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OMER
VILL
REI
FOT
CITY 1872 EN
ESTABLISHED)
CITY OF SOMERVILLE
MASSACHUSETTS
ANNUAL REPORTS 1954
VES
SOMERVILLE
AT
FREED
NAL
FOUNDED 1842
1872
MUNICIPAL
A CITY STRENGTH
842 ESTABLIS
ISHED A
Somerville Printing Co., Inc.
1955
-
139 EPEC
HON. WILLIAM J. DONOVAN Mayor of Somerville
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from Boston Public Library
https://archive.org/details/annualreportofci1954some
INAUGURAL ADDRESS BY MAYOR WILLIAM J. DONOVAN
JANUARY 4, 1954
Mr. Chairman, Reverend Clergy, Fellow Members of the City Government, Invited Guests, Citizens of Somerville:
This occasion is saddened by the loss of a man who has given sincere and conscientious service to the city. The sudden departure from this life, of City Engineer Lawrence A. Baruffaldi, takes from us a man who always did his best, and sacrificed his health to carry out his duties.
Although saddened by this loss, we can remember his unselfish devotion to duty and use it as an example to follow.
Rich in tradition, proven in its historical past, and now, confident of, and dedicated to, an even greater future, Somer- ville today greets a new city administration.
As your newly-elected Mayor, I take office, aware of our city's glorious history, humble in my approach to its admini- stration, but assured that with the support of the citizenry of
6
ANNUAL REPORTS
the city, Somerville's heritage of progressive leadership will be re-established in the years to come.
We assume office today, aware of, and alert to, the grave responsibilities which the evolution of government has placed upon us.
From the inception of America as a nation, we have sin- cerely recorded our belief, that a government's sole reason for existence is its protection of, and service to the people.
It is in full harmony with this concept of governmental responsibility that I take office.
The assumption and discharge of my official duties during my administration, will be directed to the fullest utilization of the city's facilities, for the protection, advancement and en- hancement of the lives of our citizenry.
Dedicated to this end, and sincere in our ambition to achieve it, we must survey and evaluate our present needs, in order that we may lay the foundation for our future progress.
In the recent election campaign, my pledge to the people of Somerville was, to introduce into the custodianship of Somerville's affairs, the elements and practices of sagacious business management.
As your Mayor, I pledge myself to an administration which will be economically progressive. To achieve this aspect of my pledge, I shall forthwith dispense with the practice of utilizing the City Departments, to repay the personal obliga- tions of a successful candidate. Commencing immediately, the purchase of materials for use by the City Departments, will be accomplished on the basis of competitive bidding. Contracts will be negotiated with the lowest, responsible bid- der, whose equipment or product is of the greatest value. The preservation of a healthy, economic climate in the community is a duty of government. Accordingly, whenever possible, and
7
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
in conformity with these principles, preference will be given to established, Somerville businesses.
The concern of my administration for the financial well- being of those, who by the investment of their capital and the establishment of their business enterprises within the confines of our city, will not be restricted to according them just a preference in city purchasing.
I shall endeavor to create an atmosphere which will attract new industry and increase employment opportunities for Somerville people.
Somerville, my fellow citizens, is a $130,000,000 corpora- tion. You are its stockholders. Your investment is your tax monies. Your dividends, however, are not paid in cash, but in municipal services. As the owners of the municipal corpo- ration, I maintain that you, the citizens, are entitled to the finest facilities possible. Unfortunately, the buildings owned by your corporation are in woeful need of repair. Your school buildings require immediate attention, in order that we may insure the safety of our most prized possessions, our children.
For the maximum protection of our homes and businesses, new fire apparatus is imperative.
To safeguard the health and provide efficient service to our citizens, the equipment and methods of our various de- partments require modernization.
To catalogue in general terms the many details which confront this administration on this inaugural day, is to embark on a task impossible of completion this evening.
However, it is necessary and expedient that you, the citizens of Somerville, be acquainted with the details of your city's needs as to the restoration of its physical plant.
8
ANNUAL REPORTS
My first concern is for the welfare of the young.
I pledge myself and my administration to embark upon a program designed to improve, and modernize our school system. Its internal operation is the most important segment of training in which our government is privileged to partici- pate. It is our municipal obligation, consistent with our financial ability to pay, to house them during their hours of training, in the most modern, comfortable and healthy atmos- phere possible.
There exists a great difference between the school of thought which considers economy to be the shirking of respon- sibility, because it involves and necessitates the expenditure of money; and the judgment which believes, the best economy is the judicious investment of money in the present, for the rewarding dividend of the future.
I emphasize, however, that the expenditures must be made judiciously, because over thirty cents of every tax dollar is spent by the School Department. I ask the wholehearted co-' operation of the Honorable Members of our School Committee with my administration, to prevent any wasteful expenditure of our taxpayers' money.
Under the statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachu- setts, the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen have no control over School Department budgets; it is imperative, therefore, for the economic health of our city, that the School Board members consider seriously all expenditures, with the elimina- tion of all unnecessary positions established under the guise of political expediency or personal favoritism. I shall never at- tempt to usurp the authority of the members of the School Committee, but as a member of that Committee, I shall be watchful and outspoken against any violation of their trust.
The city must provide areas which are well designed to insure safety, promote health and stimulate enjoyment for the leisure hours of play enjoyed by our children.
9
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
We are handicapped, because of our population density, by the lack of available space for this purpose. However, no problem is impossible of solution, and my administration must provide one. The daily newspaper reports of the thoughtless and sometimes malicious acts committed by juveniles, is com- pelling reason for the expansion of a progressive, supervised recreation program for our young children and our teen age youth.
Of paramount importance to any conscientious administra- tion is the health of its citizens. The health of the com- munity is so vital, that to tolerate conditions and practices which could possibly jeopardize the physical well-being of the citizenry, is to violate the trust placed on an administration by the electorate.
Accordingly, the equipment of our Sanitary Department will be surveyed for the purpose of establishing a rotating plan of replacement which will result in the city owning a modern fleet at all times. This will be done on a pay-as-you-go basis. A street sweeping program will be instigated which will be methodically planned, to efficiently eliminate, as far as pos- sible, the littered streets we see about the city today.
I am convinced that great savings and greater efficiency can be accomplished by many of our City Departments. The introduction of integrated procedure will eliminate needless duplication and result in substantial savings.
The Police and Fire Departments of Somerville are fortu- nate, in that the men directing them are capable, sincere and dedicated to the responsibilities which have been committed to them. My administration will not interfere with the internal operations of these Departments. For the safety of Somerville and its citizens, it is imperative that the spirit and morale of the members of these Departments be maintained at the highest possible level. To accomplish this, and to encourage increased efficiency, adherence to the departmental regula-
10
ANNUAL REPORTS
tions and the individual discharge of duty, will be the basis for promotional assignments within the Departments.
In cataloging the needs of our City at the outset of my remarks, I noted that the fire apparatus of Somerville is out- moded and in sore need of replacement. With the advice and counsel of the Fire Chief, a program of replacement, modern- ization and rehabilitation will commence immediately, again, on a pay-as-you-go basis.
As a business man, who realizes that an employer's success is the product of the efforts of his workers, I approach the problems which have beset the City employees, resolved to supply a solution. I pledge to the City employees honest, fair and considerate treatment. Assignments and promotions will be predicated upon merit. In return, I ask from each employee a conscientious, rapid and efficient discharge of all duties which are assigned to him.
At the present time the City is faced with a staggering number of law suits wherein individuals claim personal injuries caused by the precarious condition of our brick sidewalks. To permit this dangerous and hazardous state of disrepair to con- tinue is unthinkable. A program for the replacement of brick sidewalks with concrete or hot top will have the attention of my administration.
Thus far in this address, I have spoken of the concern of your new City administration for the health, training, educa- tion and recreation of our children. Further, I have outlined programs to modernize and maintain our City's properties.
Every possible effort has been made to acquire the services of men and women, inspired with a desire to render unselfish service to the City, in the attainment of the policies and ob- jectives I have just enumerated. I am confident, that the members of the new official family, which I shall announce later this week, will merit the faith I have in them, by efficient supervision of their Departments.
11
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
The Veterans Service Department will be reestablished in the City Hall. It is my earnest desire, to provide proper and adequate facilities, easily accessible, for those who have so un- selfishly served in the armed forces of our country, and who through necessity and circumstance seek our assistance.
Our compassionate concern, will also embrace the present conditions and fortunes of those who contributed unstintingly to our City's past greatness. To our elderly citizens, whom the City is privileged to assist, I pledge the most humane and lib- eral treatment that can be accorded them.
You have been most patient and courteous during this, my inaugural message. I have attempted to portray for you the philosophy of government to which I subscribe - Service to the people.
Upon this foundation will be erected the accomplishments of my administration. I hope, and sincerely pray, that the programs which I have sketched will soon know reality. The success of my program, will be a monument to a citizenry which has worked together and contributed unselfishly, to the building of a better city in which to live, work and play.
No greater joy could come to me than to be able to say to you, on this inaugural day, in my first message as your Chief Executive, that all of these plans could be fulfilled without affecting your individual contribution to your municipal gov- ernment. Unfortunately, in this era of high costs of materials, peak wages and expensive equipment, such a statement is impossible.
In the past, I have been honest and sincere in my appraisal of your city's needs and existing deficiencies. In my current discussion of the financial condition of your city, I shall be equally candid.
Figures and statistics do not lend themselves to an inter- esting address. However, as you are the stockholders of the
12
ANNUAL REPORTS
municipal corporation, which is the City of Somerville, you are entitled to know how your tax dollars are to be utilized.
On January 1, 1953, one year ago, our bonded debt was $2,646,000 and now on January 1, 1954, as I assume office, it is $3,641,000, an increase of nearly $1,000,000 in one year.
In addition to the budget of my predecessor for the year 1953 which was $9,649,085.69, we require approximately an additional two hundred and thirty thousand dollars, to cover the cost of a salary increase granted last year to City em- ployees. This increase was not included in the 1953 budget, and therefore not included in the 1953 tax levy.
Also, we require approximately one hundred and twenty- three thousand dollars, to cover the increase in the 1954 School budget which has already been voted, and which be- comes the obligation of my administration. An additional ten thousand dollars, to the 1954 budget requirement is needed to meet the City's obligations for the first payment on the Dilboy Stadium bonds. Another obligation which did not appear on last year's budget, but one which your new administration must assume in 1954, is the first payment on the bonds for the two new schools which amounts to approximately sixty-five thousand dollars.
We will also be obligated to assume an additional expense for steaming garbage. This expense is the result of recent State legislation requiring additional sanitary safeguards.
You are aware that Somerville does not possess a munici- pally-owned water supply, but must purchase the water from the Metropolitan District Commission. In 1953, the cost of this service was one hundred and forty-six thousand dollars. For 1954, the M. D. C. has doubled this charge. Although the new cost will be $292,000 dollars, I shall make every effort, to see that your water bills are not also doubled.
In the Trum Field area, the City has erected a new Public Works Building. No provision has been made, however, for
13
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
the equipment which this building requires, as it now stands, it is but a hollow shell. The cost to equip this building could conceivably exceed $100,000.
These necessary additional expenditures, my fellow citi- zens, amount to about $700,000. They are obligations which the City must pay, and it is my duty to secure the funds neces- sary to make such payments. These are obligations which my administration did not contract, but as your new Mayor, I must meet most of them through the reluctant imposition of a sub- stantial tax rate increase. As a taxpayer of Somerville, I deplore it, as you do. As your new Mayor, I bitterly denounce the heedless practices which have contributed to making it a necessity.
The plans of my administration which can be postponed until the City's financial condition is improved, will be de- ferred in an effort to protect the citizenry from an oppressive tax burden. Unfortunately, the protection of our citizens will not allow the postponement of many expensive programs. Fire and Sanitation Departments, which I have discussed, are but two of the problems that cannot know indefinite delay.
A new school is a necessity in the area formerly served by the Pope School. I give this project the highest possible priority. However, I shall insist that the erection of this school, and every other undertaking of my administration, be accom- plished in the most efficient and economical manner possible.
My fellow citizens of Somerville, our City, enjoys a favored geographical location, proximate to transportation facilities, as well as the marts of commerce. We boast a citizenry, which in its cosmopolitanism, mirrors in miniature, all the elements which have made our nation the living symbol of liberty.
The problems in our municipal government are complex. The solution of them is certain to be costly. To provide these solutions, however, is not merely a matter of expense. The tax
14
ANNUAL REPORTS
which the times and the conditions of our city place upon us, is not merely one applied to our finances, but a tax as well on our ingenuity, imaginations, patience, abilities and capacities. The solution to our problems is our challenge of the times.
Somerville, in the past, has inscribed in history, glorious victories. This is our heritage.
With mutual aid, a co-operative spirit and the blessing of God on our work, which we humbly ask, Somerville will be re- instated to its proper position of pre-eminence among the cities of our state and nation.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM J. DONOVAN, Mayor
15
CITY AUDITOR
REPORT OF THE CITY AUDITOR
Office of the City Auditor January 31, 1955
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 1954, as shown by the records in this office, giving in detail the appro- priations, 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.
FRANCIS E. WALSH,
City Auditor
16
BALANCE SHEET, DECEMBER 31, 1954 REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Assets
Liabilities
Cash:
Abatements, Payments &
In Offices and Banks
$25,019.04
Overpayments to be Re- funded
$6,913.43
Cashiers Overages
493.68
Unidentified Cash
24.37
Tailings
1,279.81
Taxes, 1947
178.28
Taxes, 1948
767.92
Fees
53.91
Taxes, 1949
367.80
723.75
Taxes, 1950
5,781.78
School Dept. Evening School Deposits
595.75
School - Book Deposits
512.50
Highway Deposits
1,091.40
Accounts Payable
147,057.60
388,838.72
Unexpended Balances: Appropriations Income of Trust Funds .. ..
245,713.14
118,969.28
4,532.08
Tax Possessions
35,339.39
Reimbursements:
Aid Dependent Children ...
5.00
Old Age Assistance
3,432.10
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1949
2,743.71
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1950
6,369.01
63,715.77
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1951
7,381.37
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1952
8,680.87
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax,
Blue Cross Deductions
7,472.53
1953
12,252.65
Blue Cross Dividends
1,664.66
· ·
·
·
.
.
.
7,097.07
Taxes, 1953
18,365.68
Taxes,
1954
. ......
345,124.43
Taxes, 1952
..... 11,127.33
Tax Titles
... ..
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1948
81.04
Disability Assistance
237.00
Pay Roll Deductions for Pur- chase of Savings Bonds .... Federal Tax Withholding ...
2,074.88
20,943.82
1,227.69 Parking Meter Receipts ... . . .. Group Insurance Deductions Employees Insurance Deduc- tions .. 435.94
ANNUAL REPORTS
..
19.40
Taxes, 1946 9.03
..
School Deposits, Forfeited
City Clerk's Deposits
Taxes,
1951
.
$25,019.04
Accounts Receivable:
Taxes, 1945
BALANCE SHEET-Continued
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, 1954
68,128.65
Departmental Bills Receivable:
Health Department
945.00
Inspection Milk 214.00
Welfare Miscellaneous
45,831.10
Old Age Assistance
25,226.07
Departmental
145,912.21
City Home
5,855.31
School Contingent
21,122.09
Tax Titles ..
118,969.28
Veterans' Services
15.01
Tax Possessions 35,339.39
Motor Vehicle Excise
.. 104,905.54
499,833.61
Aid Dependent Children ..
46,080.43
New Sidewalks
393.70
145,912.21
Water Department Accounts
94,707.19
State Taxes and Assess- ments 1954
6,352.09
County Tax 1954
11,156.86
County Assessment 1954 ..
4,723.12
Sale of Real Estate
3,632.38
Overlay 1947
1.00
Overlay 1949
7.93
Overlay 1953
18,546.29
Overlay 1950
94.00
Overlay 1952
34,966.84
Overlay 1954
15,156.63
Excess and Deficiency
189,570.10
Reserve for Uncollected,
268.33
Revenue 1954
14,111.19
334,372.85
67.20
$1,248,795.98
Hot Lunch Project Receipts: Elementary High & Jr. High 4,263.75 1,086.03
School-Athletic Receipts ....
11,085.40
George Barden Fund
1,361.48
Smith-Hughes Fund
1,229.75
Revenue Reserved until Collected:
Water 94,707.19
City Owned Property Rent- als
229.50
240,619.40
Emergency Hurricane Damage
"Carol"
176,429.03
Emergency Hurricane Damage "Edna"
74,894.54
Overlay 1951
3,391.89
Due from Dept. Coll.
O'Donoghue
268.33
D. J. O'Donoghue
470.25
Premiums on Bonds ... .. County-Dog Licenses
$1,248,795.98
CITY AUDITOR
17
105,637.30
NON-REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Cash in Offices and Banks ... $1,116,756.33 Accts., Rec. State & County Aid to Highways .. 14,304.62
Loans Authorized 425,000.00
Non-Revenue Appropriations State and County Highway Revenue . Somerville Housing Authority Loans Unissued
67,310.02 1,047,703.22
14,304.62
1,743.09
425,000.00
$1,556,060.95
$1,556,060.95
NET FUNDED OR FIXED DEBT
Net Bonded Debt
$3,576,069.64
Loans within statutory debt limit:
Chapter 44-Sewer Loan
81,000.00 445,000.00
Municipal Relief Loan ....
School and Municipal Bldgs. Loan ..
225,000.00
Municipal Garage Loan ..
678,000.00
Elementary Schools
1,090,000.00
Public Works Equipment Loan 95,599.09 . . Works Building Loan 76,470.55
2,691,069.64
Loans outside statutory debt limit:
P. W. A. Sewer Loan
10,000.00
Chapter 44-Water Main Loan .. Veterans' Housing Loan .
5,000.00 320,000.00
Transit Assessment Loan .. Stadium Loan
155,000.00
885,000.00
$3,576,069.64
$3,576,069.64
ANNUAL REPORTS
Public
395,000.00
18
Accounts Payable
TRUST AND INVESTED FUNDS
Trust Funds: Cash and Securities .....
Investment Funds: Cash and Securities ..
2,188,639.98
Trust Funds:
Contagious Hospital ... ...
1,000.00
School Funds ...
10,523.60
Library Funds
38,605.47
Welfare Funds
1,751.45
Recreation Funds ...
3,645.76
Invested Funds: Municipal Buildings Insur- ance Fund
4,127.24
Retirement System Funds, 4 % and 5 %
1,872,070.65*
Veterans Housing Funds .. 312,442.09
$2,244,166.26
* Figures submitted by Retirement Board.
CITY AUDITOR
19
..
..
$2,244,166.26
$55,526.28
20
ANNUAL REPORTS
CASH STATEMENT, DECEMBER 31, 1954 REVENUE
Receipts
General:
Taxes
$8,072,176.57
Motor Vehicle Excise
659,751.54
Tax Titles
25,302.60
C. of M. Corporation Tax
546,833.52
C. of M. Income Tax
318,780.00
C. of M. School Aid
359,400.00
C. of M. Meal Tax
49,552.36
C. of M. In Lieu of Taxes
241.90
C. of M. Reimb. Civil Defense
6,198.47
C. of M. School Constr. Project
16,670.87
Tax Possessions
3,375.00
Housing Authority, Lieu of Taxes
32,832.00
City Property Rentals
391.50
Sale of Real Estate
1,050.00
Licenses and permits
137,481.48
Fines and Forfeits
6,004.91
Grants and Gifts
1,304,442.79
Parking Meters
39,725.23
All Other
1,119.30
$11,581,330.04
Departmental:
General Government
14,948.22
Protection Persons & Property
6,690.93
Health and Sanitation
19,969.40
Highways
11,757.05
Welfare
26,587.32
City Home
10,990.74
Old Age Assistance
761,122.48
Disability Assistance
89,492.47
Aid Dependent Children
136,530.05
Veterans Services
27,018.27
Schools and School Buildings Teachers' Retirement Deductions
144,440.98 123,644.01
Firemen's Credit Union
254.00
Retirement Deductions
22.84
Federal Tax Withholding
748,605.20
Payroll Deductions for the Purchase of Savings Bonds
17,488.00
Blue Cross Deductions
90,674.62
Municipal Credit Union Deductions ..
306,703.70
Insurance Deductions
1,158.22
Group Insurance Deductions
20,391.60
Somerville Housing Net Income
1,969.19
Somerville Housing Investment Fund
45,000.00
Libraries
4,245.65
Recreations
360.20
Tailings
70.39
All Other
405.56
Water Department Accounts Interest on Taxes, etc.
650,002.41 11,616.52
2,610,541.09
21
CITY AUDITOR
Trust Fund Income
1,708.50
Refunds
53,559.32
Temporary Loans
3,000,000.00
Municipal Relief Loans
225,000.00
Deposits
16,301.30
Loan in Anticipation Munic. Relief Loan
225,000.00
Premiums on Loan and Bonds
471.25
Accrued Interest
708.55
4,184,367.85 18,376,238.98 459,775.52
Total Receipts 1954 to date
Cash Balance January 1, 1954
Adjustments in Cash
99.59
$18,836,114.09
CASH STATEMENT, DECEMBER 31, 1954
Payments
Appropriations
$11,293,694.85
Interest
82,262.15
Reduction Funded Debt
462,000.00
Credit Union Deductions
307,915.95
Refunds
100,456.86
Teachers' Retirement Deductions
123,644.01
Smith-Hughes Fund
2,388.32
Pay Roll Deductions for Insurance
20,450.91
Blue Cross Deductions
84,595.87
Federal Tax Withholding
737,305.84
Hot Lunch Receipts
157,398.04
Athletic Receipts
8,130.36
Firemen's Credit Union
254.00
City Clerk's Deposits
381.75
Cash Overages
396.75
School Deposits
699.52
Temporary Loans
3,300,000.00
Savings Bonds Deductions
15,787.75
Income Trust Funds
2,286.42
Tailings
2.82
County Assessment
140,212.77
Health-Bottling Licenses
50.00
County, Dog Licenses
4,433.00
Retirement Deductions
22.84
Water Deposits
20.00
Highway Deposits
10,099.15
Emergency Hurricane Damage
323,999.14
County Tax, 1954
295,649.61
State Taxes and Assessments
1,059,122.77
Loan in Anticipation Municipal Relief Loan
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