Page:The Wisconsin idea (IA cu31924032449252).pdf/106

 ing the railroad are excepted, and shall be subject to taxation like the property of individuals. The true cash value of the railroad property is found by the tax commission (chapter 315, laws of 1903). When the value of railroad property has been ascertained, the statute provides that the returns from all the taxes of the state for state, county and local purposes, except special assessments on local improvements, shall be aggregated by the tax commission. From the aggregate of the true cash value of the general property of the state as found by the tax commission, and the aggregate amount of taxes, the board computes the average rate of taxation, which rate so arrived at, constitutes the rate of taxation of all railroad property. The rate is applied to all railroad companies and is to be paid to the state treasurer at stated intervals, and become a part of the general fund for the use of the state.

On the same basis telegraph companies, express companies, sleeping car, freight line and equipment companies are assessed by the commission on the actual value of the property in the state, subject to assessment with such change as the character of the property requires. All money so collected is part of the general fund of the state.

Chapter 493, laws of 1905, provides for the taxation of the property of street railways, and electric light, heating and power companies, operated in connection with