City of Seattle Records

5 WILL H. PARRY, Comptroller J. M. E. ATKINSON Tresurer

The City of Seattle DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE Seattle, Washington

one single addition to the number of saloons and I do not believe that we will lose a single saloon because of failure of the measure.

This bill has been before the Council since last August. At the time it was introduced the statement was made that unless it was speedily passed a large number of saloons, the licenses of which were about to expire, would be forced to close because they would not be able to pay the fee. The falsity and falacy of this argument is shown by the fact that, although the fee has not been reduced new licenses have been taken out and while five saloons have closed they have not retired from business on account of the refusal or failure of the Council to reduce the license. Several saloon men have called on this department with a tender of $500 for their licenses, making the statement that they could not possibly raise the other $100, but when told that they must pay the full fee, $600, or close their places at once they have promptly produced the other $100, which they evidently had provided for that probable contingency. It is natural that the licensee should try to get his license upon the most favorable terms possible, but I find that a majority make no complaint whatever concerning the present fee, while some even sugget and increase to $800 or $I000.

There is another feature which should not be entirely over-

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WILL H. PARRY, Comptroller J. M. E. ATKINSON Tresurer

The City of Seattle DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE Seattle, Washington

3 F. W. C.

looked, viz: There are many licenses now taken out which have the better part of a year to run. These men have paid $600 a year. If a new rate is established they say they are entitled to proportionate rebate. They argue that it is not fair to tax them $600 a year for conducting their business while their next-door neighbor is allowed exactly the same privilege upon the payment of $500. Those who favor the bill will say in reply to this that the man who is now paying $600 a year will have the benefit of the reduction next year. But what if this man does not wish to continue in business next year? Even if he does is it right to have two classes of licenses, one $600 and one $500 for exactly the same privilege? This reduction purports to be limited for to one year; but is it? The man who pays $600 this year is entitled to get his license for $500 next year. The concession therefore extends over a period of two years. The only way I see of escaping the horn of the dilemma is granting a rebate to every license issued under the $600 rate. I made a careful estimate on August 20th. of the amount that would be required to pay the rebate on September 1, providing the bill passed and took effect on that date. I found that the rebate would amount to $4,807.05. As a great many saloons have renewed their licenses since then the amount of the rebate has been

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WILL H. PARRY, Comptroller J. M. E. ATKINSON Tresurer

The City of Seattle DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE Seattle, Washington

4 F. W. C.

increased rather than deminished. I feel safe in saying that it will take at least $5,000 to make an equitable rebate. Of course no rebate is proposed in the bill but I believe one will be found necessary if the bill passes.

I have given my views of the bill from the standpoint of my department. I hope my figures will aid you in forming a correct conclusion in the premises.

I have the honor to be Your obedient servant Will H. Parry City Comptroller