Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1952-10-08
Political Upset
Seen in County
Assessment Rise
Montgomery Council
Told Charter Foes
May Take Over

The Montgomery County Coun.
Gil yesterday was warned that the
extraordinary increase in Metro.
politan Area real estate assessment
may endanger the continued op-
Grafton of the charter government
by it's proponents.
The caution light was flashed
by Dean James j. Hayden of the
Columbus University Law School,
and leader in the charter move
ment. Dean Hayden. who lives al
112 East Bradley lane, Chevy
Chase, was one of the drafters
Of the present charter.
Dean Hayden warned the
extraordinary increase in real
estate property assessments CHS
was raised TOO per cent? is bring
Ing down the wrath of thousands
of home owners"
1T is not at all impossible that
the County Organization Demo-
Gratis vino have either objected to
the new charter or have been luke
warm on the subject may make a
comeback in the 1854 elections, ~
he added.
Dean Hayden said such a come
back might be made on an econ
omy program and "endanger the
continued operation of the charter
government by those who really
believe that the new charter is a
far better basis than the old
commissioner system"
Economy Was Agreement.
The charter leader said one of
his chief arguments for charter
government was that it would
bring more economical govern
ment. He added he realized the
county has had to spend millions
on schools, and other improved
services.
He warned, however, ga lot of
voters will remember that under
the Democratic regime the tax
rate was kept at a low figure and
they may forget that the bonded
debt rose rapidly because of re-
funding policies"
Dean Hayden said assessment
hikes should not be so violent as
to arouse formidable numbers OF
voters who might seek relief in
an angry mood.
The Council members were Wis
IDLY concerned by the rising tide
of protests of suburban residents,
some of which, like the Chevy
Chase Gardens Citizens Associa-
ton, say they have received as
sessment increases of from SO to
80 per cent.
The Council yesterday dis
cusSed means of combating the
resentment and misunderstanding
of residents who have been bonn
harding members with telephone
calls and letters.
Call for Explanation.
County Supervisor of Assess
ments Wilton T. Allen was called
in to explain the assessment pro-
cedure in an effort to relieve the
apparent pressure on councilmen.
Mr.. Allen last July had warned
residents of the suburban area
they could expect an average as
sessment increase of Is per cent.
At the same time he predicted
an increase of 500 million in the
county's assessable base-some
SOS million of which would be
added by reassessing $4,000 pieces
Of property this year in the down
county area.
Mr.. Allen sloughed off the
"hysteria" in the suburban area.
He said it was just as bad during
the 194S reassessment period
there.
Mr.. Allen said his office was
doing its best to explain the
assessment procedures to county
residents. He said this week he
had scheduled four speaking en-
gagements with county civic
groups and has five more slated
next week.
Mr.. Allen and councilmen agreed
some sort of literature should be
prepared to explain the procedures
and the relationships between as
sessments, annual budgets and tax
rates. A letter or pamphlet prob
ably will be prepared.
County Manager Irving G. Nc
Nayr agreed. He believes the
council is "unduly concerned by
the protests.
Mr.. Allen comedies the reassess-
ment has meant sharp increases
in the assessed value of much
property.
Court Rulings Cited.
He notes. however. that in 1913,
the county reassessed property in
the suburban area based on 1941
values. Since then. he explained,
the courts have ruled assessments
must be set on marked values in
the year in which the assessments
are maoe
AS a result, the assessors de-
eide what the reconstruction cost
of a home would be. then knock
of 40 per cent as an inflationary
factor. Before a final assessment
figure is made. the assessors also
allow additional decreases for de-
probation and obsolescence.
Most homes. he said, actually
are being assessed at about so tt
so per cent of their actual market
value, instead of the 100 per CEN
assessment as the law requires.
State Law ASSailed.
Mrs. Kathryn j. LaWlor got al
affirmative answer when she asket
Mr.. Allen If most DIRECTORS con
code thew would not sell thei