Assessors Defy Convention to Raise Railroad Taxes
Washington state assessors vote to increase tax rates on first-class railway lines despite a lack of consensus in the main convention.
The convention of assessors of the state of Washington adjourned last night after a stormy session of three days, a large part of the time being devoted to a discussion of the proper assessment for railroad trackage and mileage. The first day a rate of $1.40 a foot was adopted for first-class trackage. The second day, 19 assessors voted to reconsider and raise the assessment still more, and 14 voted against reconsideration. Yesterday, the 19 assessors repudiated the action of the convention and signed an agreement to place the assessment on all first-class railway lines at $1.50, regardless of the action of the convention declaring for a lower rate. The rate prior to the present year had been $1.25. The convention unanimously agreed to raise the rate on rolling stock from 25 cents to 40 cents.
“Yesterday the 19 assessors repudiated the action of the convention and signed an agreement to place the assessment on all first-class railway lines at $1.50.”
The ongoing tension between corporate interests and local tax equity remains a central pillar of Washington civic discourse, echoing contemporary battles over utility and transport taxation.
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