Austin Property Tax Fix & Early Car Licenses
- Corrected a $300 error in a resident's 1920 property tax assessment, prioritizing fair valuation.
- Issued permits for several individuals to operate "service cars"—early forms of taxis or ride-sharing, regulating new transportation.
- Sent a citizen's complaint to the City Attorney for review, outlining how complex grievances were handled.
Full Transcript
1 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL: Austin, Texas, January 27, 1921. The Council was called to order by the Mayor. Roll call showed the following members present: Mayor Yett, Councilmen Alford, Graham, Haynes and Ward, 5; absent, none. The Minutes of the last meeting were read and adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor Yett, Councilmen Alford, Graham, Haynes and Ward, 5; nayes, none. Councilman Haynes introduced the following resolution: Whereas, Mrs. Daisie Hawkins makes affidavit that an error has been made in the assessment of her property, Lot 1, Block 10, Outlot 44, Division "B" for taxes of 1920; and Whereas, the Assessor and Collector has verified said affidavit and states that a reduction of $300.00 should be allowed on said assessment in order to correct the error made in the valuation of the improvements on said property, Therefore, HE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That the Assessor and Collector be and he is hereby instructed to make the necessary correction of this assessment on the tax rolls for 1920. The above resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor Yett, Councilmen Alford, Graham, Haynes and Ward, 5; nayes, none. The complaint of S. S. Stone was read and referred to the City Attorney. The reports of Dr. C. H. Brownlee, City Health Officer, and Dr. A. A. Biebel, Meat and Dairy Inspector, were read and ordered filed. The application of J. L. Condit to operate the following as service cars: Hudson Engine #8638, Cadillac Model #57 Chandler Engine #44547, Cadillac Model 53, Ford Engine #3711380, Ford Engine #3619642, was granted by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor Yett, Councilmen Alford, Graham Haynes and Ward, 5; nayes, none, The application of Lee Shoto to operate Overland Engine #1393 as a service car was granted by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor Yett, Councilmen Alford, Graham, Haynes and Ward, 5; nayes, none. The application of Chas. A. Meyer to operato Maxwell Engine #9164 as a service car was granted by the following vote: Ayen, Mayor Yett, Councilmen Alford, Graham, Haynes and Ward, 5; nayes, none, The Council then adjourned, C buto Bierst 413