Everett Voters to Decide on Single Tax Plan
The City Council has moved to place a controversial proposal before the electorate that would eliminate property taxes over four years.
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Shall the single tax be applied in Everett? It remains for the voters to decide at the coming election. The council, by resolution at Tuesday's meeting, put the proposition before the voters for their acceptance or rejection. The removal of the property tax is made gradual, 20 per cent being deducted every year until its final disappearance in four years. Some amusement was caused when the mayor asked 'Who presented this resolution?' The city attorney pointed to Mr. Smout, who denied its parentage. In a later conversation, Mr. Smout acknowledged that such a resolution had been authorized at the request of President Tillotson of the Federation of Ward Clubs, although the councilman had not paid particular attention to its contents.
“Some amusement was caused when the mayor asked 'Who presented this resolution?' The city attorney pointed to Mr. Smout, who denied its parentage.”
The 'Single Tax' movement, inspired by Henry George, was a massive political force in the early 20th century. While it never fully materialized as proposed, debates over property tax burdens and land valuation remain central to Washington's current housing and tax affordability crises.
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