USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1960-1962 > Part 42
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Although any capital project has a definite impact on the current tax rate and those of future years, it is the overall picture which must be considered in the determination of the advisability of any particular project. The information being presented in this report is the only source of such overall information available to the Town Meeting. We believe that our recommendations will assist the Town to stabilize its tax rate and to spread the financial impact of various projects over feasible periods in such a way as to "budget" our capital outlay program.
We have attempted to give due consideration to probable and proper methods of financing and included the cost of borrowing money for the years involved inasmuch as it is impossible to properly budget capital expenditures without some consideration as to the cost of financing such items. We should like to draw the attention of the Town Meeting to the fact that certain capital expenditures will inevitably create additional operating expenses. It is quite evident that a substantial new facility will require additional maintenance and operating expenses.
Our projections of financing costs are completely dependent upon the assumption that basic recommendations of the Committee coincide with Town Meeting action. It should, of course, be kept in mind that there will from time to time be a variance from our recommendations and each such variance will require adjustments in the overall financial impact as projected by the Committee.
SECTION II The Capital Program
Conclusions
The capital expenditures listed below would certainly exceed our ability to pay for them under a stabilized tax rate.
The borrowings indicated would raise the outstanding debt at the end of 1965 above a prudent level of 5% of assessed valuation.
Debt service in the years beyond 1965 would seriously reduce the funds available for other capital expenditures.
Therefore, as each item of capital expenditure comes up for your approval, you should be aware of the over-all problem, and cognizant of the effect of your actions on the long term financial stability of the town.
219
CAPITAL OUTLAY COMMITTEE REPORT
A DETAILS OF MAJOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
(The following items have been submitted to the Capital Outlay Committee as being potential items for consideration during the next four years.)
1962
1963
1964
1965
Airport - town share
13,000
8,000
13,000
6,000
Electric light - construction
10,000
65,000
5,000
Electric light - depreciation
90,000
90,000
90,000
93,000
Engineering
3,000
Fire
25,000
48,000
15,000
16,000
Library
28,000
Police
10,000
7,000
7,000
7,000
Public Works
86,000
14,000
7,000
School - new schools
100,000
School - other
116,000
183,000
Cemetery
24,000
Municipal building
25,000
Sewer construction
45,000
40,000
100,000
40,000
Drain construction
144,000
240,000
50,000
50,000
Road construction
100,000
189,000
308,000
40,000
Water construction
100,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
Debt service - debt outstanding 12/31/60
374,000
360,000
352,000
297,000
Debt service - new debt
280,000
210,000
220,000
MDC assessment
95,000
95,000
95,000
95,000
Additions to stabilization fund
100,000
100,000
100,000
Total having direct impact on tax rate
1,385,000 1,732,000
1,362,000
974,000
Expenditures of borrowed funds not included above
Elec. light sub-sta. - total cost $300,000
300,000
Fire and Polic sta. - total cost $600,000
575,000
Library add. - total cost $328,000 300,000
Elem. school - total cost $750,000 100,000
Jr. High School - total
cost $1,500,000
1,200,000
Incinerator - total cost $1,200,000
1,200,000
Total
400,000
875,000
1,400,000
Expenditures from stabilization fund not
included above - for new schools 550,000
150,000
150,000
GRAND TOTAL
2,335,000
2,607,000
1,512,000
3,524,000
220
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Comments on Capital Expenditure Program
1962 - total $2,335,000
The use of $550,000 from the Stabilization Fund plus borrowing $400,000 would leave $1,385,000 to be provided out of current revenues, which is $285,000 above the estimated funds available (see right). Hence, unless the porgram is curtailed, the tax rate would have to rise above $63.00 to $67.00.
1963 - total $2,607,000
$1,732,000 of the total would have a direct impact on the tax rate, and, being $532,000 in excess of estimated available funds, would cause an increase in the tax rate to $71.00 if the program is not curtailed.
1964 - total $1,512,000
Again, estimated available funds would be short by $362,000, and a tax rate of $68.00 would be indicated unless some items are deleted or deferred.
1965 - total $3,524,000
Borrowing of $2,400,000 and the use of $150,000 from the Stabilization Fund would seem to indicate that estimated available funds would be close to the amount of other capital expenditures. However, it is probable that items which will necessarily be deferred from prior years plus items which will be desired but are not now foreseen, will cause us to have continued problems in 1965.
Note: The full detail of major capital expenditures has not been presented in an effort to make the report more easily understood. The details are in the committee files and available to anyone who wishes to inquire about them.
The Complete Program ACTUAL DATA 1956-1960
(In thousands of dollars)
1956
1957
1958 45,692
1959
1960
Assessed valuation
41,777
43,762
47,599
49,958
Tax rate
51
56
60
63
64
Receipts from real estat taxes
2,099
2,406
2,702
2,935
3,147
Receipts from other sources
* 2,107
2,316
2,651
2,747
3,030
Total receipts
* 4,206
4,722
5,353
5,682
6,177
Operating expenditures
3,543
3,835
4,360
4,471
4,839
Pay-as-you-go capital appropriations
689
502
565
779
493
Debt service
123
200
282
310
430
MDC assessment
95
95
95
Transfer to stabilization fund
25
25
200
Total operating expenditures and
capital appropriations
* 4,355
4,537
5,327
5,680
6,057
221
CAPITAL OUTLAY COMMITTEE REPORT
Unexpended balances: Operating expenditure accounts:
Balance beginning of year
573
424
609
635
637
Receipts, as above
4,206
4,722
5,353
5,682
6,177
Total expenditures, as above
(4,355)
(4,537)
(5,327)
(5,680)
(6,057)
Balance end of year
424
609
635
637
757
Pay-as-you-go capital accounts :
Balance beginning of year
454
493
464
463
609
Appropriated
689
502
565
779
493
Spent
(650)
(531)
(566)
(633)
(639)
Balance end of year
493
464
463
609
463
Borrowed funds:
Balance beginning of year
310
28
1,341
464
1,836
Borrowed
188
1,490
350
1,660
Spent
(218)
(429)
(1,227)
(288)
(624)
Balance end of year
280
1,341
464
1,836
1,212
Stabilization fund:
Balance beginning of year
25
50
Amount added to fund
25
25
200
Amount appropriated from fund
Balance end of year
25
50
250
Outstanding debt (excl. MDC assess.) :
Balance beginning of year
795
874
2,181
2,314
3,733
Funds borrowed
188
1,490
350
1,660
Loan repayments
(109)
(183)
(217)
(241)
(310)
Balance end of year
874
2,181
2,314
3,733
3,423
Balance due on MDC assess.
1,050
955
860
765
ESTIMATED DATA 1961-65 ASSUMING STABLE TAX RATE
(In thousands of dollars)
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
Assessed value
53,300
55,000
56,000
56,800
57,500
Tax rate
63
63
63
63
63
222
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Receipts from real estate taxes
3,300
3,400
3,450
3,500
3,550
Receipts from other sources
3,100
3,200
3,450
3,500
3,550
Total receipts
6,400
6,600
6,900
7,000
7,100
Less operating expenditures
*
5,000
5,500
5,700
6,000
6,200
Balance avail. for capital expend.
1,400
1,100
1,200
1,000
900
Major capital expenditures
1,388
1,385
1,732
1,362
975
Excess or (deficiency)
12
(285)
(532)
(362)
(74)
Stabilization fund:
Balance beginning of year
250
550
100
50
Amount added to fund
300
100
100
100
Amount appropriated from fund
(550)
(150)
(150)
Balance end of year
550
100
50
Outstanding debt (excl. MDC assess.) :
Balance beginning of year
3,423
3,195
3,324
3,678
3,227
Funds borrowed
50
400
875
2,400
Loan repayments
(278)
(271)
(521)
(451)
(490)
Balance end of year
3,195
3,324
3,678
3,227
5,157
Balande due on MDC assess.
670
575
480
385
290
* Excluding such items as have no impact on tax rate.
f Includes Personal Property taxes.
Assumptions Made in Estimating Receipts and Expenditures
The following assumptions have been made in order to estimate the receipts and operating expenditures for the years 1962 through 1965, and in order to estimate the funds that would be available for capital expendi- tures :
1. Estimated receipts from real estate and personal property taxes are based on assessed values projected by the assessors, times a stable tax rate of $63.00, which is in accordance with the announced policy of the Finance Commission.
2. Other receipts have been estimated based on 1956 through 1960 actual experience.
3. Operating expenditures have been estimated based on 1961 appro- priations plus the added operating cost of new school facilties, and plus a growth factor of $200,000 per year which is indicated by the trend from 1956 through 1960.
223
REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
4. That a $100,000 addition to the Stabilization Fund will be made in 1963, 64, and 65.
5. Surplus revenue should not be reduced below the 12/31/60 level, as a prudent safeguard against unforseen expenditures.
CAPITAL OUTLAY COMMITTEE
Andrew M. Monahan, Chm.
Grafton J. Corbett, Jr. William J. L. Lynch John P. Mogan
C. Lothrop Rich
A. Franklin Swift
Thomas A. White
Harold T. Young
Ex-Officio Members : Walter A. Blasenak Bartley W. Connolly Raymond Halloran Edna Phillips Frederick A. McDonough, Secretary
REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
To the Citizens of Norwood:
We transmit herewith the annual narrative and statistical reports of the Morrill Memorial Library, for the year ending December 31, 1961.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY L. DUNN Chairman, Board of Trustees MARTIN B. CURRAN T. R. CRAWFORD ROBERT C. FOX GERTRUDE A. TANNEYHILL THERESE A. FLAHERTY
224
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Resolution
RACHEL P. MARTIN Library Service 1949 - 1961
We, the members of the Board of Trustees, Morrill Memorial Library, express deep appreciation of the service rendered the Town of Norwood by Rachel P. Martin as a member of the Board from 1949 to 1961 and as its Chairman from 1955 to 1956.
She has carried her responsibilities with zeal, deep interest and a wisdom reflecting knowledge of the library, books, and the expanding fields of cultural services.
The library has benefited by her many other town services - as for example, her part in the notable library gifts from the Women's Community Committee.
Her personal qualities of understanding, responsiveness and humor have helped bring good communication to all her relation- ships.
The Board of Trustees, Morrill Memorial Library, express their gratitude to Rachel P. Martin on behalf of the Town of Norwood and all connected with the library for her service as trustee, and for her friendship through so many years.
MARY L. DUNN, Chairman MARTIN B. CURRAN GERTRUDE A. TANNEYHILL ROBERT C. FOX THERESE A. FLAHERTY THEODORE CRAWFORD
Board of Trustees Morrill Memorial Library
January 16, 1962
Three Generations of Three Families Using the Library
Come Join Us
REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
225
To the Board of Trustees:
The following is a statistical report of the Morrill Memorial Library for the year 1961, arranged according to the form recommended by the American Library Association :
Name of Library
Morrill Memorial Library
Town
Name of Librarian
Norwood, Massachusetts Edna Phillips 1790
Date of Founding
Terms of Use
Free for lending, Free for reference
Number of Agencies
3
Number of Days open in 1961
291
Number of Staff
10
Population, 1960 U.S. Census of Norwood
24,907
Books
Volumes Added to the Library:
Fiction by purchase 2167
Fiction
1537
Non-fiction by purchase 1881
Non-fiction 876
Fiction gifts
43
Non-fiction gifts 64
2413
Number of Volumes at end
of year: 54,888
Records
Records Added to the Library by Purchase: 128
Records Added to the Library by Gift: 22
150
Total Number of Records at end of year: 1,368
Circulation
Books
Fiction Non-Fiction
Total
Adult Department
48,542
47,115
95,657
Junior Department
37,590
17,366
54,956
Schools
9,796
5,797
15,593
South Norwood Adult
6,981
3,200
10,181
South Norwood Junior
10,084
4,149
14,233
Hospital Adult
4,668
2,027
6,695
Hospital Junior
235
160
395
Books, Total
117,896
79,814
197,710
Records
6,367
Pictures
1,267
Filmis
46
205,390
4155
Volumes Withdrawn:
Records Withdrawn: 17
226
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Finance
SEE REPORT OF TOWN ACCOUNTANT.
$3,920.57 was returned to the Town Treasurer, of which $220.50 was from annual fees of $3.50 each from non-resident members. The balance was fines and payment for loss or damage to books or records.
New registrations
1,907
Total, registered borrowers
11,640
Reference and book selection questions
4,569
Registration Comparison
New Registrations
1960
1961
Increase
Decrease
Adult
1,099
1,059
40
Junior
637
630
7
South Norwood
197
218
21
1,933
1,907
26
Registered Borrowers
Adult
.6,632
6,552
80
Junior
3,406
3,500
94
South Norwood
.1,612
1,588
24
11,650
11,640
10
Circulation Comparison
1960
1961
Increase Decrease
Adult Department
89,895
95,657
5,762
Junior Department
51,158
54,956
5,762
Main Library Totals
141,053
150,613
9,560
South Norwood Adult
10,356
10,181
175
South Norwood Junior
14,351
14,233
330
Hospital Adult
6,365
6,695
330
Hospital Junior
493
395
98
Schools
21,785
15,593
6,192
Others
0
0
0
194,403
197,710
3,307
Record Comparison
1960
1961
Increase Decrease
Adult Department
6,058
6,367
309
Respectfully submitted,
EDNA PHILLIPS Librarian
227
REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
ONE YEAR AT OUR TOWN LIBRARY
Three Reading Families
The use of the library by 11,640 registered library patrons is made more graphic by high-lighting it with the experience of three reading families; each with three generations or more of library users.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Garner, 21 Beacon Street, are a business couple whose appreciation of reading, implemented by their library, has been transmitted to their daughter Lois. Her college use of library books she calls "tremendous." Our recordings also are a "must" with her. Her grandmother, Mrs. Catherine Brennan, is another member of this reading family making avid use of the library. Mrs. Brennan's great-grandchildren also use it when visiting here.
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen C. Traudt, 147 Cottage Street, (He is an industrial engineer with Bird and Sons) care about the best in books as do their 12th grade twins Robert and Richard, "always at the library;" their daughter Marion, employed by Nortronics; and young Stephen, making use of our books for children in the 2nd grade. Richard says the ease of finding things at the library started his interest in reading. He refers to our getting books on inter-library loan, and the new Film-Lending Service as being among the aids that really count with him. Mrs. Robert Steele, their grandmother, has been a library user since her school-days. She also makes use of library books and pictures for window displays in the insurance office where she is employed.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas O'Day, 278 Railroad Avenue, and their family make vital use of the library service their town provides. Mrs. O'Day, a fine reader, says "we have to live, we have to work, but reading is voluntary and of prime importance to me." She makes time for it and for the use of recordings despite being a home-maker, a mother, and a full-time secretary. Thomas, Jr. and Anthony are high school library patrons. A good reading example has been set by the boys' grandmother, Mrs. Francis Duffy.
Growth of Audio-Visual Services
A Film-Lending Service was launched in September with Mary E. Locke, Adult Department Librarian, in charge of Reference, as head of it. We are a member of the Massachusetts Library Film Cooperative. In these few months, from a frequently changing supply, 46 films have been used by teachers, organizations and home gatherings. Mr. John J. Flaherty, Jr., Head, Englishı Department, Senior High School, speaks appreciatively of their value in his work. A remarkable gift of a new model, Bell and Howell sound projector came from the library's good friend, the Women's Com- munity Committee. It has been used for programs at the library, for lending to organizations and for a home showing.
228
TOWN OF NORWOOD
The Record-Lending Service-also started by a previous gift from the Women's Community Committee-continues to make a place for itself in Norwood life. 6,367 recordings were borrowed; 309 more than last year. Miss Locke gave a concert of recordings with commentary, to the Senior Citizens.
Designers, students and teachers borrowed 1,267 pictures from our Picture Collection.
The Adult Department has presented three art exhibits. During National Library Week there was an outstanding show of original work in the fine and applied arts by local artists. Floral decorations by Mrs. Hubert Gordon throughout the library, during the Week, were a delight. A smaller exhibit was sponsored by the Art Committee of tlie Norwood Woman's Club. A high point was the very well-received one-man-show of paintings by Mr. John Rizzo.
An important part of the library's visual presentations are the excellent window displays at the South Norwood Branch, arranged by Doris Allen, Branch Librarian. For artistic planning and subject appeal they are con- sidered among the best windows in town.
Adults Increase Their Library Use - And Meet Crowding
Demand for seats in the Reference Room continues to exceed capacity. The town's awareness of this problem is shown by the telephone calls we actually received to ask if any seats were available! Parking shortage and jamming of cars is constant. Despite these inconveniences, the Adult De- partment had a circulation gain of 5,762 over last year; and the proportion of non-fiction, 47,115, was almost as high as fiction, 48,542.
A much-used aid to readers has been installed: a chute for books and periodicals for return when the library is closed.
Esther C. Pearson, Adult Department Librarian, in charge of Circu- lation, made an expanded revision of our list of 55 Norwood industries. It gives name of firm, address, telephone, president or manager, what is manufactured and number employed. It has been actively requested. Among our other services to business and industries is the loan of several book collections to the Cornell-Dubilier Electronics Corporation Research Center; and the constant use at our library by businessmen, investors and students of directories, Moody's Investors Services, and other statistical tools. In- dustry is also represented by Mr. Theodore Crawford, an executive at the Plimpton Press, who is Vice-President of our Friends of the Library.
Mrs. Albin Stitt's memory was honored by a gift from her neighbors of "Gardner's Golden Treasury;" from the Women's Community Committee of "The Orchids." Among other valued gifts were a recording of Wagner's "Das Rheingold," from the Lions Club; and a gift of money for a book from Mrs. Otis T. Swain, a former trustee, in memory of her husband.
229
REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
7,090 books and magazines and 4 recordings were borrowed by patients and personnel using our weekly Library Service at the Norwood Hospital. Mrs. Pearson, in charge, believes that a current gain in circulation and the expected opening of the new wing in 1962-in full operation early in 1963- will require expanded library service. This will coincide with 14 years of a valued part of library work.
- -//-
Former resident of Norwood: "Your library was like a flame in my life."
.//
Your Children As Readers
They have access to a well-selected collection of books and audio-visual materials and zealous service at the Main Library, the South Norwood Branch, and at the Hospital, with the prospect-we hope soon-of better quarters.
The "Fun With Books" summer reading club encouraged vacation reading and broadened horizons. For the first time 2nd graders were in- cluded, bringing commendation from a number of parents. Individual com- petence as readers was stressed rather than competition in the number of books read. Despite this emphasis enrollment increased to 466, with 219 completing the requirements.
N. Dorothy Shumaker, Junior Department Librarian, observed the need for more mature subjects in book selection. Even first and second graders now ask for easy books in science.
New this year:
Summer evening service for children an evening a week. Regular weekly Picture Book Hours for pre-school children with ten mothers as volunteer readers.
A christening of the new projector, during National Book Week with a film program for children, using films from our new Film-Lending Service.
497 children from elementary schools and the Lainy Kay Country Day School came to the Children's Room in groups with their teachers for library instruction and to help select classroom collections. 58 collections went to eight schools.
During National Library Week, Mr. Harry Fraser gave the boys and girls an illustrated talk on "A European Holiday." Mr. John Levitsky, Art Supervisor, Norwood Public Schools, selected and arranged an exhibit of arts and crafts done in the elementary schools.
230
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Irene Olson, Assistant, has carried work and responsibilities not usually asked of an assistant. With 1962 she is promoted to Senior Assistant.
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The mail just brought a letter addressed to "The Momee Library" -no relevance to the fact that over half our staff have children!
Library Addition
Indoors and out there is daily evidence of expansion needs. Some patrons go to the Branch because they can't find parking space at the Main Library-then they are sent back again because the Main Library has the needed books. Our popular records collection is so crowded, all the 78's have had to be stored in the basement. Readers often have to use the librarians' desks because there is no other place to sit.
It was a great day for Norwood when, authorized by Town Meeting, the Moderator appointed a Library Building Committee with appropriation for preliminary expenses. The members are Mr. Daniel Callahan, Chairman; two library trustees, Mrs. James A. Dunn and Mr. Robert C. Fox; Messrs. Frank W. Garner, George L. Kozak, John Lanzoni, and Paul M. Murphy.
Mr. John A. Humphry and Mr. Philip J. McNiff, library planning spec- ialists, were engaged to survey the needs and present a plan for an Addition. The plan was accepted by the Building Committee.
Several discussions have been held with the owners of adjoining property.
Mr. Harry Korslund, Architect, is working on the possible integration of the Humpliry-McNiff plan for an Addition, with the present library build- ing, and will report later.
In connection with building needs, the Board of Library Trustees had Edna Phillips, Librarian, attend a three-day Building Institute at Kent. Ohio, sponsored by the American Library Association.
SERVICE, PLEASE!
A Librarian, turning away from the charging desk for a moment, was conscious of a presence. Looking back, she found a huge black dog ou his hind legs, forepaws resting on the counter as if asking for a book-or was it a bit of doggerel?
231
REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
What Makes the Wheels Go Round
Vital to good public service are:
Selection of books, recordings and pamphlets.
Cataloging.
Book and other acquisition, processing and maintenance.
Shelf care of books, periodicals, newspapers and recordings.
Statistical, business and secretarial work.
Buildings and grounds maintenance.
The Cataloging Service-effected the technical processing of 4,155 books and 150 recordings. In this Martha C. Eaton, Assistant Librarian and Cata- loger, was helped by Helen Fraser, Senior Assistant, and Mary E. Locke, who catalogs recordings.
New angle guide cards for the entire catalog and large, hand-lettered labels for all catalog drawers is a project begun some time ago and finished this year.
Five-year inventory of books and recordings was taken. Under Miss Eaton's direction, the heads of the two departments, the branch, and the hospital library, took their own inventory. Ruth King, Senior Assistant, was also especially helpful. The books and recordings now found missing, that are still missing a year hence, will then be counted lost. It is estimated that inventory required 1,320 work-hours. Six recordings and 1,250 books were missing; an average of 250 per year for the five year period covered. This is from a total book collection of 54,888 and a circulation of 205,390. The Librarian believes that when the next inventory is due in 1966, it could be greatly expedited if done on a day the library is closed and with everybody on duty.
The Library's annual report for 1960 had a citation from the Adult Education Association of Massachusetts, in recognition of "outstanding service in the field of adult education."
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We Learn, We Contribute
The trustees, the librarian and the staff have among them attended the Cleveland ALA, all meetings of the Massachusetts Library Association and the Old Colony Library Club; meetings on State Aid to Libraries held at Brockton, Brookline and Boston; the Round Table for Young Adults Librarians, the Hospital Library Group, the New England Library Associ- ation, and a Program-Planning meeting in Boston. The Library Adminis- trators of Greater Boston met here; at two of their other meetings we were represented.
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