president owner. The $3.50 repre-
sented property taxes.
Considerable discussion by the
board resulted in the county's ac-
ceptance of the $3.50 offer and an
agreement to present bill for the
remainder to the former owner.
Several other tax attachments
were granted during the meeting.
Later in the session, commission
er Gardner mentioned another
matter which had been pending be-
fore the board for some time -
the need for improvements, espec-
tally in regard to painting and
drainage, at the county-owned
stables. other commissioners
agreed that, since they recently
had raised the rentals on the
stables with view to making al
terations it was the county's obi
CATION to begin improvements i'm
mediately.
A successful motion was intro
duced by Commissioner Gardner
providing that the county adver-
tise for bids for the necessary re-
pairs.
Shifting to still another subject,
the board at the suggestion of
Commissioner Coleman, unanim-
ously decided to require a $50
bond of all users of Legion stadium
with reference to amusement
shows, carnivals and fairs, to as
sure the property's being left in
good condition. Commissioner
Coleman called the attention of the
group to the 80 loads of trash
left on the grounds by last week S
users.
Further action Of the board pro-
vided for the authorization of prop
err officials to execute bill Of
sale, transferring the county's In
terest in the Woodrow Wilson Hut
to the city. Drafted by County At
| torney Marsden Bellamy, the bill
of sale last week was accepted by
the city upon accommodation Of
City Attorney w. B. Campbell.
Also authorized by the commits
sioners was the preparation OF
extradition papers for Roosevelt