City of Seattle Records

Department of Public Works Office of the City Engineer Reginald H Thompson, City Engineer H W Scott, A V Bouillon, Assistant Engineers A Jackson, Chairman Board Public Works G N Alexander, J W Van Brocklin, Members board Public Works 3 J A J Seattle, Washington, not as a matter of righting a supposed injustice, but the good fortune of a change in the charter provisions of the city governing assessment districts. Had these changes or amendments not been made, the re-assessment would have been no doubt as to its legality- Hence is seems to me that owners of lots situated with reference to re-assessments as is the lot in question, ought not to expect to recap the results of this good fortune until the re-assessed taxes are collected and the claims against the street satisfied. the excess of taxes collected should then be rebated as provided by the charter The records of the City Tresurer's office would seem to indicate at time of original assessment or payment, and the presumption would be that this tax was paid before she purchased the property- If true, this presumption would not affect the claim of the owner of the lot for an eventual rebate, but would tent to strengthen the position of the city against an immediate demand. However this may be as regards the question of ownership I see no way of settling any of these rebates until all claims against the local improvement fund are satisfied. per Geo F Cotterel Right of Way Deputy Very Respectfully yours R S Thomson City Attorney