Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 146, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 June 1911 — SCHEME FOR LOW TAX RATES DOES NOT WORK. [ARTICLE]

SCHEME FOR LOW TAX RATES DOES NOT WORK.

Township Assessors Do Not Fall for Democratic Plan and Tax Levy WHI Be Increased. Sohie time ago The Republican told of a scheme of the democrats of the state to increase the property valuations throughout the state and then to reduce the levy, thereby claiming that a reduction in taxes had come with democratic supremacy. The assessors, both county and township, were called to Indianapolis and told to increase valuation on all property, especially on farm lands, which it was hoped to raise from 33 1-3 to 50 per cent. The assessors left for their homes with the expectation of carrying out the plan, but /When they reached their homes they found that there was unanimous objection and the effort at the Increase failed all over the state. The result will be the increasing of the state tax levy, which the democrats had hoped to decrease for political advantage. The following article from the Indianapolis News of Tuesday explains the situation: Reports to the state board of tax commissioners from county boards of review, now in session, indicate that the valuation of real estate this year will be a disappointment, and that the increases which were looked for by the state officers engaged in handling the state finances and by the legislative .committeemen in the recent session who had charge of the appropriation bills, will not be forthcoming. A general increase in all real estate valuation of from 33 1-3 to 50 per cent was looked for, but it is estimated that the average increase will be considerably less than 10 per cent. Another source of disappointment to the state officials Is found in the fact that the larger real estate properties have not been increased to a percentage rate commensurate with the rate of assessment valuation for properties valued at from $1,200 to $5,000. As a result, the state officials say, the small real estate owner will continue to pay on a valuation of more than two-thirds of the actual value of his property, while the larger holder will conitfiue to pay on an assessment of, approximately, one-third the total value, As a result of an agitation for more nearly equal appraisement, which has been under way for several years, the state officials had hoped for an equalization of real estate values. It is said the fault lies with the township assessors. At a meeting of the county, township and state tax officials last winter, it was the decision of those present that real estate should be increased considerably this year, but the reports indicate that the sense of the meeting has not been followed. Reports from a number of counties are to the effect that the township assessors flatly refused to increase real estate assessments, on the theory that they were high enough. In one of the mdre important agricultural and industrial counties of the state, the average increase Was $2 an acre. In one of the river valley townships of another county, the average increase was 10 per cent. One county has reported an average increase of about 30 per cent, the highest yet reported. State officials held a few days ago that unless the taxing officials raised the appraisement valuation this year, it would be necessary for the general assembly in 1913 to increase the tax levy for the general expenses of the state schools and state penal, benevolent and correctional institutions, due to the Increased cost of maintenance and to the increased number of state wards. The recent general assembly put a stop, for two years, to virtually all new buildings and additions to tbe state institutions because of the strained condition of the state treasury and explained to the trustees and superintendents that building might be resumed after two years, explaining that they based their assertions on the assumption that the appraisements this year would show a marked increase. The state board of tax commissioners is preparing for a difficult task at the August sitting, when it will be called on to equalize the assessments in Lake county. Because of the boom condition in that county and the consequent speculative values of real estate, the valuations as reported to the county board of review show wide variance. Thus far the board has mt determined on a basis which it feels justified in adopting as the proper one for this work. No matter what you want to mH or what you want to buy, try a classified ad in The Republican.