The coastland times. [volume] (Mnateo [i.e. Manteo], N.C.) 1947-1959, 1959-05-29

EN1s I've Oe
than in 1867, despite a large gain
in property values due to con-
struction during the preceding four
years.
On the mainland of Dare County
heavy reductions reduced the 1858 |
total levy by some $500. In these
two mentioned areas, there was a
loss of over $4,000. Therefore, in
stead of paying as much or more
than usual, a large part of the
county is paying less, while the
increase in expenses budgeted was
unusually large.
On the entire Hatteras Island,
despite the tremendous amount of,
building that went on during the
preceding four years and jump in
property values since the last val
uation year, there was no notice
able gain in taxes assessed. Despite
the contentious of numerous people
who are uniformed, this area of
the county gets more money in
return for its tax dollar than any
other part. OF collectible total
of less than $4,000 assessed, it'll
gets in return direct grants for
sanitation, police service and
health work more than so per cent
of it's total taxes, as well as shar-
ing in the usual county benefits
dispensed as a matter of routine.
In addition, it got some $4,000 in
outright grants for digging bitches
for small boats during the proceed
ing two years. These returns were
unbudgeted, therefore illegal as
we'll, but the money went to the
area.
There are some other things
that should be we'll considered by
this particular area when inclina-
ton to complain arises. It is the
only area of the county which got
its new high school entirely from
state and county funds to which
no direct contribution was made
from local sources. On the other
hand, the essential school improve
ments for other white students OF
the county had to be obtained by
special elections which created a
special tax to retire the bonds
whose proceeds provided the build
ing, and this debt hangs over the
people for 20 years or more.
Empty Treasury is Costly
Because of the wild spending
that has prevailed for several
years, the county always has a
heavy deficit; and never dollar
of surplus, which would indeed be
of great value in time of need.
Witness how lack of county re-
sources almost cost the community
of Wanchese one of the greatest
harbor improvements destined for
the N. C. coast. When Congress
was asked ten years ago to provide
funds for deep water to the ocean,
Dare County was required to give
it's pledge that local interests
would provide a public dock in
Wanchese harbor. When the time
came to let the contract for this
harbor improvement, which is part
of half-million job soon to be
begun, the county didn't have a
dime to help with it. Within 20
days the contemplated benefits
would have been lost to the people
of Wanchese.
The situation put a heavy bur-
den on few people, who with
public spirit and considerable fl
nancial loss to themselves while
they neglected their own business,
made canvass for funds to meet
the Governments requirements.
The contract has been let, the
project is assured, and some of
these days the history of the whole
thing will be of great interest to
release, outlining how the greed of
some for money, and of others for
personal glory, and of rank stupid
ity of others, almost cost this
community project of what many
believe will be the greatest eco
nonic asset yet to come to Roa-
noke Islands commercial fishing
industry.
One of the hardest ticks struck
the county's financial system was
the depletion of its revenue by a
special law passed in 1857 which
| % 1.nn 1.ks one half of all ARC nrOf-