TAX FERRETS - Revision history

Randylyon at 15:07, 13 October 2020

2020-10-13T15:07:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:07, 13 October 2020
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	Following the example of other Iowa counties, on August 22, 1900 the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors signed a contract after six ballots with W. H. Charters, of Sidney, Ohio. Competing offers had come from firms in Des Moines and LeMars. Charters agreed to pay all expenses including the cost of litigation for 15% of the taxes paid into the treasury. (8) On December 24, 1900 the district court in Polk County rendered an important decision. In the first case covering all the issues surrounding the constitutionality of the collection of back taxes being collected on concealed property, the judge found the practice constitutional. (9)		Following the example of other Iowa counties, on August 22, 1900 the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors signed a contract after six ballots with W. H. Charters, of Sidney, Ohio. Competing offers had come from firms in Des Moines and LeMars. Charters agreed to pay all expenses including the cost of litigation for 15% of the taxes paid into the treasury. (8) On December 24, 1900 the district court in Polk County rendered an important decision. In the first case covering all the issues surrounding the constitutionality of the collection of back taxes being collected on concealed property, the judge found the practice constitutional. (9)

	Before adjournment on June 7, 1901, the Dubuque City Council instructed the city attorney to prepare an ordinance enabling the council to hire tax ferrets. (10) ~~On July 1, 1901, a six year contract~~ was ~~signed between~~ the ~~city~~ council ~~and Messrs. Charters and Worson~~.		Before adjournment on June 7, 1901, the Dubuque City Council instructed the city attorney to prepare an ordinance enabling the council to hire tax ferrets. (10) It was the intent of the council to limit the length of the contract to two years so that the ferrets could do their quickly. (11)

	By August, a problem had developed. Mayor Berg announced that he had found a flaw in the contract, a claim dismissed by City Attorney. Berg claimed that a clause, inserted at the request of the council, describing the time of the contract made it perpetual. A meeting held in the city attorney's office had seemed to settle the matter. The mayor, however, discovered the city attorney had told the City Recorder that the mayor could be forced to sign. This infuriated Mayor Berg who refused to sign until satisfied by the language. (11)		By August, a problem had developed. Mayor Berg announced that he had found a flaw in the contract, a claim dismissed by City Attorney. Berg claimed that a clause, inserted at the request of the council, describing the time of the contract made it perpetual. A meeting held in the city attorney's office had seemed to settle the matter. The mayor, however, discovered the city attorney had told the City Recorder that the mayor could be forced to sign. This infuriated Mayor Berg who refused to sign until satisfied by the language. (12)

	The ''Davenport Democrat'' on August 21, 1901 published part of a letter from Mayor Berg to Mayor Heinz of Davenport. Berg was quoted as saying he thought the position of Mayor Heinz and City Attorney Thuenen was sound. They believed that special charter cities had not been given the authority to contract with ferrets. (12) The council met on August 22, 1901 with the issued unresolved. Mayor Berg stated he would ask City Attorney Duffy for an opinion as to the legal right of cities under special charter to hire tax ferrets. (13)		The ''Davenport Democrat'' on August 21, 1901 published part of a letter from Mayor Berg to Mayor Heinz of Davenport. Berg was quoted as saying he thought the position of Mayor Heinz and City Attorney Thuenen was sound. They believed that special charter cities had not been given the authority to contract with ferrets. (13) The council met on August 22, 1901 with the issued unresolved. Mayor Berg stated he would ask City Attorney Duffy for an opinion as to the legal right of cities under special charter to hire tax ferrets. (14)

	In November, 1901 the largest amount yet filed against an individual was announced by the supervisors. [[ALBEE, Edwin W.\|Edwin W. ALBEE]] was ~~asked~~ to pay $5,000 in back taxes. (Equal to $150,000 in 2018.) The newspaper reported that "other wealthy city residents have been seen before the agents." (14)		In November, 1901 the largest amount yet filed against an individual was announced by the supervisors. [[ALBEE, Edwin W.\|Edwin W. ALBEE]] was ordered to pay $5,000 in back taxes. (Equal to $150,000 in 2018.) The newspaper reported that "other wealthy city residents have been seen before the agents." (15)

	The city council's Committee of the Whole Report which favored hiring tax agents was voted down in December, 1901. The question was to be put to the electorate in the municipal election in the spring of 1902. (15)		The city council's Committee of the Whole Report which favored hiring tax agents was voted down in December, 1901. The question was to be put to the electorate in the municipal election in the spring of 1902. (16)

	In 1902 the ferret law was judged entirely constitutional. (16) Those attempting to stop or modify the ferret laws in the legislature failed in their mission in that year's session of the Iowa Legislature. (17)		In 1902 the ferret law was judged entirely constitutional. (17) Those attempting to stop or modify the ferret laws in the legislature failed in their mission in that year's session of the Iowa Legislature. (18)

	A contract with the Dubuque city council was eventually signed. In 1911 concern developed that renewing the contract would hurt the Great Dubuque movement. In an editorial in the ''Telegraph-Herald'', examples of Waterloo which in ten years had seen its population increase 112% and Des Moines were pointed out. Both cities had tax ferrets at work every year. The editorial explained that the fear of discovery tended to lead to investments in real estate and untaxed stocks of local industry. (18)		A contract with the Dubuque city council was eventually signed. In 1911 concern developed that renewing the contract would hurt the Great Dubuque movement. In an editorial in the ''Telegraph-Herald'', examples of Waterloo which in ten years had seen its population increase 112% and Des Moines were pointed out. Both cities had tax ferrets at work every year. The editorial explained that the fear of discovery tended to lead to investments in real estate and untaxed stocks of local industry. (19)

	In 1911 the Iowa Senate passed a plan developed in the House to substantially repeal all provisions for the employment of people in any capacity to assist in collecting taxes on property. The bill also made it a misdemeanor for any official of any city or county to employ anyone to assist in discovering omitted property. (19) The bill became law. The era of tax ferrets in Iowa had ended.		In 1911 the Iowa Senate passed a plan developed in the House to substantially repeal all provisions for the employment of people in any capacity to assist in collecting taxes on property. The bill also made it a misdemeanor for any official of any city or county to employ anyone to assist in discovering omitted property. (20) The bill became law. The era of tax ferrets in Iowa had ended.

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	10. "To Engage Them," ''Dubuque Daily Telegraph'', June 7, 1901, p. 3		10. "To Engage Them," ''Dubuque Daily Telegraph'', June 7, 1901, p. 3

	11. "~~Will He Sign It?~~" ''Dubuque Daily Telegraph'', August 5, 1901		11. "Discovers Flaw," ''Dubuque Daily Telegraph'', August 3, 1901, p. 3

	12. "~~Seen and Heard,~~" ''Dubuque Daily Telegraph,'' August 21, 1901~~, p. 5~~		12. "Will He Sign It?" ''Dubuque Daily Telegraph'', August 5, 1901

	13. "~~Tax Ferret Coming Up~~," ''Dubuque Daily Telegraph'', August 22, 1901, p. 3		13. "Seen and Heard," ''Dubuque Daily Telegraph,'' August 21, 1901, p. 5

	14. "~~Asked to Pay Large Sum~~," ''Dubuque Telegraph~~-Herald~~'', ~~November 30~~, 1901, p. 6		14. "Tax Ferret Coming Up," ''Dubuque Daily Telegraph'', August 22, 1901, p. 3

	15. "~~Second Iowa Year Book~~," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', ~~June 1~~, ~~1902~~, p. 1		15. "Asked to Pay Large Sum," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', November 30, 1901, p. 6

	16. "~~Voters Must Decide~~," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', ~~December 6~~, ~~1901~~, p. 7		16. "Second Iowa Year Book," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', June 1, 1902, p. 1

	17. "~~Has Finished Its Work~~," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', ~~April 20~~, ~~1902~~, p. 1		17. "Voters Must Decide," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', December 6, 1901, p. 7

	18. "~~Tax Ferrets and a Greater Dubuque~~," ''Telegraph-Herald'', ~~February 7~~, ~~1911~~, p. 4		18. "Has Finished Its Work," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', April 20, 1902, p. 1

	19. "Tax Ferret Law Hit," ''The Telegraph-Herald'', February 16, 1911, p. 1		19. "Tax Ferrets and a Greater Dubuque," ''Telegraph-Herald'', February 7, 1911, p. 4

			20. "Tax Ferret Law Hit," ''The Telegraph-Herald'', February 16, 1911, p. 1


	[[Category: Terms]]		[[Category: Terms]]
	[[Category: Legal Jurisdiction]]		[[Category: Legal Jurisdiction]]

Randylyon at 16:34, 24 February 2019

2019-02-24T16:34:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:34, 24 February 2019
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	17. "Has Finished Its Work," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', April 20, 1902, p. 1		17. "Has Finished Its Work," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', April 20, 1902, p. 1

	18. "Tax Ferrets and a Greater Dubuque," '''Telegraph-Herald''', February 7, 1911, p. 4		18. "Tax Ferrets and a Greater Dubuque," ''Telegraph-Herald'', February 7, 1911, p. 4

	19. "Tax Ferret Law Hit," ''The Telegraph-Herald'', February 16, 1911, p. 1		19. "Tax Ferret Law Hit," ''The Telegraph-Herald'', February 16, 1911, p. 1

Randylyon at 01:48, 30 November 2018

2018-11-30T01:48:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:48, 30 November 2018
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	TAX FERRETS. "Tax ferrets" ~~is a name given~~ to ~~a public employee who looks~~ for properties that ~~have~~ not been assessed for taxes ~~and puts them on a list to be assessed~~. (1) In 1900 supervisors in Polk County hired tax ferrets to find property owners who had been evading taxes. In five months the total discovered was $100,000 (equal to $3,000,000 in 2018). (2) Attorneys in Cedar Rapids used a supreme court decision from Minnesota to claim that supervisors had no constitutional authority to make contracts. (3)		TAX FERRETS. "Tax ferrets" referred to individuals hired by cities or county boards of supervisors to look for properties that had not been assessed for taxes. (1) In 1900 supervisors in Polk County hired tax ferrets to find property owners who had been evading taxes. In five months the total property discovered was valued at $100,000 (equal to $3,000,000 in 2018). (2) Attorneys in Cedar Rapids used a supreme court decision from Minnesota to claim that supervisors had no constitutional authority to make contracts. (3)

	~~Despite this, a~~ large number of Iowa counties ~~had~~ employed tax ferrets despite complaints about their methods. Some counties had problems paying for the service. Ferrets were driven by the commissions they received. Prior to June 1, 1900 ferrets were paid commissions ranging from 25 to 60 percent. After June 1st, the commission was limited to 15% (4) According to state law, board of supervisors had no authority to pay out any part of the state tax or the school tax. The ferrets then often received all of the county taxes, but were still owed additional money. (5) The ''Dubuque Herald'', in May, 1900, stated without explanation that the ''Waterloo Reporter'' was convinced tax ferrets could do as much harm as tax dodgers, (6) In May 1901 the Bremer County treasurer and county auditor both denied the authority of tax ferrets to sign and send out tax notices. (7)		A large number of Iowa counties employed tax ferrets despite complaints about their methods. Some counties had problems paying for the service. Ferrets were driven by the commissions they received. Prior to June 1, 1900 ferrets were paid commissions ranging from 25 to 60 percent. After June 1st, the commission was limited to 15% (4) According to state law, board of supervisors had no authority to pay out any part of the state tax or the school tax. The ferrets then often received all of the county taxes they recovered, but were still owed additional money. (5) The ''Dubuque Herald'', in May, 1900, stated without explanation that the ''Waterloo Reporter'' was convinced tax ferrets could do as much harm as tax dodgers, (6) In May 1901 the Bremer County treasurer and county auditor both denied the authority of tax ferrets to sign and send out tax notices. (7)

	~~The~~ Dubuque County Board of Supervisors signed a contract ~~on the sixth ballot~~ with W. H. Charters, of Sidney, Ohio ~~on August 22, 1900~~. Competing ~~firms~~ had come from Des Moines and LeMars. Charters agreed to pay all expenses including the cost of litigation for 15% of the taxes paid into the treasury. (8) On December 24, 1900 the district court in Polk County rendered an important decision. In the first case covering all the issues ~~raised against~~ the constitutionality of collection of back taxes on property ~~shown to have been concealed from assessors~~. (9)		Following the example of other Iowa counties, on August 22, 1900 the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors signed a contract after six ballots with W. H. Charters, of Sidney, Ohio. Competing offers had come from firms in Des Moines and LeMars. Charters agreed to pay all expenses including the cost of litigation for 15% of the taxes paid into the treasury. (8) On December 24, 1900 the district court in Polk County rendered an important decision. In the first case covering all the issues surrounding the constitutionality of the collection of back taxes being collected on concealed property, the judge found the practice constitutional. (9)

	Before adjournment on June 7, 1901, the Dubuque City Council instructed the city attorney to prepare an ordinance enabling the council to hire tax ferrets. (10) On July 1, 1901, a six year contract was signed between the city council and Messrs. Charters and Worson. By August, a problem had developed. Mayor Berg announced that he had found a flaw in the contract, a claim dismissed by City Attorney. Berg claimed that a clause, inserted at the request of the council, describing the time of the contract made it perpetual. A meeting held in the city attorney's office had seemed to settle the matter until the mayor discovered the city attorney had told the City Recorder that the mayor could be forced to sign. This infuriated the mayor who said he would not sign until satisfied of the language. (11)		Before adjournment on June 7, 1901, the Dubuque City Council instructed the city attorney to prepare an ordinance enabling the council to hire tax ferrets. (10) On July 1, 1901, a six year contract was signed between the city council and Messrs. Charters and Worson.

	~~The ''Davenport Democrat'' on~~ August 21, ~~1901 published part of~~ a ~~letter from~~ Mayor Berg ~~to Mayor Heinz of Davenport. Berg was quoted as saying~~ he ~~thought~~ the ~~position of Mayor Heinz and~~ City Attorney ~~Thuenen was sound in~~ that ~~special charter cities had no been given~~ the ~~authority to contract with ferrets. (12) The~~ council ~~met on August 22~~, ~~1901 with~~ the ~~issued unresolved~~. ~~Mayor Berg stated he would ask City Attorney Duffy for an opinion as~~ to the ~~legal right of cities under special charter to hire tax ferrets~~. ~~City Attorney Duffy~~, however, ~~said he~~ had ~~not been previously asked for~~ the ~~legality of~~ the ~~city hiring tax ferrets~~. (13)		By August, a problem had developed. Mayor Berg announced that he had found a flaw in the contract, a claim dismissed by City Attorney. Berg claimed that a clause, inserted at the request of the council, describing the time of the contract made it perpetual. A meeting held in the city attorney's office had seemed to settle the matter. The mayor, however, discovered the city attorney had told the City Recorder that the mayor could be forced to sign. This infuriated Mayor Berg who refused to sign until satisfied by the language. (11)

	~~In November~~, 1901 the ~~largest amount yet filed against an individual~~ was ~~announced~~. ~~[[ALBEE, Edwin W.\|Edwin W. ALBEE]] was asked~~ to ~~pay $5,000 in back taxes~~. (~~Equal to $150~~,~~000 in 2018~~.~~) The newspaper reported that "other wealthy city residents have been seen before~~ the ~~agents~~." (14)		The ''Davenport Democrat'' on August 21, 1901 published part of a letter from Mayor Berg to Mayor Heinz of Davenport. Berg was quoted as saying he thought the position of Mayor Heinz and City Attorney Thuenen was sound. They believed that special charter cities had not been given the authority to contract with ferrets. (12) The council met on August 22, 1901 with the issued unresolved. Mayor Berg stated he would ask City Attorney Duffy for an opinion as to the legal right of cities under special charter to hire tax ferrets. (13)

	~~The city council's Committee of~~ the ~~Whole Report in favor of hiring tax agents~~ was ~~voted down in December~~, ~~1901~~. ~~The question~~ was to ~~be put~~ to ~~the electorate~~ in the ~~municipal election in the spring of 1902~~. (15)		In November, 1901 the largest amount yet filed against an individual was announced by the supervisors. [[ALBEE, Edwin W.\|Edwin W. ALBEE]] was asked to pay $5,000 in back taxes. (Equal to $150,000 in 2018.) The newspaper reported that "other wealthy city residents have been seen before the agents." (14)

	~~In 1902~~ the ~~ferret law~~ was ~~judged entirely constitutional~~. ~~(16) Those attempting~~ to ~~stop or modify~~ the ~~ferret laws~~ in the ~~legislature failed in their mission~~ in the 1902 ~~session of the Iowa Legislature~~. (17)		The city council's Committee of the Whole Report which favored hiring tax agents was voted down in December, 1901. The question was to be put to the electorate in the municipal election in the spring of 1902. (15)

	~~A contract was signed because in 1911 concern that renewing~~ the ~~contract would hurt the Great Dubuque movement~~ was ~~being expressed~~. ~~In an editorial~~ in the ~~''Telegraph-Herald'', examples of Waterloo which~~ in ~~ten years had seen its population increase 112% and Des Moines were pointed out. Both cities had tax ferrets at work every~~ year~~. The editorial explained that the fear~~ of ~~discovery tended to lead to~~ the ~~investment and real estate and untaxed stocks of local industry~~. (18)		In 1902 the ferret law was judged entirely constitutional. (16) Those attempting to stop or modify the ferret laws in the legislature failed in their mission in that year's session of the Iowa Legislature. (17)

	In 1911 the Iowa Senate passed a plan to substantially repeal all provisions for employment of people in any capacity to assist in collecting taxes on property. The bill also made it a misdemeanor for any official of any city or county to employ anyone to assist in discovering omitted property. (19) The bill became law.		A contract with the Dubuque city council was eventually signed. In 1911 concern developed that renewing the contract would hurt the Great Dubuque movement. In an editorial in the ''Telegraph-Herald'', examples of Waterloo which in ten years had seen its population increase 112% and Des Moines were pointed out. Both cities had tax ferrets at work every year. The editorial explained that the fear of discovery tended to lead to investments in real estate and untaxed stocks of local industry. (18)

			In 1911 the Iowa Senate passed a plan developed in the House to substantially repeal all provisions for the employment of people in any capacity to assist in collecting taxes on property. The bill also made it a misdemeanor for any official of any city or county to employ anyone to assist in discovering omitted property. (19) The bill became law. The era of tax ferrets in Iowa had ended.

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Randylyon at 01:33, 30 November 2018

2018-11-30T01:33:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:33, 30 November 2018
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	In 1902 the ferret law was judged entirely constitutional. (16) Those attempting to stop or modify the ferret laws in the legislature failed in their mission in the 1902 session of the Iowa Legislature. (17)		In 1902 the ferret law was judged entirely constitutional. (16) Those attempting to stop or modify the ferret laws in the legislature failed in their mission in the 1902 session of the Iowa Legislature. (17)

	In ~~1933 Governor Clyde L~~. ~~Herring signed a law providing for payment of~~ tax ferrets ~~from "funds benefited from their endeavors~~." (18)		A contract was signed because in 1911 concern that renewing the contract would hurt the Great Dubuque movement was being expressed. In an editorial in the ''Telegraph-Herald'', examples of Waterloo which in ten years had seen its population increase 112% and Des Moines were pointed out. Both cities had tax ferrets at work every year. The editorial explained that the fear of discovery tended to lead to the investment and real estate and untaxed stocks of local industry. (18)

			In 1911 the Iowa Senate passed a plan to substantially repeal all provisions for employment of people in any capacity to assist in collecting taxes on property. The bill also made it a misdemeanor for any official of any city or county to employ anyone to assist in discovering omitted property. (19) The bill became law.

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	13. "Tax Ferret Coming Up," ''Dubuque Daily Telegraph'', August 22, 1901, p. 3		13. "Tax Ferret Coming Up," ''Dubuque Daily Telegraph'', August 22, 1901, p. 3

	15. "Asked to Pay Large Sum," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', November 30, 1901, p. 6		14. "Asked to Pay Large Sum," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', November 30, 1901, p. 6

	15. "~~Voters Must Decide~~," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', ~~December 6~~, ~~1901~~, p. 7		15. "Second Iowa Year Book," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', June 1, 1902, p. 1

	16. "~~Second Iowa Year Book~~," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, ~~June 1~~, ~~1902~~, p. 1		16. "Voters Must Decide," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', December 6, 1901, p. 7

	17. "Has Finished Its Work," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', April 20, 1902, p. 1		17. "Has Finished Its Work," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', April 20, 1902, p. 1

	18. "~~Gov~~. ~~Herring Signs Eleven New Measures~~," ''Telegraph-Herald ~~and Times-Journal~~'', ~~April 9~~, ~~1933~~, p. 18		18. "Tax Ferrets and a Greater Dubuque," '''Telegraph-Herald''', February 7, 1911, p. 4

			19. "Tax Ferret Law Hit," ''The Telegraph-Herald'', February 16, 1911, p. 1


	[[Category: Terms]]		[[Category: Terms]]
	[[Category: Legal Jurisdiction]]		[[Category: Legal Jurisdiction]]

Randylyon at 22:29, 29 November 2018

2018-11-29T22:29:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:29, 29 November 2018
Line 1:		Line 1:
	TAX FERRETS. "Tax ferrets" is a name given to a public employee who looks for properties that have not been assessed for taxes and puts them on a list to be assessed. (1) In 1900 supervisors in Polk County hired tax ferrets to find property owners who had been evading taxes. In five months the total discovered was $100,000 (equal to $3,000,000 in 2018). (2) Attorneys in Cedar Rapids used a supreme court decision from Minnesota to claim that supervisors had no constitutional authority to make contracts. (3)		TAX FERRETS. "Tax ferrets" is a name given to a public employee who looks for properties that have not been assessed for taxes and puts them on a list to be assessed. (1) In 1900 supervisors in Polk County hired tax ferrets to find property owners who had been evading taxes. In five months the total discovered was $100,000 (equal to $3,000,000 in 2018). (2) Attorneys in Cedar Rapids used a supreme court decision from Minnesota to claim that supervisors had no constitutional authority to make contracts. (3)

	Despite this, a large number of Iowa counties had employed tax ferrets despite complaints about their methods. ~~The ''Dubuque Herald'', in May, 1900, stated without explanation that~~ the ~~''Waterloo Reporter'' was convinced tax ferrets could do as much harm as tax dodgers, (4)~~ Ferrets were driven by the commissions they received. Prior to June 1, 1900 ferrets were paid commissions ranging from 25 to 60 percent. After June 1st, the commission was limited to 15% by state law ~~which~~ to ~~some~~ still ~~seemed excessive~~. (5) In May 1901 the Bremer County treasurer and county auditor both denied the authority of tax ferrets to sign and send out tax notices. (6)		Despite this, a large number of Iowa counties had employed tax ferrets despite complaints about their methods. Some counties had problems paying for the service. Ferrets were driven by the commissions they received. Prior to June 1, 1900 ferrets were paid commissions ranging from 25 to 60 percent. After June 1st, the commission was limited to 15% (4) According to state law, board of supervisors had no authority to pay out any part of the state tax or the school tax. The ferrets then often received all of the county taxes, but were still owed additional money. (5) The ''Dubuque Herald'', in May, 1900, stated without explanation that the ''Waterloo Reporter'' was convinced tax ferrets could do as much harm as tax dodgers, (6) In May 1901 the Bremer County treasurer and county auditor both denied the authority of tax ferrets to sign and send out tax notices. (7)

	~~Despite the controversy, the~~ Dubuque County Board of Supervisors signed a contract on the sixth ballot with W. H. Charters, of Sidney, Ohio on August 22, 1900. Competing firms had come from Des Moines and LeMars. Charters agreed to pay all expenses including the cost of litigation for 15% of the taxes paid into the treasury. (7)		The Dubuque County Board of Supervisors signed a contract on the sixth ballot with W. H. Charters, of Sidney, Ohio on August 22, 1900. Competing firms had come from Des Moines and LeMars. Charters agreed to pay all expenses including the cost of litigation for 15% of the taxes paid into the treasury. (8) On December 24, 1900 the district court in Polk County rendered an important decision. In the first case covering all the issues raised against the constitutionality of collection of back taxes on property shown to have been concealed from assessors. (9)

	On July 1, 1901, a six year contract was signed between the city council and Messrs. Charters and Worson. ~~(2)~~ By August, a problem had developed. Mayor Berg announced that he had found a flaw in the contract, a claim dismissed by City Attorney. Berg claimed that a clause, inserted at the request of the council, describing the time of the contract made it perpetual. A meeting held in the city attorney's office had seemed to settle the matter until the mayor discovered the city attorney had told the City Recorder that the mayor could be forced to sign. This infuriated the mayor who said he would not sign until satisfied of the language. (4)		Before adjournment on June 7, 1901, the Dubuque City Council instructed the city attorney to prepare an ordinance enabling the council to hire tax ferrets. (10) On July 1, 1901, a six year contract was signed between the city council and Messrs. Charters and Worson. By August, a problem had developed. Mayor Berg announced that he had found a flaw in the contract, a claim dismissed by City Attorney. Berg claimed that a clause, inserted at the request of the council, describing the time of the contract made it perpetual. A meeting held in the city attorney's office had seemed to settle the matter until the mayor discovered the city attorney had told the City Recorder that the mayor could be forced to sign. This infuriated the mayor who said he would not sign until satisfied of the language. (11)

	The ''Davenport Democrat'' on August 21, 1901 published part of a letter from Mayor Berg to Mayor Heinz of Davenport. Berg was quoted as saying he thought the position of Mayor Heinz and City Attorney Thuenen was sound in that special charter cities had no been given the authority to contract with ferrets. (5) The council met on August 22, 1901 with the issued unresolved. Mayor Berg stated he would ask City Attorney Duffy for an opinion as to the legal right of cities under special charter to hire tax ferrets. City Attorney Duffy, however, said he had not been previously asked for the legality of the city hiring tax ferrets. (6)		The ''Davenport Democrat'' on August 21, 1901 published part of a letter from Mayor Berg to Mayor Heinz of Davenport. Berg was quoted as saying he thought the position of Mayor Heinz and City Attorney Thuenen was sound in that special charter cities had no been given the authority to contract with ferrets. (12) The council met on August 22, 1901 with the issued unresolved. Mayor Berg stated he would ask City Attorney Duffy for an opinion as to the legal right of cities under special charter to hire tax ferrets. City Attorney Duffy, however, said he had not been previously asked for the legality of the city hiring tax ferrets. (13)

	In November, 1901 the largest amount yet filed against an individual was announced. [[ALBEE, Edwin W.\|Edwin W. ALBEE]] was asked to pay $5,000 in back taxes. (Equal to $150,000 in 2018.) The newspaper reported that "other wealthy city residents have been seen before the agents." (7)		In November, 1901 the largest amount yet filed against an individual was announced. [[ALBEE, Edwin W.\|Edwin W. ALBEE]] was asked to pay $5,000 in back taxes. (Equal to $150,000 in 2018.) The newspaper reported that "other wealthy city residents have been seen before the agents." (14)

	The city council's Committee of the Whole Report in favor of hiring tax agents was voted down in December, 1901. The question was to be put to the electorate in the municipal election in the spring of 1902. (8)		The city council's Committee of the Whole Report in favor of hiring tax agents was voted down in December, 1901. The question was to be put to the electorate in the municipal election in the spring of 1902. (15)

			In 1902 the ferret law was judged entirely constitutional. (16) Those attempting to stop or modify the ferret laws in the legislature failed in their mission in the 1902 session of the Iowa Legislature. (17)

			In 1933 Governor Clyde L. Herring signed a law providing for payment of tax ferrets from "funds benefited from their endeavors." (18)


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	3. "Contract is No Good," ''The Dubuque Sunday Herald'', September 9, 1900, p. 5		3. "Contract is No Good," ''The Dubuque Sunday Herald'', September 9, 1900, p. 5

	4. "City Briefs," The Dubuque Herald," May 20, 1900, p. 5		4. "Hard on Tax Ferrets," ''The Dubuque Herald'', June 29, 1900, p. 2

			5. "Iowa Notes and Comments," ''The Dubuque Herald'', March 2, 1900, p. 4

			6. "City Briefs," ''The Dubuque Herald'', May 20, 1900, p. 5

			7. "Tax Ferrets Have Trouble," ''The Dubuque Daily Telegraph'', May 20, 1901, p. 1

			8. "Tax Ferrets Engaged," ''The Dubuque Herald'', August 23, 1900, p. 4

			9. "Tax Ferrets Sustained," ''The Dubuque Herald'', December 25, 1900, p. 3

			10. "To Engage Them," ''Dubuque Daily Telegraph'', June 7, 1901, p. 3

	5. "~~Hard on Tax Ferrets,~~" ''~~The~~ Dubuque ~~Herald~~'', ~~June 29~~, ~~1900, p. 2~~		11. "Will He Sign It?" ''Dubuque Daily Telegraph'', August 5, 1901

	6. "~~Tax Ferrets Have Trouble~~," ''~~The~~ Dubuque Daily Telegraph''~~, May 20~~, 1901, p. 1		12. "Seen and Heard," ''Dubuque Daily Telegraph,'' August 21, 1901, p. 5

	7. "Tax ~~Ferrets Engaged~~," ''~~The~~ Dubuque ~~Herald~~'', August 23, ~~1900~~, p. 4		13. "Tax Ferret Coming Up," ''Dubuque Daily Telegraph'', August 22, 1901, p. 3

	4. "~~Employ Ferrets~~," ''Dubuque ~~Daily~~ Telegraph'', ~~July 1~~, 1901, p. 8		15. "Asked to Pay Large Sum," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', November 30, 1901, p. 6

	5. "~~Seen and Heard~~," ''Dubuque ~~Daily~~ Telegraph,'' ~~August 21~~, 1901, p. 5		15. "Voters Must Decide," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', December 6, 1901, p. 7

	6. "~~Tax Ferret Coming Up~~," ''Dubuque ~~Daily~~ Telegraph'', ~~August 22~~, ~~1901~~, p. 3		16. "Second Iowa Year Book," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, June 1, 1902, p. 1

	7. "~~Asked to Pay Large Sum~~," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', ~~November 30~~, ~~1901~~, p. 6		17. "Has Finished Its Work," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', April 20, 1902, p. 1

	8. "~~Voters Must Decide~~," ''~~Dubuque~~ Telegraph-Herald'', ~~December 6~~, ~~1901~~, p. 7		18. "Gov. Herring Signs Eleven New Measures," ''Telegraph-Herald and Times-Journal'', April 9, 1933, p. 18


	[[Category: Terms]]		[[Category: Terms]]
			[[Category: Legal Jurisdiction]]

Randylyon at 20:45, 29 November 2018

2018-11-29T20:45:21Z

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-TAX FERRETS. "Tax ferrets" is a name given to a public employer who looks for properties that haven’t been assessed for taxes and puts them on a list to be assessed. (1) In 1901 a six year contract was proposed between the city council and Messrs. Charters and Warson. (2) In 1902 the bond on tax ferrets in Dubuque was increased from $3,000 to $5,000. (3)
+TAX FERRETS. "Tax ferrets" is a name given to a public employee who looks for properties that have not been assessed for taxes and puts them on a list to be assessed. (1) In 1900 supervisors in Polk County hired tax ferrets to find property owners who had been evading taxes. In five months the total discovered was $100,000 (equal to $3,000,000 in 2018). (2) Attorneys in Cedar Rapids used a supreme court decision from Minnesota to claim that supervisors had no constitutional authority to make contracts. (3)
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@@ Line 7: / Line 20: @@
 . "Tax Ferrets," The Law Dictionary. Online: http://thelawdictionary.org/tax-ferrets/
-. "The Mayors's Veto," Dubuque Daily Telegraph, August 2, 1901, p. 9
+. "How Tax Ferrets Work," ''The Dubuque Daily Herald'', September 1, 1900, p. 6
 [[Category: Terms]]

Randylyon at 19:10, 27 June 2014

2014-06-27T19:10:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:10, 27 June 2014
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	TAX FERRETS. "Tax ferrets" is a name given to a public employer who looks for properties that haven’t been assessed for taxes and puts them on a list to be assessed. (1) In 1901 a six year contract was proposed between the city council and Messrs. Charters and Warson. (2)		TAX FERRETS. "Tax ferrets" is a name given to a public employer who looks for properties that haven’t been assessed for taxes and puts them on a list to be assessed. (1) In 1901 a six year contract was proposed between the city council and Messrs. Charters and Warson. (2) In 1902 the bond on tax ferrets in Dubuque was increased from $3,000 to $5,000. (3)

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	2. "The Mayors's Veto," Dubuque Daily Telegraph, August 2, 1901, p. 9		2. "The Mayors's Veto," Dubuque Daily Telegraph, August 2, 1901, p. 9

			3. "Company Asks Favor," Dubuque Daily Telegraph, October 3, 1901, p. 2

	[[Category: Terms]]		[[Category: Terms]]

Randylyon at 18:08, 27 June 2014

2014-06-27T18:08:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:08, 27 June 2014
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	TAX FERRETS. "Tax ferrets" is a name given to a public employer who looks for properties that haven’t been assessed for taxes and puts them on a list to be assessed. (1) In 1901 a six year contract was ~~sign~~ between the city council and Messrs. Charters and Warson. (2)		TAX FERRETS. "Tax ferrets" is a name given to a public employer who looks for properties that haven’t been assessed for taxes and puts them on a list to be assessed. (1) In 1901 a six year contract was proposed between the city council and Messrs. Charters and Warson. (2)

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Randylyon at 01:16, 27 June 2014

2014-06-27T01:16:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:16, 27 June 2014
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	TAX FERRETS. "Tax ferrets" is a name given to a public employer who looks for properties that haven’t been assessed for taxes and puts them on a list to be assessed. In 1901 a six year contract was sign between the city council and Messrs. Charters and Warson.		TAX FERRETS. "Tax ferrets" is a name given to a public employer who looks for properties that haven’t been assessed for taxes and puts them on a list to be assessed. (1) In 1901 a six year contract was sign between the city council and Messrs. Charters and Warson. (2)

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	Source:		Source:

	"The Mayors's Veto," Dubuque Daily Telegraph, August 2, 1901, p. 9		1. "Tax Ferrets," The Law Dictionary. Online: http://thelawdictionary.org/tax-ferrets/

			2. "The Mayors's Veto," Dubuque Daily Telegraph, August 2, 1901, p. 9

	[[Category: Terms]]		[[Category: Terms]]

Randylyon at 00:55, 27 June 2014

2014-06-27T00:55:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:55, 27 June 2014
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	TAX FERRETS. Tax ferrets is a name given to a public employer who looks for properties that haven’t been assessed for taxes and puts them on a list to be assessed. In 1901 a six year contract was sign between the city council and Messrs. Charters and Warson.		TAX FERRETS. "Tax ferrets" is a name given to a public employer who looks for properties that haven’t been assessed for taxes and puts them on a list to be assessed. In 1901 a six year contract was sign between the city council and Messrs. Charters and Warson.

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