USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1901 > Part 2
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25
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
that the cost of its maintenance is so small, only $675 hav- ing been expended last year. There is a pressure from the people of ward six to have the system extended to that part of the city, and there are plans and estimates in the hands of the city council showing the expense thereof. Although it would be too costly to carry the system through the whole district at one time and under one con- tract, and although we are under the urgent need of pru- dence in every expenditure, yet considering that proper sewerage is so necessary to the public health, and consid- ering likewise that the taxpayers at that end of the city have been obliged to contribute toward the building and support of the sewers already in operation, and from which they have received no direct benefit, I would recommend that the city council investigate this subject with a view to doing a portion of the work, providing it can be done in harmony with the whole plan proposed.
LIGHTING STREETS
The service of providing lights for streets and public buildings is placed in the hands of a joint committee from the board of aldermen and the common council. I sup- pose there is no department of public service where mem- bers of a committee are more importuned than in this of street lighting, and it may be laid down as an axiom that where a lamp is once placed there it stays. The cost of lighting streets and public buildings last year was $13,- 430.86. Since it may be difficult to reduce the number of street lamps, I trust that the committee to be appointed for the current year will be enabled by contract or other- wise to making a saving from the present cost.
THE WATER WORKS
The case of the Water Company vs. the City has dur- ing the past year advanced another stage toward settle-
26
ANNUAL REPORTS
ment. The next will be final as the exceptions will then be heard and decided by the Supreme Court of the United States. So far at every trial the contentions of the city have been sustained and there can be no doubt but that the last decision will be in our favor. Meanwhile the ser- vice has been improved, the rates somewhat reduced and the plant itself with its surroundings, formerly in appear- ance a bog hole, has, under the care of the Board of Com- missioners and its superintendent, become a pleasure to the eye.
POOR DEPARTMENT
So far as I can learn no fault can be found by the cap- tious with the manner in which this large department is maintained. The present board of overseers and their clerk appear to receive the confidence of the public in a marked degree. The almshouse is well managed by the superintendent and the method of dispensing what is known as out door relief is most excellent and economical. The total expense of the department last year was $24,- 811.12, of which sum more than $9000 was paid for the maintenance and care of the insane.
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Public Library and Reading Room are being con- ducted in a most satisfactory and liberal manner. The library has, during the past year, received several be- quests amounting in all to $30,000. For full statistics you are referred to the report of the Librarian lately issued.
SUGGESTIONS
As I approach the end of this paper there are two or three recommendations, or rather suggestions, which I beg leave respectfully to submit.
27
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
First. To members of the Common Council, where all orders for the outlay of the public funds should originate, that they be very careful, especially at the beginning of the year, and prior to the passage of the ap- propriation bill, as regards the suspension of the rule which requires that such orders shall have two separate readings presumably at different sessions of the board. When, as now, the board meets twice in a month the delay from one meeting to another can seldom be detrimental to the inter- ests of the city and it may often be of benefit.
Second. I wish to speak a word of warning to the mem- bers of committees about to be appointed. It is in reference to the practice of holding back bills for labor or supplies, or causing or permitting such bills to be so held by those with whom committees or their agents deal. Every bill should be filed in the month when it is contracted and every credi- tor of the city should be paid upon the pay roll next follow- ing. A neglect of this plain duty whether from careless- ness or motive is the sure forerunner of debt and overdraft.
A lesson easy of comprehension, showing the conse- quence of such utterly unbusiness-like courses, come to us with unpleasant emphasis today, when an overdraft of $12,000 or $13,000 is presented us, with the compliments of the season, from the administration of last year. This de- ficit we must meet by the application of about eight per cent. of a tax not yet assessed. Do you realize, gentlemen, that this overdraft with the interest account will absorb more than one-sixth of the total tax upon the basis of last year's rate and valuation ?
There is another matter which I would earnestly com- mend to the attention of the city council. I ask you gentle- men, to consider carefully whether or not the time has come for a reform in the methods of buying such merchandise as is required in the various departments of the city. I am sure that such supplies could be bought at a saving of much money if the entire business should be placed by one honest and competent man. My observation shows me
28
ANNNAL REPORTS
that a knowledge of goods and qualities, of trade dis- counts and cash discounts, and other up-to-date methods enables, always, the close buyer in every line and depart- ment of trade to make a distinct saving and profit over and above the ordinary gains of business. A corporation like the city of Newburyport is in the aggregate a large buyer ; its credit is of the best, and in its purchases should have every advantage of price and quality. I was pleased last year to note in one of our daily papers some editorial comment upon the methods of purchase then and now in use, and I hoped that the public would show some interest in a subject so important. It may be said in objection to such a plan that it would create another salaried office, that it would place too great a power in the hands of one man-that it would be difficult to find a proper person to exercise so great a trust. Other objections may be urged, but I am inclined to think that a man such as the people would elect (for surely to the people should such an elec- tion go) would be able to show a saving of five times his salary annually. I am aware that this plan may not at first be popular, and that it can never be introduced save by amendment to the charter with referendum to the peo- ple, but I have felt it a duty to bring it to your notice in the hope that it will some day be adopted.
OUR FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
On June 24, 1851, was inaugurated the first city gov- ernment, a charter having been accepted by the town's people on the 3d of June preceding. Preparations for the due observance of the 50th anniversary of this event should be at once begun. Notwithstanding our somewhat impoverished state, we must needs, as patriotic citizens, make ready at some expense, personal as well as public, for an event so important. The anniversary will be of It will intimately concern large and general interest.
29
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
every son and daughter of the soil, every man, who coming from abroad has here found citizenship,' and every woman born without our borders who by marriage or in any other way has become identified with the city of our love and pride. We of the city council cannot for a moment think of arranging upon our own responsibility for such a celebration as this should be. A large com- mittee chosen from every profession, trade, calling, and interest represented in our city should be invited to share with us the care and pleasure of preparing for so great a day. I doubt not, gentlemen, that you will at once take the preliminary steps, and so leave the matter in your hands.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
And now, gentlemen, having indicated the principal points which have occurred to me as claiming our attention, I have little else to say.
Last week when I had arranged in my mind the order in which to present these topics, I was considering in what form of words to close this brief address. Perhaps it was because my last paragraphs had been in reference to the anniversary, but at the moment I found myself recall- ing the memory of some of those, who long ago, stood in the places now occupied by us; and especially the name and greatness of that famous man, the first mayor of our city, came into my mind, and as I thought of that great personality and with it contrasted my own, you will not wonder that it was borne in upon me that any words of mine, save in reference to the business of the day, should be very few, and very simple.
So, gentlemen, I wish you all a happy year in public and in private life, I add this only: May we each have strength of purpose to follow the line of duty without fal- tering, through evil or through good report.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
CITY OF NEWBURYPORT, December, 1901.
To the City Council of the City of Newburyport :
GENTLEMEN :- The Joint Standing Committee on Finance respect- fully submits the following statements and reports of the City Treas- urer and Collector, and the City Auditor for the financial year ending December 21, 1901.
The books and accounts of the City Treasurer and Collector, have been examined, under direction of the committee, by the City Audi- tor, and found by him to be correct and properly vouched.
For the Committee,
MOSES BROWN, Chairman.
FIFTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
CITY AUDITOR
City of Newburyport, Auditor's Office, Dec, 21, 1901.
To the Committee on Finance :
Gentlemen :- In conformity with the requirements of the city ordinances, I herewith submit the fifty-first annual re- port of the receipts and expenditures of the city of New- buryport for the financial year ending December 21st, 1901, togther with a statement of the city debt and debts due the city, and a schedule of the real and personal property be- longing to the city. I have audited the books of the city treasurer and find them correct and properly vouched.
I examined all securities belonging to the city in posses- sion of the treasure1, including the sinking fund invest- ments, and found the same properly accounted for. They are deposited for safe keeping in a deposit box hired by the city in the Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank. I veri- fied the accounts of the collector of taxes, including the amount committed to him by the assessors, the abatements made by them during the year, and the amount collected.
32
ANNUAL REPORTS
I audited the books of the treasurer of the board of water commissioners, for the year ending Nov. 30th, and found the same correct and properly vouched.
I examined the cash account kept by the city clerk, of all monies received by him as fees or otherwise (except dog li- censes), during the year ending Dec. 21, 1901, and found the amount to be $668.80-of this amount the sum of $551.00 has been paid to the city treasurer and a receipt taken therefor.
I examined the cash account kept by the city messenger as agent for rental of City Hall, of all monies received by him during the year ending Dec. 21, 1901, and found the amount to be $1510.50, all of which has been paid to the city treasurer and a receipt taken therefor.
I examined the books of the clerk of the overseers of the poor and found that the bills as approved correspond with the payments made by the city treasurer.
I examined all bills passed by the committee on accounts as presented weekly and monthly, and found the same cor- rectly cast and accurately placed upon the books.
The books of the city treasurer show an increase of the city debt during the year ending Dec. 21, 1901 of $30,395.54. The overdraft for the year 1901 is $6567.29.
Very Respectfully,
WILLIAM H. WELCH, City Auditor.
33
CITY AUDITOR
RECEIPTS.
The receipts for the year ending Dec. 21, 1901, are shown in aggregates, as credited by the following accounts :
Poor
$ 4,703 05
Schoo's
1,114 30
Fire 71 64
Highways
3,018 88
Incidentals
577 35
Public property
543 15
Police
1,067 74
Lighting
2 00
Interest on overdue taxes.
2,899 78
Interest on bank deposit
1,136 17
Public library
150 00
Sidewalks and edgestones
173 35
Notes payable
122,467 73
State of Massachusetts, State Aid
9,059 00
State of Massachusetts, Military Aid
313 73
State of Massachusetts, Burial Expenses
245 00
State of Massachusetts, Armory rents
400 00
Bromfield Fund
400 CO
Liquor licenses
25,271 00
Ashes and rubbislı
14 00
Non resident bank tax, city banks
2,397 65
Non resident bank tax, state of Massachusetts
4,387 82
Income, corporation tax, 1900.
108 4I
Income, corporation tax, 1901
11,451 76
Soldiers' relief
616 45
County of Essex (seals)
42 00
Dog licenses
468 03
City Hall
1,510 50
Burial lots
225 CO
Board of Health
14 00
Parks, (Atkinson Common)
4 8S
Printing
8 50
Essex Merrimac Bridge
50 00
Curson Mill Bridge
412 22
Newburyport Bridge
152 65
Betterments
2,512 67
Watering streets, 1899
226 93
Carried forward.
$198,217 30
34
ANNUAL REPORTS
Brought forward $198,217 30
Watering streets, 1900
515 51
Watering streets, 190I
3,513 45
Taxes of 1898
452 67
Taxes of 1899
15,316 18
Taxes of 1900
27,435 22
Taxes of 1901
120,560 49
Sewer construction
2,697 85
City Bonds, 3 1-2 per cent sewer loan
46,000 00
Making a total of
$414,708 67
EXPENDITURES.
The expenditures for the year ending December 21, 1901 as approved, are shown in aggregates as charged to the follow- ing accounts.
Poor $ 25,657 43
Schools
37,262 72
Fire
11,743 30
Highways 16,049 28
Incidentals
7,968 29
Public property 6,943 88
Police
13,885 76
Lighting
13,668 42
Interest
19,921 81
Public Library
3,376 cg
Sidewalks and edgestones
2,545 55
Newburyport Bridge
1,610 45
Essex Merrimac Bridge
693 60
Cursons Mill Bridge
909 42
Culverts
875 38
Notes payable
117,467 73
State of Massachusetts, State Aid
10.032 50
State of Massachusetts, Military Aid 601 46
State of Masachusetts, Burial expense
385 00
State of Massachusetts, State tax
6,422 50
.County of Essex, County tax
9,039 79
Non resident bank tax.
3,791 51
Liquor licenses (25 per cent. to the state and sundries) .. Fuel
6,925 39
529 54
Salaries 10,050 66
Carried forward
$328,667 37
35.
CITY AUDITOR
Brought forward $328,667 37
Board of Health
Printing
951 35 873 56
Sinking Fund Commissioners
14,500 00
Ashes and rubbish
1,453 66
Memorial Day
200 00
Sewer (maintenance)
661 0I
Sewer (construction)
35,089 20
Parks (regular)
456 20
Parks (Atkinson Common)
504 88 90 35
Parks (Cushing)
Soldiers' relief
4,GOI IO
County of Essex (seals)
42 00
Watering streets for 1901
5,395 43
Bromfield Fund
395 80
Water account
2,143 00.
New schoolhouse
17,4II 12
Anna Jaques Hospital
600 00
Fiftieth anniversary of city
2,250 00
Making a total of $416.396 13
The whole amount of receipts during the year ending Dec. 21, 1901, was $414,703 67
The whole amount of expenditures during the year ending Dec. 21, 1901, was 416,396 13
Excess of expenditures over receipts $ I.687 46
The balance in the treasury at the close of business, Dec. 15, 1900, was. 62,530 95
The total amount received into the treasury
from all sources from Dec. 17, 1900 to
Dec. 21, 1901, inclusive was 414,708 67
Making a total of $477,239 62
The total amount expended and ordered to be paid from the treasury from Dec. 17, 1900, to Dec. 21, 1901, inclusive was ... .$416,396 13
The balance in the treasury at the close of
business Dec. 21, 1901, was. 60,843 49 Making a total of $477,239 62
36
ANNUAL REPORTS
CITY DEBT.
Showing the increase and decrease during the year end- ing Dec. 21. 1901, in detail :
The amount of the net city debt December 15. 1900 was $286,876 59 The city debt has been increased during the.
year 1901 as follows:
By the amount of note No. 611, issued to or- der of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, dated Feb. 25, 1901, payable in nine months with interest at the rate of three per cent per annum, temporary loan ....... By the amount of note No. 612, issued to the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, dated Feb. 25, 1901, payable in nine months with interest at the rate of three per cent per annum, temporary loan .... By the amount of note No. 613, issued to the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, dated Feb. 25, 1901, payable in nine months with interest at the rate of three per cent per annum, temporary loan .... By the amount of note No. 614, issued to the order of W. F. Houston, trustee under the will of R. W. Drown, dated Feb. 16, 1901, payable in one year with interest at the rate of three per cent per annum, temporary loan
By the amount of note No. 615, issued to the order of Water Commissioners, New- buryport, dated May 3, 1901, payable on demand with interest at the rate of three per cent per annum, temporary loan .... By the amount of note No. 616, issued to the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, dated May 13, 1901, payable in six months with interest at the rate of three per cent per annum, temporary loan .... By the amount of note No. 617, issued to the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer,
10,000 00
9,000 00
13,500 00
1,467 73
15,000 00
3,000 00
Carried forward.
$338,844 32
37
CITY AUDITOR
Brought forward . $338,844 32
dated June 8, 1901, payable in four months with interest at the rate of 3.09 I-2 per cent per annum, temporary loan
35,000 00
By the amount of note No. 618, issued to the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, dated Nov. 15, 1901, payable in six months with interest at the rate of three per cent per annum, temporary loan .... 2,000 00 By the amount of note No. 619, issued to the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, dated Nov. 25, 1901, payable in two months with interest at the rate of three per cent per annum, temporary loan .... 11,000 00 By the amount of note No. 620, issued to the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, dated Nov. 25, 1901, payable in three months with interest at the rate of three per cent per annum, temporary loan .... 9,000 00 By the amount of note No. 621, issued to the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, dated Nov. 25, 1901, payable in three months with interest at the rate of three per cent per annum, temporary loan ... 13,500 00 By the amount of city bonds, sewer loan, principal payable Sept. 1, 1931. Forty-six of the denomination of $1000 each. In- terest payable semi-annually March I and / Sept. I, at the rate of 3 1-2 per cent per annum, Nos. I to 46 inclusive. 46,000 00
Sundry debts due from the city Dec. 21, 1901, more than amount due Dec. 15, 1900 viz: 1901 Bromfield fund $35 71 1900 Bromfield fund 31 51 Difference 4 20
Making a total of. $455,348 52
There has been paid on account of the city debt during the year 1901, notes as fol- lows:
To the order of the Institution for Savings in Newburyport and its vicinity, note No.
Carried forward
$455,348 52
38
ANNUAL REPORTS
Brought forward.
$455,348 52
531, dated Sept. 1, 1895, which matured Sept. 1, 1901, bearing interest at the rate of 3 1-2 per cent per annum, armory loan To the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, note No. 552, dated Sept 1, 1896, which matured Sept. 1, 1900, and paid April 15, 1901, bearing interest at the rate of four per cent per annum, school loan
3,000 00
1,500 CO
To the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, note No. 553, dated Sept. 1, 1896, which matured Sept. 1, 1901, bearing interest at the rate of four per cent per annum, school loan
1,500 00
To the order of W. F. Houston, trustee un- der the will of R. W. Drown, note No. 603, dated Feb. 16, '1900, which matured Feb. 16, 1901, bearing interest at the rate of 3 I-4 per cent per annum, temporary loan
1,467 73
To the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, note No. 607, dated Nov. 24, 1900, which matured Feb. 24, 1901, bearing interest at the rate of three per cent ,per annum, temporary loan
10,000 00
To the order of Jantes V. Felker, city treas- urer, note No. 604, dated May 12, 1900, which matured May 12, 1901, bearing in- terest at the rate of three per cent per annum. Temporary loan.
4,000 00
To the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, note No. 608, dated Nov. 24, 1900, which matured Feb. 24, 1901, bearing interest at the rate of three per cent per annum, temporary loan
9,000 00
To the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, note No. 609, dated Nov. 24, 1900, which matured Feb. 24, 1901, bearing interest at the rate of three per cent per annum, temporary loan
To the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, note No. 610, dated Nov. 24, 1900, which matured Fcb. 24, 1901, bearing interest at Carried forward
9,000 00
$39,467 73 $455,348 52
39
CITY AUDITOR
Brought forward. $39,467 73 $455,348 52
the rate of three per cent per annum, temporary loan
To the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, note No. 611, dated Feb. 25, 1901, which matured Nov. 25, 1901, bearing interest at the rate of three per cent per annum, temporary loan
To the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, note No. 612, dated Feb. 25, 1901, which matured Nov. 25, 1901, bearing interest at the rate of three per cent per annum, temporary loan
To the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, note No. 613, dated Feb. 25, 1901, which matured Nov. 25, 1901, bearing interest at the late of three per cent per annum, temporary loan
To the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, note No. 616, dated May 13, 1901, which matured Nov. 13, 1901, bearing interest at the rate of three per cent per annum, temporary loan
To the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, note No. 617, dated June 8, 1901, which matured Oct. 8, 1901, bearing interest at the rate of 3.09 1-2 per cent per annum, temporary loan
35,000 00
Sinking funds and other available assets Dec.
41, 1901, in excess of amount Dec. 15, 1000, viz:
1901 (see schedule) $242,684 79
1900 (see schedule) 222,076 13
Difference
20,603 66
Making a total of
138,076 39
Net debt Dec. 21, 1901.
$307,272 13
Net debt Dec. 15, 1900 286,876 59
Increase of net debt during the year 1901 . .
$ 30,395 54
7,500 00
10,000 00
9,000 00
13,500 00
3,000 00
40
ANNUAL REPORTS CITY DEBTS AND ASSETS.
December 21, 1901.
DEBT
City bonds (sewerage loan) 3 1-2 per cent, due 1931 $ 46,000 00 City bonds (general loan) 4 per cent, due 1908 65,000 00 City bonds (new schoolhouse loan of 1900) 3 1-2 per cent due 1910 27,500 00 City bonds (general loan) 4 per cent, due
90,000 00 City bonds (general loan) 4 per cent, due 1913 25,000 00 City bonds (sewerage loan) 4 per cent, due 1919 107,500 00
5,000 00
15,000 00
Notes payable (committee on Green fund) 4 per cent, due on demand, trust fund . Notes payable (committee on Toppan fund) 4 per cent, due on demand, trust fund. .. . Notes payable (committee on A. Williams fund) 4 per cent, due on demand, trust fund
250 00
1,000 00
Notes payable (committee on Todd fund) 4 per cent, due on demand, trust fund
10,000 00
Notes payable (committee on William O. Moseley fund) 4 per cent, due on de- mand. trust fund
10,000 00
Notes payable (trustees of Margaret Atwood fund) 4 1-2 per cent, due on demand, trust fund . 10,500 00
Notes payable (trustees of Simpson fund) 4 I-2 per cent, due on demand, trust fund Notes payable (trustees of Follansbee fund)
20,000 00
4 per cent, payable on demand, trust fund 3,000 00
Carried forward.
$438,750 00
-
Notes payable (committee on Sawyer fund) 4 I-2 per cent. due on demand, trust fund Notes payable (committee on Brown fund) 4 I-2 per cent. due on demand, trust fund. Notes payable (committee on Frothingham fund) 4 per cent, due on demand, trust fund 1,000 00
2,000 00
41
CITY AUDITOR
Brought forward $438,750 00
Notes payable( overseers of the poor) 4 1-2 per cent, due on demand, Dexter fund ... 2,000 00 Notes payable (armory loan) 4 per cent, due 1902 1,200 00
Notes payable (temporary loan) 3 per cent, due J902. 117,967 73
Due commissioners of Atkinson common. 3 48
Due Bromfield fund 35 71
Gross city debt, Dec. 21 ,190I
$559,956 92
ASSETS.
Taxes of 1899 $ 1,934 18
Taxes of 1900
20,801 84
Taxes of 1901
52,440 18
Betterments 3,112 05
Watering streets for 1899 30 75
Watering streets for 1900
310 17
Watering streets for ICOI
1,002 75
State of Massachusetts, State Aid.
9,236 00
State of Massachusetts, Military Aid.
282 23
State of Massachusetts, Burial Expense
385 00
Deposited in First National bank, Newbury- port 58,592 27
Deposited in First National bank, Boston
1,390 67
Deposited in safe in treasurer's office 860 55
Sinking funds 92,306 15
Making a total of
$242,684 79
$317,272 13
Total net debt Dec. 21, 190I
42
ANNUAL REPORTS
SINKING FUNDS.
December 21, 1901.
Total amount of funds Dec. 15, 1900 $ 73,018 67
Appropriation for the year 1901. 14,500 00
Income from investments during the year 1901 2,955 32
Premium front sale of City of Haverhill 4 per cent water loan bond 112 50
Making a total of $90,585 49 Paid premium and accrued interest on city of Newburyport 3 1-2 per cent, (sewer bonds) 1,280 34
Making a total of $ 89,306 15
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