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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 bet-
ter 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 re-
bate. They argue that it is not fair to tax them $600 a year for con-
ducting their business while their next-door neighbor is allowed exact-
ly 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