Imperial Valley Press

District Calls Special Election for September 16

Imperial Irrigation district directors took final action on two matters vitally important to district residents Monday by setting a 1943-44 tax rate of $3.50 per $100 of assessed valuation and calling a special election for Sept. 16, at which time voters will ballot on the issuance of $6,000,000 worth of power bonds which would be used to purchase the power properties in this area of the California Electric Power company.

Purchase of the power facilities of the California company hinges entirely on the outcome of the election and if the issue is approved at the polls the district will take possession of the properties some time in October as contracts for the purchase have already been signed by officials of both concerns.

Of the $6,000,000 to be raised by the sale of bonds $4,900,000 will go for the purchase of properties and the remainder for tying the district's system in with that of the California Electric company and making necessary improvements in both systems.

The resolution passed by the directors, which contained the election call, named election boards and called for voting to take place between 6 a. m. and 7 p. m. on Sept. 16.

The new tax rate represented a reduction of 25 cents on each $100 of assessed valuation, last year's rate being $3.75.

With a $3.50 tax rate district officials expected to raise approximately $1,122,680. Assessed valuation this year totalled $37,754,103, approximately $58,000 more than that of last year.

Evan T. Hewes, district president, said the reduction in the tax rate was brought about because of the directors' recent action in refunding bonds and warrants.

Of the money raised through taxation $650,000 will be used for the redemption of bonds and warrants and paying interest on outstanding obligations. $150,000 will go into a drainage fund, $50,000 in the district's emergency fund, $75,000 for payments to the federal government on the Laguna dam and $197,680 for maintenance and operation.