Austin City Council Meeting Archives

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Tax Disputes, Jack Dempsey, and Showground Plans

Monday, November 9, 1931 special called

  • Public Tax Appeals:

    The council convened a special meeting to hear numerous appeals from taxpayers challenging decisions made by the Board of Equalization regarding property assessments.

  • Notable Protester:

    Among the many individuals and businesses presenting their tax appeals was the famous boxer Jack Dempsey, representing the Austin Labor Temple Association.

  • Appeals Under Review:

    After hearing all the arguments, the council decided to take additional time to consider the tax appeals, promising to notify the protestants of their actions later.

  • Entertainment Relocation:

    The council discussed the request to move the popular "Harley Sadler Show" to a different location (the Cavanaugh tract) for an extended week-long run after its current permit expired.
Transcript

Full Transcript

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL: 11 105 Austin, Texas, November 09, 1931. The Council was called to order at 7:30 P. M. by the Mayor. Roll call showed the following members present: Councilman Gillis, Mayor McFadden, Councilman Steck, 3; absent, Councilmen Alford and Mueller, 2. The Mayor stated that the meeting was called for the purpose of hearing appeals of tax payers from the action of the Board of Equalization, and the following persons appeared and were heard: Charles Rosner; I. Heidenheimer, Jr., representing Heidenheimer & Company; Ed Westling, representing The Reuter Company; Howard Mokean, Agent for Mrs. L. A. McKean Estate; Wm. G. Bell, representing his mother, Mrs. Mary N. Bell; Dr. E. C. Barker, by written protest for Miss Julia 0. Pye; G. M. Shipe, Agent for MK&T Land Company; Geo. H. Harrington; J. T. Ward, Jack Dempsey, representing the Austin Labor Temple Association; Cater Joseph; William Kutalek; J. J.Lane Estate, by written protest; and Mrs. W. R. Neal. After hearing the above protestants, the Mayor stated that the Council would like further time in which to consider their appeals, and that they would be advised later of the Council's action thereon. Councilman Steck then moved that the Council recess, subject to call of the Mayor. Motion was seconded by Councilman Gillis, and same prevailed by the following vote: Aуев, Councilmen Gillis, Mayor McFadden, Councilman Steck, 3; nays, none; Councilmen Alford and Mueller absent, 2. The Council then recessed. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL: GW.M Fadden Approved. Mayor. Austin, Texas, November 12, 1931. The Council was called to order by the Mayor. Roll call showed the following memCouncilmen Alford, Gillis, Mayor McFadden, Councilmen Mueller and Steck,5; bers present: absent, none. The Minutes of the last meetings were read and Councilman Alford moved the adoption of same as read. Motion was seconded by Councilman Steck and same prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Councilmen Alford, Gillis, Mayor McFadden, Councilmen Mueller and Steck, 5; nays, none. Horace Barnhart, representing the Ben Hur Shrine, and Harley Sadler appeared before the Council relative to removal of the Harley Sadler Show to the Cavanaugh tract for a week's run after the expiration of the permit granted them at their present location.