So, I was recently doing a little research on dog taxes in Idaho because… well, who wouldn’t? Plus, I was intrigued by the photo below of an 1867 receipt for a dog tax in Boise.
I found that the Boise tax raised $200 in 1869 when it was $5 per canine. But I also stumbled across this snarky little piece from the Caldwell Tribune, of June 24, 1893, and decided to share it.
“It has accidently leaked out that the city council recently passed a number of ordinances relating to matters of considerable interest to the tax payers of Caldwell, among other things an important franchise has been granted, a dog tax has been levied and the salaries of officers have been fixed. It is regrettable that those matters should obtain publicity without the sanction of the council, and it is hoped that greater discretion will be exercised in the future. Every precaution should be used in preventing subjects of general concern from reaching the public ear. Many ill-advised city councils have, adapted the rule of officially publishing their ordinances, but the plan has not been found to work satisfactorily. It often engenders a spirit of criticism and opposition, extremely aggravating to the council and promotive of public discord. The proper time
for people to become apprised of such transactions is after all possibility of protest has expired.”
A bit of satire about local government is always welcome, is it not?
I found that the Boise tax raised $200 in 1869 when it was $5 per canine. But I also stumbled across this snarky little piece from the Caldwell Tribune, of June 24, 1893, and decided to share it.
“It has accidently leaked out that the city council recently passed a number of ordinances relating to matters of considerable interest to the tax payers of Caldwell, among other things an important franchise has been granted, a dog tax has been levied and the salaries of officers have been fixed. It is regrettable that those matters should obtain publicity without the sanction of the council, and it is hoped that greater discretion will be exercised in the future. Every precaution should be used in preventing subjects of general concern from reaching the public ear. Many ill-advised city councils have, adapted the rule of officially publishing their ordinances, but the plan has not been found to work satisfactorily. It often engenders a spirit of criticism and opposition, extremely aggravating to the council and promotive of public discord. The proper time
for people to become apprised of such transactions is after all possibility of protest has expired.”
A bit of satire about local government is always welcome, is it not?
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