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ERDOM GIVES
SOMETT
1
CITY OF SOMERVILLE MASSACHUSETTS
ANNUAL
REPORTS
1950
GIVES
NA
SOMERVILLE
FREED
FOUNDED 1842
NAL
PAL
MUNIC
A CITY 1872 STRENGT
ESTABLISHED A
Somerville Printing Co., Inc. 1951
HON. JOHN M. LYNCH Mayor of Somerville
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from Boston Public Library
https://archive.org/details/annualreportofci1950some
INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF MAYOR JOHN M. LYNCH
JANUARY 2, 1950
Mr. Chairman, Members of the Board of Aldermen, Members of the School Committee, Reverend Clergy and My Fellow Citizens of Somerville:
To all my dear friends, loyal supporters and all the citizens of Somerville, I extend sincere best wishes for a New Year filled with good health, happiness and prosperity.
At the beginning of this inauguration of a new city govern- ment for Somerville, my thoughts go back to twelve years ago today when I first assumed office as Mayor.
Although the condition of the city then was bad, it was not as critical and dismal as it is today.
We faced a difficult task then, but despite the obstacles, we were able to make progress for six years, even with the ex- istence of the holocaust of war. To support this statement, I would like to quote from the Somerville Journal-Press of No- vember 25th 1943, in which the Journal-Press said, and I quote:
"Municipal Financial Picture Unusually Sound" "If Mayor-elect G. Edward Bradley knows, as he does, the financial condition of the city as of No- vember 1, 1943, then he must be quite pleased at the rosy condition he will find when he takes of- fice in January.
"He will find that the city's debt picture is unusu- ally sound.", end of quote.
6
ANNUAL REPORTS
That was the condition of the city at the end of my official term of office as Mayor, and since that time, I am sorry to state, we have had six years of steady decline in the character and efficiency of our city government.
It has always been my practice, when addressing the citi- zens of Somerville, to speak frankly. I am convinced that the people demand honesty in government and appreciate intel- lectual honesty on the part of their public officials. For that reason, I intend today, to make you acquainted with the true conditions of your city as we find it now.
At the outset, may I say that the facilities are not yet avail- able to me to obtain sufficient information whereby I can in more detail accurately and properly portray conditions as they exist. However, I intend immediately, to make a thorough probe and survey of all the departments of the city government of Somerville, and from time to time, will report to the people of our city just what the facts reveal.
Needless to say, our city government is in a deplorable state of chaos, caused by the tyrannical and unwarranted abuse of power, by those who were in control of our city during the past six years.
In no city anywhere, at any time, has there existed the chaos, confusion, and lack of confidence in city government, as exists in Somerville today. The incidents which brought about the present plight of our city resulted in an aroused elec- torate marching to the voting booths last November, and issuing a thunderous mandate for a change in the type of gov- ernment in Somerville.
What were some of these incidents?
The highest tax rate in the history of our city, and with that, the highest assessed valuations ever known, made the tax bill on real estate owners the largest ever received. These record-breaking high taxes resulted in the Federal Rent Con- trol officials, authorizing an increase in rents in Somerville, the second largest increase of any city in this area, which affected many thousands of tenants who occupy homes in our city. Added to these high taxes, high assessments, and higher rents, we have also been subjected to the humiliating spectacle of our city being brought into public disgrace, by the gross mis- management and questionable actions of some of our city of-
7
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
ficials and those doing business with the city. The results of these actions, which were first revealed by an audit of the city's accounts made by the State Auditors, have resulted in the indictment of certain city officials and certain persons do- ing business with the city, with the net result that Somerville today stands as a community disgraced.
Only recently a Judge of the Superior Court rendered a de- cision invalidating a contract illegally entered into, for the collection of garbage given by the previous administration.
As I have said before, an indignant electorate made it em- phatically clear last November that they desired a change in the character of the city government of Somerville. Notwith- standing this, during the past two months, the actions of the outgoing administration, were more scandalous than they were before the election. Never before have we witnessed an out- going administration manifest such flagrant disregard for all lawful procedure as we have seen in Somerville since Novem- ber 8th.
Not content with having practically destroyed the fragile fabric of city government which was left; by their ruthless dis- regard for everything that is right and proper, they have deliberately and maliciously plunged our city into a pit of financial obligations.
Additional and un-necessary jobs, wholesale increases in numbers in the personnel of the Police and Fire Departments, an unprecedented number of last-minute promotions in these departments, with the result, that it will be many years before any of the younger men in our Police or Fire Departments will have an opportunity for advancement. The official records show that in the Police Department there is a superior officer on the average of every four and one-half men; and in the Fire Department there is a superior officer for every three and one- half men.
The whole result of these unwise actions has seriously af- fected the morale of both departments, and I am appealing to the members of these departments to place the welfare of the city above their personal feelings. I make this appeal with the assurance that I shall do everything within my power in an endeavor to remedy this situation.
Since the last election, this administration has again granted another contract for the collection of garbage, with the same favored individual, and under similar circumstances, to the great disadvantage of the taxpayers of Somerville. The
8
ANNUAL REPORTS
people may rest assured in this matter that action has already been commenced to ascertain the validity of this contract.
Since election day, the outgoing administration has em- barked on a widespread practice of awarding questionable pensions, and the placing on the pay roll of numerous persons by political preferment in absolutely unnecessary positions. They have also granted salary increases on a wholesale scale to persons who stand in their political favor, and in some in- stances, the salary increases were dated back many months.
Thus, you can see by their actions of the past two months, they have committed the city to an inevitable increase in taxes, over which we have no control whatsoever, and which will vi- tally affect the taxpayers this year.
In addition, as of today, there is a deficit in estimated re- ceipts of over $200,000.00 and a deficit in the overlay account of over $135,000.00; making a total of $335,000.00 which must be included in this year's tax rate. This is a burden which was imposed upon us before we even begin the business of the year.
Sincerely, I state to the people of Somerville that our task is a difficult one and our road a hard one to travel. There is no easy approach to the solution of the gigantic task before us. If we are to be realistic, every citizen must realize that the "municipal extravaganza" of the past six years must be paid for now! The day of reckoning has come. The "honeymoon" is over - and we must get about the serious business of the city in a determined effort to once again restore Somerville to its proper position among the municipalities of the Common- wealth.
To do this, we must set our sights on definite objects.
First, we must strive to reduce taxes in Somerville, which have already reached a confiscatory figure. We must realize that now everyone is affected by taxes, and, therefore, the rent payer, as well as the home owner, must take an active interest in the city government.
We are fortunate in Somerville in having an intelligent and virile Taxpayer's Association, which has banded together, for the purpose of protecting the home owners and taxpayers of
9
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
our city from unnecessary and unwarranted expenditures of public funds.
We are likewise fortunate in having an aggressive Chamber of Commerce, composed of business and professional men in our city. Their purpose is to advance the business opportuni- ties of Somerville. During my administration, both these organizations will be invited from time to time, to assist me by their suggestions and advice in the many complicated problems which will arise.
I am determined, in so far as I am able, to do everything possible to assist business in Somerville. We must keep present business establishments in our city and endeavor to obtain new industries for Somerville, having in mind that the revenue re- ceived from these sources will contribute toward lessening our tax burdens, and will provide employment for many of our citizens.
It is my intention to do everything possible to make greater parking facilities available in the various shopping centers in our city, in order that those who wish to trade with Somerville merchants may do so comfortably and conveniently.
I believe that the employees of the city should be ade- quately compensated and that their working conditions be made as pleasant as possible. And I pledge to them that I shall so conduct the city that these conditions will prevail in so far as humanly possible.
During my term of office, city employees will not be ex- ploited for political purposes, and it is my contention that they should not allow themselves to be exploited, because the action of a few can often bring dire results to the majority.
No regular permanent employee of the city, holding a necessary job, need have any fear during my term of office. However, those persons who, by political preferment, were placed in un-essential positions and in unnecessary numbers, and who constitute a padded pay-roll, will be removed. During my administration, the city pay-roll will not become a haven for political favorites who do nothing but increase the cost of taxes, and by their unnecessary presence on the public pay roll, jeopardize the welfare of all the good and faithful city em- ployees whose jobs are necessary to the essential functioning of our city government.
.10
ANNUAL REPORTS
I am mindful of the necessity for maintaining suitable rec- reational facilities for both adult and juvenile enjoyment and I shall give further consideration to this department after hav- ing had an opportunity of making a proper appraisal of the existing condition.
In keeping with the campaign pledge I made, I have had filed with the State Legislature, a petition to have the Metro- politan District Commission erect a suitable athletic stadium on the site of Dilboy Field, which land is owned by the State. Through the legislation I have proposed, we merely asked the Metropolitan District Commission to construct the stadium and then the city will assume the responsibility for maintaining it.
I have likewise had legislation filed for the erection of a swimming pool on Somerville Beach at Shore Drive. On this project also, we have merely asked the Metropolitan District Commission to construct the swimming pool and then the cost of maintaining it would be borne by the city. The reason for making these proposals is that Somerville has not benefited like so many communities from the vast facilities of the Met- ropolitan District Commission, and, therefore, there should be no valid objection to them bearing the cost of construction and the city afterward assuming the cost of maintenance.
During the coming two years I shall at all times be mind- ful of the requirements of our less fortunate citizens who are forced to seek assistance from the city. Their requirements will be provided for with a sympathetic understanding of the real needs of our relief problem. I have a most sympathetic understanding of the problems of our aged citizens and I in- tend to give them considerable attention. This worthy govern- mental agency will be administered at all times humanely and fairly.
When I entered the Naval Service during the last World War, and thereby interrupted my term as your Mayor, the con- duct of the liquor business in Somerville was at the peak of efficiency. During the time that I was your mayor, there were no permits granted for entertainment in liquor establishments; because it is my belief that these places use entertainment as a means of attracting the younger element into drinking estab- lishments. During the administration which has just passed out of existence, entertainment licenses were granted to certain places.
When I was your Mayor before, all drinking establishments in the city were closed at midnight, but during the last admini-
11:
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
stration, some of these establishments were permitted to stay- open until 1 a. m.
Recently, a number of additional liquor licenses have been granted in Somerville and are now pending before the State Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission for approval.
Now, as to the whole liquor situation, may I publicly state, that I recommend the immediate revocation of all entertain- ment permits in liquor establishments in Somerville. I also recommend that the closing hour for liquor establishments be returned to midnight, where it was before. I am unalterably opposed to the granting of any additional liquor licenses in any form whatsoever in Somerville.
As I previously stated, our task is going to be hard and dif- ficult. The actions of the previous administration were, before election, and have been so outrageous since election, as to plunge the city into its present deplorable condition. I am not satisfied that everything has been all right in the conduct of our city's affairs and I intend to make a thorough survey and study of all that has taken place. In the event it is necessary, I guarantee positive action and will even go so far as to ask for legislative permission to remedy any wrongs which have been committed against the people of Somerville.
At this time in the interest of economy and efficiency, I recommend that the Sanitary Department of our city be merged with the Highway Department; and all the duties be directed by the Highway Commissioner. This action will be the first step in the direction of obtaining a Public Works Depart- ment, which is sorely needed to consolidate all the Public Works activities of the city.
Notwithstanding all the statements that have been given to the contrary, the condition of Somerville's school buildings is below accepted standards, and just as soon as I am able to ob- tain a complete picture of these conditions, I shall consider a. long-range school building program, including provision for accommodating the children who live in the vicinity of the Pope School, which is now closed.
My fellow citizens, as Chief Executive, it is my solemn pledge to conduct the affairs of our city with dignity and cour- age, sincerity and honesty, to the end that sane and orderly government be restored in Somerville.
12
ANNUAL REPORTS
I cannot do it alone. I must receive the wholehearted co- operation of the Members of the Board of Aldermen, the School Committee, the Board of Assessors, and all the em- ployees of the city, to the end that Somerville might be a better place in which to live.
I shall not transgress upon the functions of the Board of Aldermen, the School Committee, or the Board of Assessors; but I realize that only by "teamwork" can we succeed in the difficult task which lies before us.
We must all do our share to bring credit upon the city and happiness to its people. I sincerely appeal to all the citizens for their co-operation and assistance. Confident of our com- bined abilities to courageously and intelligently meet the problems before us, and with Divine Guidance and assistance, we will restore the good name of Somerville.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN M. LYNCH, Mayor
13
CITY AUDITOR
REPORT OF THE CITY AUDITOR
Office of the City Auditor January 31, 1951
To the Honorable, the Mayor, and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville.
Gentlemen :-
In accordance with the requirements of Chapter 7, Section 3 of the Revised Ordinance of 1929, I herewith submit a report of the expenditures and receipts during the year 1950, as shown by the records in this office, giving in detail the ap- propriations, expenditures and the receipts from each source of income. Also a statement of the funded debt and temporary loans, table relative to maturities and interest, a balance sheet showing the assets and liabilities at the close of the fiscal year.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN E. VARNERIN, Temporary City Auditor
BALANCE SHEET, DECEMBER 31, 1950 REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Assets
Liabilities
Cash:
In Offices and Banks ..... $1,361,282.76
$1,361,282.76
Accounts Receivable:
Taxes, 1944
2.00
Taxes, 1945
33.28
Taxes, 1946
180.03
Taxes,
1947
3,004.14
Taxes,
1948
5,564.71
Taxes,
1949
14,118.87
Taxes, 1950
391,476.47
414,379.50
Water Deposits
50.00
Tax Titles
121,860.99 5,231.05
Income of Trust Funds .... Revenue Appropriations ..
4,260.76 270,883.07
Tax Possessions Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1946 14.91
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1947
3,219.99
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1948
4,002.42
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax,
1949
5,697.98
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax,
1950
92,298.44
105,233.74
4,838.10
Departmental Bills Receivable: Health Department 3,573.66
Contagious Hospital 14,490.71
Sanitary Department ..... ..
300.00
Cashier's Overages
Unidentified Cash Tailings
Temporary Loans 1950
School Deposits, Forfeited Fees
290.16
City Clerk's Deposits
508.25
School Dept. Evening School Deposits
910.50
School-Book Deposits
110.50
Highway Deposits
115.00
Unexpended Balances:
Reimbursements, Aid De-
pendent Children
155.00
Reimbursements, Old Age
3,050.00
Assistance
Payroll Deductions for Pur- chase of Savings Bonds .... Federal Tax Withholding 610.25 .... Parking Meter Receipts 47,210.88 538.60 ...... Employees Insurance Deduc- tions .. 250.38
Blue Cross Deductions Hot Lunch Project Receipts- Elementary 2,813.26
Hot Lunch Project Receipts -- High and Jr. High School-Athletic Receipts ...
5,563.32
3,525.26
$439.52 24.37 897.49 700,000.00
14
ANNUAL REPORTS
....
BALANCE SHEET-Continued
Welfare Miscellaneous ..... 38,354.46
Old Age Assistance
20,248.09
Aid Dependent Children .. 55,643.42
Revenue Reserved until Collected:
Departmental 161,513.45
Water 69,319.78
Tax Titles
121,860.99
Veterans' Services
12,022.42
City Owned Property Rent- tals
40.00
Inspection Milk
184.00
161,513.45
Water Department Accounts
69,319.78
230,833.23
State Taxes and Assessments County Assessment, T. B.
$21,514.42
County-Dog Licenses
61.80
Hospital 1950
44.78
23,743.09
Overlay 1944
27.25
Overlay 1945
72.52
Overlay 1946 ... .....
1,413.10
Overlay 1947
222.32
644.61
Overlay 1948 ....
6,853.27
Sale of Real Estate
82.38
Overlay 1949
596.80
54,220.85
Overlay 1950
5,759.13
County Tax 1950 .. Excess and Deficiency ..
222,794.65
$2,275,324.86
$2,275,324.86
.......
.......
....
George Barden Fund Smith-Hughes Fund
1,793.35
1,224.00
City Home
3,208.29
School Contingent
13,448.40
Tax Possessions 5,231.05
Motor Vehicle Excise .... 105,233.74
463,159.01
Somerville Housing - Unex- pended Balances . .. Somerville Housing-Reserve
453,789.35 6,767.10
Somerville Housing Subsidy .. Refund Mass. Teachers' Re- tirement Board
CITY AUDITOR
15
BALANCE SHEET-Continued NON-REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Cash in Offices and Banks ...
$10,243.69
Non-Revenue Appropriations State and County Aid to High-ways ..
$10,243.69
Accts. Rec. State & County Aid to Highways .. 19,715.08
19,715.08
29,958.77
$29,958.77
NET FUNDED OR FIXED DEBT
Net Bonded Debt
$2,934,000.00
Loans within statutory debt limit:
Junior High School Loans
$4,000.00
Garage Loan
4,000.00
Chapter 44 Sewer Loan ...
121,000.00
Municipal Relief Loan .... School & Munic. Bldgs.
617,000.00
Loan
525,000.00
Macadam Pavement Loan
180,000.00
1,451,000.00
Loans outside statutory debt limit:
Municipal Relief Loan ....
141,000.00
P. W. A. Sewer Loan
14,000.00
P. W. A. School Loan
60,000.00
Chap. 44 Water Main Loan
55,000.00
Veterans' Housing Loan ..
500,000.00
Transit Assessment Loan ..
713,000.00
1,483,000.00
$2,934,000.00
16
ANNUAL REPORTS
. . . ...
$2,934,000.00
BALANCE SHEET-Continued TRUST AND INVESTED FUNDS
Trust Funds: Cash and Securities .....
$56,396.59
Contagious Hospital ..
$1,000.00
School Funds
10,523.60
Library Funds
39,475.78
Welfare Funds
1,751.45
Recreation Funds .
3,645.76
Invested Funds:
Municipal Bldgs. Insur-
ance Fund
3,609.37
Retirement System Funds 4 % and 5%
1,296,439.91
$1,356,445.87
$1,356,445.87
..
..
17
CITY AUDITOR
Trust Funds:
Investment Funds: Cash and Securities ..
1,300,049.28
7.8
ANNUAL REPORTS
CASH STATEMENT-DECEMBER 31, 1950 REVENUE
Receipts
General:
Taxes
$6,903,709.18
Cashiers Overages
446.14
Motor Vehicle Excise
408,768.14
.C. of M. Franchise Tax
7,173.13
.C. of M. Boxing Commission
163.73
C. of M. Income Tax
755,376.14
C. of M. Corporation Tax
345,027.88
C. of M. Meal Tax
33,135.01
C. of M. Alewife Brook Parkway Re- fund
5,420.36
C. of M. in Lieu of Taxes
113.51
'City Property Rentals
630.00
Tax Titles
32,196.27
Licenses and Permits
141,786.00
Fines and Forfeits
10,575.37
Grants and Gifts
1,017,618.48
Parking Meters
35,993.10
Somerville Housing Authority
555,868.71 643.62
All Other
$10,254,644.79
Departmental:
General Government
12,564.66
Protection Persons and Property
5,458.08
Health and Sanitation
39,538.25
Highway
2,370.00
Welfare
82,304.41
Aid Dependent Children
167,131.87
City Home
6,978.61
Old Age Assistance
772,597.93
Veterans Services
47,841.75
"Schools and School Buildings
131,109.63
Libraries
3,346.33
Recreation
547.90
Retirement Deductions
117,441.81
Teachers' Retirement Deductions
101,474.47
Federal Tax Withholding
433,460.00
Payroll Deductions for Purchase of Savings Bonds
6,618.00
Blue Cross Deductions
49,499.65
Municipal Credit Union Deductions ..
114,381.51
Insurance Deductions
1,182.85
All Other
785.80
$2,096,633.51
'Water Department Accounts
$496,426.90
Interest on Taxes, etc.
10,207.40
Trust Fund Income
1,463.07
Refunds
27,303.22
Temporary Loans
4,200,000.00
Municipal Relief Loan
354,000.00
19
CITY AUDITOR
Premiums on Bonds
102.66
Loan in Anticipation of Relief Loan
200,000.00
Accrued Interest
352.87
Deposits
11,025.00
$5,300,881.12
Total Receipts 1950 to date
17,652,159.42
Cash Balance January 1, 1950
709,195.41
Adjustment in Cash
.90
Transfer from Non-Revenue
4,333.70
$18,365,689.43
CASH STATEMENT -DECEMBER 31, 1950
Payments
Appropriations
$9,647,833.05
Interest
72,431.13
Reduction Funded Debt
685,000.00
Loan in Anticipation of Relief Loan
200,000.00
County Tax 1950
239,962.93
Retirement Deductions
119,691.25
Credit Union Deductions
118,636.97
Refunds
61,981.17
Federal Grant, Hot Lunch Project
5,163.78
Teachers' Retirement Deductions
101,489.05
Smith-Hughes Fund
2,281.48
George Barden Fund
5,847.09
Temporary Loans
4,400,000.00
Payroll Deductions for Insurance
1,118.69
Parking Meters Receipits
28,234.79
School Deposits
560.00
Savings Bond Deductions
8,297.50
Blue Cross Deductions
48,601.20
Income Trust Funds
1,610.12
Federal Tax Withholding
509,437.07
Premiums on Bonds
2,334.88
City Clerk's Deposits
1,072.50
State Taxes and Assessments 1950
558,201.46
County Assessment T. B. Hospital
98,364.12
County, Dog Licenses
5,110.80
Water Deposits
1,570.00
Health-Bottling Licenses
50.00
Highway Deposits
2,925.00
Hot Lunch Receipts
39,518.77
Athletic Receipts
2,903.98
Cash Overages
6.62
Tailings
14.98
Total Payments 1950 to date
$16,970,250.38
Cash on Hand December 31
1,361,282.76
Transfer to Non-Revenue
34,000.00
Adjustment in Cash
156.29
$18,365,689.43
20
ANNUAL REPORTS
CASH STATEMENT - DECEMBER 31, 1950 NON-REVENUE
Receipts
State and County Aid to Highways ..... $55,284.92
55,284.92
Balance at Beginning of Period
7,476.98
Transfer from Revenue
34,000.00
$96,761.90
CASH STATEMENT - DECEMBER 31, 1950
Payments
Appropriations
$82,184.51
$82,184.51
Cash on Hand
10,243.69
Transfer to Revenue
4,333.70
$96,761.90
SUMMARY
Total Revenue Receipts ..
$17,652,159.42
Total Non-Revenue Receipts
55,284.92
17,707,444.34
Adjustment in Cash
.90
Total balance at beginning of period
716,672.39
$18,424,117.63
Total Revenue Payments
16,970,250.38
Total Non-Revenue Payments
82,184.51
17,052,434.89
Adjustments in Cash
156.29
Total Balance on Hand
1,371,526.45
$18,424,117.63
..
STATEMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS 1950 (REVENUE)
Unencumbered Balances
Unliquidated Encumbrances
Unexpended Balances
Total Expenditures
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