1932-01 Fla. Northern & Western Railway indebtedness---- - -- -- -- -.1 1141W �WVWI�l AWQ ""Vy-
tion, motion seconded by Councilman McUarthy and carried:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Florida Western and Northern Railway Company is indebted to the
City of Okeechobee for taxes for the years 1930-31 amounting to $2159.64 and to
the State of Florida and County of Okeechobee in the sum of $29,709-78 and,
WHEREAS, said Railway Company is leased by the Seaboard Air Line Railway Com-
pany, and
WHEREAS, both the Seaboard Air Line Railway and Florida Western and Northern
Railway Companies have been placed in the hands of Receivers, and , it has been
made to appear to this Council that it is doubtful that the Court, which 1kas juris-
diction of said Receiverships. ivill order a sale of the property and assets of said
Florida Western and Northern Railway Company until the receivership has been
9
terminated, which in the opinion of this Council, will not be for several years, and
an
WHEREAS, if the pro-perity of said Railway Company is eventually sold by/order
of the Court, it is doubtful that same will bring an amountsufficient to satisfy
c a including taxes, of said Company, and
dl liens)
WHEREAS, under the terms of the lease,of said Florida Western and Northern Railway
Company, the Seaboard Air Line Railway Company can terminate said lease upon giving
thirty days notice of its intention to do so, and if said lease id terminated it is
doubtful that the City of Okeechobee would have railroad service on said Florida Western
and Northern Railroad for mmy years to come, and
WHEREAS, this Council has been info=,ed that it is impossible for said Florida
Western and Northern Railway Companyto pay the taxes due the StLate, County and City
for the years 1930-31 and the possibility of collecting said taxes is uncertainand
WHEREAS, this Uouncil is informed that valuations on all real estate in the
County of Okeechobee has been reduced.by the County Tax Assessor approximately forty
per cent. for the year 1931 over previous years, except the property of Railway
Companies in Okeechobee County, Florida, and
WHEREAS) it has been made to appear to this Council that if the taxes of said
Company are Yeduced 50fo for the years 1930-31 that it is possible for the Receivers
of said Company to pay said taxes in cash immediately upon being granted said re-
duction,, and
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WHEREAS, under the laws of the State of Florida, the State Comptroller, State I
Treasuxer and Attorney General are required to assess the property of Railway Com -
I " V
panies for taxation purposes, and this Council is of the opinion that said State
officials will reduce said taxes id requested by the Board of County Commissioners
to do so, and
WHEREAS, this Council believes it to be to 1hhe best interest of. said County
that a reduction be granted provided payment be made immediately upon notice that
same has been granted,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Okeechobee,
Florida, that the Board of. County Commissioners of Okeechobee County, Florida, be,
and they are hereby requested to recommend to the proper State officials that such
reduction be granted the said Railway Company provided said dompany agrees to pay
said taxes as reduced in cash immediately ixpon being notified of such reduction.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Cleik deliver copies of this Resolution
to the Board,of County Commissioners aforesaid and to the Board of Public Instruct-
ion of Okeechobee County.
Passed and adonted in open session this 30th day of January A. D. 1932.
ATTEST (City Seal)
Alto Watford
president City.Council.
R. R. Fletcher
Oity Clerk.
The above Resolution approved by me this 30th day of January A. D. 1932.
J. Denha.,,-i Bird
Mayor.
n
I
J,L
Attest:
ar,11A
City Clerz.
President City Go