Report of the city of Somerville 1955, Part 6

Author: Somerville (Mass.)
Publication date: 1955
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 368


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1955 > Part 6


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Gentlemen:


Presented herewith is the annual report of the City Treas- urer and Collector of Taxes for the year 1955, as appears by the records of this office.


In an attempt to convey some impressions of the volume of detail work performed by the staff of this office it is our intention to present herewith some statistics incidental thereto and some comparisons with prior years. A study of these figures leaves no doubt of the financial growth of our munic- ipal government and of the increased requirements of con- scientious ability and responsibility of the employees of this department.


During the past year, receipts in excess of $19 million were processed through this office in cash, checks or credits. Add to this the payments made by the City Treasurer and the result is a flow of funds exceeding $38 million.


The 180,938 individual checks prepared and delivered by the Treasury staff, in and of themselves, represent a tremen- dous operation. In addition thereto, some 174,928 bills of various description (exclusive of demands) were sent out and receipted and recorded upon payment by the staff of the Col- lector of Taxes.


Another little known function of this department is the bookkeeping performed for individual payroll deductions. A total of $1,518,311.50 was thus processed as a convenience


102


ANNUAL REPORTS


for our municipal employees. The total amounts range from $747,731.20 to the United States Treasury for income taxes withheld to $953.40 for an employees insurance plan. Credit Union deductions alone were well over $300,000 representing savings or loan repayments by members of the system.


A five year comparison of the Tax Collector's records also reveals some extremely interesting information. During the period 1951 to 1955 the total personal, poll, excise and real estate taxes presented to this office by the Board of Assessors for collection increased 25% or $1,793,246.30. During the same period there has been an increase in the total uncollected taxes of only $12,712.69 or 7/10 of 1% of the increase in the amount given to the Collector for collection. A great deal of credit for this excellent record of tax collections must go to the Deputy Tax Collectors, Mr. Victor A. Campisi and Mr. Delmar T. Bowes who, during the year 1955, collected for the City of Somerville over $70,000 in old un-paid taxes.


In conclusion may I express the appreciation of this de- partment to all the taxpayers and citizens of Somerville for their patient cooperation with the office of the Treasurer and Collector of Taxes whereby the financial year 1955 has been an extremely gratifying one.


Respectfully submitted,


WILLIAM J. REYNOLDS, City Treasurer - Collector


103


TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES


CASH STATEMENT


RECEIPTS


$19,267,806.30


Cash Balance January 1, 1955


25,019.04


Adjustments in Cash


574.66


$19,293,400.00


PAYMENTS


$19,180,138.10


Cash on hand December 31, 1955


75,077.51


Transfer to Non-Revenue


37,551.69


Adjustments in Cash


632.70


$19,293,400.00


.............


..... .....


104


ANNUAL REPORTS


The Assessors' Warrants for the Tax Levy, assessed upon Polls and property for the year 1955, and the Motor Vehicle Excise amounted to $9,174,588.43


Plus 1954 Excise committed in 1955


49,574.64


TOTAL ...


$9,224,163.07


Real Estate Valuation:


Land


$34,078,100.00


Buildings


90,661,200.00


$124,739,300.00


Personal Valuation


8,299,900.00


$133,039,200.00


Personal Tax @ $63.20 per $1,000 ....


$524,553.68


Real Estate @ $63.20 per $1,000


7,883,523.76


Polls 30,961 @ $2.00


61,922.00


$8,469,999.44 $8,469,999.44


Assessments:


Motor Vehicle Excise:


Commitment No. 1


$88,079.57


Commitment No. 2


68,437.33


Commitment No. 3 ·


34,993.49


Commitment No. 4


112,793.80


Commitment No. 5


151,341.52


Commitment No. 6


35,779.76


Commitment No. 7


61,484.21


Commitment No.


42,586.69


Commitment No. 9


99,374.44


$694,870.81


Commercial


2,630.81


$697,501.62


Water Liens


$ 7,087.37


$8,477,086.81


$697,501.62


697,501.62


$9,174,588.43


Total Commitment by Assessors 1954 Excise Committed in 1955


Commitment Nos. 13 through 18 inclusive


49,574.64


TOTAL


$9,224,163.07


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INTEREST ON BONDS DUE IN 1956


January


April


May


June


July


October


November $1,975.00


December


Total


Transit


...


$3,950.00


Vets. Housing .....


481.25


............


...


... .......


...


..


...


...


1,406.25


Vets


1,650.00


...


...


..


1,650.00


3,300.00


Sewer


168.75


168.75


337.50


Municipal Relief


1,531.25


Municipal Relief


1,531.25


1,531.25


Sewer


87.50


87.50


175.00


Sewer


525.00


.....


..


487.50


1,012.50


Municipal Relief


700.00


700.00


...


1,400.00


Municipal Relief


1,080.00


1,080.00


2,160.00


Municipal Garage


5,450.00


5,450.00


10,900.00


Municipal Garage


1,104.00


1,032.00


2,136.00


Stadium


1,957.50


1,957.50


3,915.00


Elementary School


...


...


11,330.00


22,660.00


Public Works


475.00


475.00


950.00


Public Works


406.25


406.25


812.50


School Loan


4,250.00


..


...


...


...


Total


$7,956.25


$11,577.75


$1,975.00


$12,861.25


$7,581.25


$11,037.00


$1,975.00


$12,861.25


$67,824.75


...


..


....


1,531.25


..


...


...


. . .


...


..


...


8,250.00


$1,975.00


.......


393.75


875.00


Remodeling & Reconstruction


937.50


468.75


261.25


522.50


261.25


Sewer


...


..


11,330.00


4,000.00


...


கள்ள


105


TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES


TEMPORARY LOANS 1955, IN ANTICIPATION OF REVENUE


Balance 1954


None


Dated


Due


Rate


Amount


Jan. 21, 1955


Nov. 16, 1955


.59


$1,000,000.00


Feb. 28, 1955


Nov. 2, 1955


.69


100,000.00


Mar. 29, 1955


Oct. 7, 1955


.81


500,000.00


Mar. 31, 1955


Nov. 22, 1955


.81


300,000.00


Apr. 25, 1955


Nov. 7, 1955


.94


700,000.00


May 26, 1955


Nov. 2, 1955


.975


500,000.00


July 29, 1955


Oct. 3, 1955


1.30


500,000.00


Notes paid in 1955


Balance to 1956


$3,600,000.00 $3,600,000.00 None


LOANS IN 1955, IN ANTICIPATION OF LOANS


Balance from 1954


None


Jan. 25, 1955


Mar. 15, 1955


.59


75,000.00


75,000.00


Loans in Anticipation


paid in 1955


75,000.00


Balance to 1956


....


None


YEARLY BOND MATURITIES WITH INTEREST Municipal Relief Loans


Year


Principal


Interest


Total


1956


$182,500.00


$6,622.50


$189,122.50


1957


182,500.00


3,851.25


186,351.25


1958


45,000.00


1,080.00


46,080.00


1959


45,000.00


540.00


45,540.00


$455,000.00


$12,093.75


$467,093.75


106


ANNUAL REPORTS


ALL OTHER LOANS


Year


Principal


Interest


Total


1956


$376,000.00


$61,202.25


$437,202.25


1957


376,000.00


54,913.25


430,913.25


1958


290,000.00


49,305.00


339,305.00


1959


280,000.00


44,283.75


324,283.75


1960


182,000.00


39,368.75


221,368.75


1961


176,000.00


35,728.75


211,728.75


1962


176,000.00


32,151.25


208,151.25


1963


140,000.00


28,573.75


168,573.75


1964


130,000.00


25,627.50


155,627.50


1965


124,000.00


22,815.00


146,815.00


1966


124,000.00


20,212.50


144,212.50


1967


119,000.00


17,410.00


136,410.00


1968


118,000.00


14,842.50


132,842.50


1969


118,000.00


12,502.50


130,502.50


1970


115,000.00


9,800.00


124,800.00


1971


115,000.00


7,335.00


122,335.00


1972


115,000.00


4,870.00


119,870.00


1973


85,000.00


2,405.00


87,405.00


1974


20,000.00


600.00


20,600.00


1975


20,000.00


200.00


20,200.00


$3,199,000.00


$484,146.75 $3,683,146.75


TOTAL


$3,654,000.00


$496,240.50 $4,150,240.50


FUNDED DEBT AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1955


Sewer Loan


Rate 13/4


Date of Issue Oct. 2, 1939


Due 1957


Amount $10,000.00


Remodeling & Reconstruction


1 1/4


Apr. 1, 1947


1957


150,000.00


Transit


11/4


Nov. 15, 1949


1959


316,000.00


Public Works


1.25


July 1, 1947


1959


76,000.00


Vets Loan


1 1/2


July 1, 1947


1962


220,000.00


Vets Loan


13/4


Jan. 1, 1948


1963


55,000.00


Sewer Loan


33/4


Sept. 2, 1934


1964


9,000.00


Public Works


1.25


July 1, 1954


1964


65,000.00


Sewer Loan


21/4


Oct. 1, 1937


1967


19,000.00


Sewer Loan


21/2


Nov. 1, 1939


1969


42,000.00


Municipal Garage


2


Oct. 1, 1952


1972


545,000.00


Municipal Garage


2.40


Apr. 1, 1953


1973


92,000.00


Stadium Loan


2.70


Oct. 1, 1953


1973


145,000.00


Elementary


2.20


Dec. 1, 1953


1973


1,030,000.00


School


2


Jan. 1, 1955


1975


425,000.00


3,199,000.00


Municipal Relief


13/4


Dec. 1, 1955


1957


175,000.00


Municipal Relief


1.20


Oct. 1, 1954


1958


180,000.00


Municipal Relief


1.40


Oct. 1, 1952


1959


100,000.00


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$3,654,000.00


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BONDS DUE 1956


January


April


July


October


November $79,000.00


December


Total $79,000.00 10,000.00


Transit Assessment ...


Vets. Housing


10,000.00


..


........


...........


..


...


Remodeling


75,000.00


Construction


...


. .


....


.......


...


. .


...


...


...


.......


..........


1,000.00


1,000.00


Sewer


.... ....


....


..... ....


...


.......


.... ........


...........


.....


5,000.00


Sewer


3,000.00


.


.... . . . . . ..


95,000.00


95,000.00


Municipal Relief


..... ..


Municipal Garage


...........


6,000.00


. ...


........


10,000.00


Stadium


. .


............


...........


.....


......


........


..


...


..


...


............


............


19,000.00


............


.......


....


... ...


25,000.00


School Loan


25,000.00


............


11,000.00


............


............


............


..


..


............


Total


$38,000.00


$81,000.00


$66,000.00


$147,000.00


$79,000.00


$147,500.00


$558,500.00


. .


.....


...


..


.......


...


......


..


...


...


...


.........


..


.... ....


....


........


...


... .........


. .


..........


35,000.00


Veterans ...


2,000.00


Sewer


87,500.00


87,500.00


Municipal Relief


5,000.00


...


.......


. .


......


..


..


........


......


.....


........


.......


.... .. ..


35,000.00


. .


.... ........


.........


.. .


..


..


....


Municipal Garage


.. ...


...........


10,000.00


Elementary


60,000.00


60,000.00


Public Works


............


............


..........


............


11,000.00


Public Works


..


....


75,000.00


35,000.00


2,000.00


...


. . .....


3,000.00


Sewer


. . .


.... ........


...


....


..........


35,000.00


6,000.00


. .


. . ....


... ......


107


TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES


...


. . .....


...........


.. .......


... .......


...


19,000.00


108


ANNUAL REPORTS


REPORT OF THE VETERANS' SERVICES


February 7, 1956.


To the Honorable the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville


Gentlemen:


Submitted herewith is the Annual Report for 1955 of the Veterans' Services Department.


In view of the increase in the number of cases, our ex- penditures were correspondingly greater than the previous year. The higher budget allowance is another factor reflected in the year's expenditures.


The department cooperated with the Veterans' Adminis- tration and other Agencies to provide maximum benefits and services to the veterans and their dependents in accordance with the expanding program.


Very truly yours,


THOMAS F. MCGRATH,


Commissioner


SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS MADE BY THE VETERANS' SERVICES DEPARTMENT - 1955


Somerville Vctcrans' Benefits


State Veterans' Benefits


Soldiers' Burials


Total Relief


Cash


Medical


Fuel


Groceries


Cases Persons


January


$2,806.61


$2,891.62


$150.00


$5,848.23


$1,930.00


$584.11


$252.50


$40.00


105


201


February


2,967.28


3,052.30


6,019.58


2,231.50


375.70


277.50


82.58


115


246


March


3,013.07


3,158.06


300.00


6,471.13


1,951.00


611.57


290.00


160.50


118


249


April


3,022.90


3,132.90


6,155.80


2,118.00


564.90


255.00


85.00


119


229


May


2,504.08


2,624.08


150.00


5,278.16


1,948.00


443.58


112.50


101


187


June


2,968.65


3,088.65


150.00


6,207.30


2,101.00


767.65


100.00


111


216


July


2,864.83


2,934.83


5,799.66


2,142.50


637.33


85.00


115


238


August


2,582.39


2,652.39


5,234.78


2,032.00


455.39


95.00


108


209


September


2,718.76


2,788.76


5,507.52


1,997.50


683.76


37.50


99


177


October


3,119,80


3,234.80


6,354.80


2,046.50


793.30


197.50


82.50


104


206


November


3,479.87


3,566.98


149.00


7,195.85


2,091.00


1,053.87


250.00


85.00


104


202


December


3,303.03


3,403.06


6,706.09


2,105.50


792.53


270.00


135.00


114


232


$35,351.27


$36,528.43


$899.00


$72,778.70


$24,694.50


$7,763.39


$1,792.50


$1,100.58


1313


2592


RECAPITULATION OF VETERANS' BENEFITS - SOMERVILLE


109


CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT SYSTEM


REPORT OF THE SOMERVILLE CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT SYSTEM


The Somerville Contributory Retirement System under the provisions of Chapter 32 of the General Laws, Sections 1 to 28 inclusive, became operative in the City of Somerville on July 1, 1946. Employees entering or re-entering the service of the city after that date are subject to the provisions of said Chapter 32. Employees contributions under this law are at the rate of 5 per cent.


The Somerville Contributory Retirement System was prev- iously governed by Chapter 184 of the Acts of 1930, as amend- ed by Chapter 222 of the Acts of 1933. Members of this system contribute 4 per cent of their salaries.


MEMBERSHIP AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1955


General Employees:


System 5%


System 4%


Systems Total Both


Men


497


8


505


Women


257


....


257


Firemen and Policemen


348


....


348


1,102


8


1,110


The following table shows the number of beneficiaries on the roll of the 4 per cent system as of December 31, 1955, to gether with the amount of their annual retirement allowances:


Service Retirements:


No.


Annuities


Pension Accumulation Fund


Pension Reserve Fund


Men


5


$469.80


Women


7


693.26


$4,725.81 7,882.52


$19.56 859.16


Total Retirement Allowance $5,215.17 9,435.04


12


$1,163.16


$12,608.33


$878.72


$14,650.21


Disability Retirements:


Men 1


84.76


....


160.11


244.87


110


ANNUAL REPORTS


Beneficiaries of Deceased:


Women 4


42.84


1,648.25


2,673.13


4,364.22


Total 17


$1,290.76


$14,256.58


$3,711.96


$19,259.30


The following table shows the number of beneficiaries on the roll of the 5 per cent system as of December 31, 1955, to- gether with the amount of their annual retirement allowances:


Service Retirements:


General Employees


No.


Annuities $2,675.96


Pension $14,493.56 22,166.59


$17,169.52 25,004.72


Firemen - Policemen


2


323.52


3,420.84


3,744.36


41


5,837.61


40,080.99


45,918.60


Disability Retirements:


General Employes


Men


10


1,173.51


12,307.32


13,480.83


Women


3


244.56


2,215.32


2,459.88


Firemen-Policemen


8


1,352.43


21,011.06


22,363.49


21


2,770.50


35,533.70


38,304.20


Beneficiaries of Deceased Employees:


Men


2


$173.05


$596.35


$769.40


Women


.......


19


1,750.27


11,264.94


13,015.21


21


$1,923.32


$11,861.29


$13,784.61


TOTALS


83


$10,531.43


$87,475.98


$98,007.41


SOMERVILLE RETIREMENT SYSTEM BALANCE SHEET December 31, 1955


Assets


$1,991,182.41


Investments


33,000.00


Deposits in Banks


31,585.69


Accrued Interest


12,768.68


Due for Military Service Credit


707.49


$2,069,244.27


Liabilities


Annuity Savings Fund, 5%


$1,449,665.53


Annuity Reserve Fund, 5 %


131,733.51


Pension Fund, 5%


270,164.49


Special Fund for Military Service, 5 %


..... 27,442.12


Expense Fund


685.10


Total Retirement Allowances


Men


17


Women


22


2,838.13


Cash


111


CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT SYSTEM


Annuity Savings Fund, 4 %


20,621.92


Annuity Reserve Fund, 4 %


9,779.36


Pension Accumulation Fund, 4 %


106,441.71


Pension Reserve Fund, 4 %


51,873.00


Special Fund for Military Service, 4 %


206.80


Suspense Fund


630.73


$2,069,244.27


RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES FOR YEAR 1955


Receipts


Cash on Hand, January 1, 1955


$27,767.77


Contributions by Members:


4 %


$1,166.72


5 %


177,452.34


Redeposits


1,101.95


Transfers From Other Systems


1,736.21


181,457.22


Contributions by City:


4 %


18,607.04


5 %


... ... 50,496.72


69,103.76


Contribution by Housing Authority


3,981.00


Reimbursement From Other Systems


36.80


Income From Investments


57,486.93


Redemption of Securities


31,500.00


Profit From Redemption of Securities


850.00


Withholding Tax


827.70


$373,011.18


Expenditures


Purchase of Securities


$182,859.78


Accured Interest on Securities Purchased


997.01


Pension Payments:


4 %


$18,243.05


5 %


87,939.69


106,182.74


Annuity Payments.


4 %


$1,290.97


5 %


12,106.25


13,397.22


Refund to City


2,530.00


Refunds 5 %


19,785.64


Transfers to Other System


4,814.37


Pension Reimbursement Paid to Other Systems


4.23


Administration Expenses


9,699.20


Withholding Tax


1,155.30


Cash on Hand, December 31, 1955


31,585.69


...


.. .........


..


$373,011.18


Respectfully submitted, FRANCIS E. WALSH, Chairman GEORGE L. DOHERTY, JR., Vice Chairman JOHN J. MURPHY, 3rd


112


ANNUAL REPORTS


REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARMENT


February 21, 1956.


To the Honorable the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville


Gentlemen:


In compliance with the Revised Ordinances of the City of Somerville, I have the honor of submitting for your informa- tion, The Annual Report of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1955.


ALARMS AND LOSSES


Number of First Alarms


729


Number of Second Alarms


10


Number of Third Alarms


1


Number of A.D.T. Alarms


16


Number of Still Alarms


1049


First Aid, Accidents, Emergency Calls


2219


Number of Alarms for the year 1955


4024


Number of Alarms for the year 1954


3602


Increase in the number of Alarms during the year 1955


......


422


Value of Buildings at Risk


$2,542,778.00


Insurance on Buildings at Risk


2,685,700.00


Insurance Damage on Buildings


167,309.85


Value of Contents at Risk


962,083.00


Insurance of Contents at Risk


908,400.00


Insurance Damage on Contents . ....... .


138,184.84


Total Value at Risk


3,647,783.00


Total Insurance Damage


305,494.69


Approximate Per Capita Loss


3.17


CLASSIFICATION OF ALARMS


Fires in Residence Buildings


251


Fires in Other Buildings


99


Chimney Fires


22


Fires in Rubbish, Near Buildings


..


·


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· ......


94


Fires in Dumps, Vacant Lots


..


........


93


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.... .


. ......


...... .......


.. ....


........


.........


.......


.


113


FIRE DEPARTMENT


Grass Fires


93


Miscellaneous Fires-Out of Doors


109


Automobile Fires


97


False Alarms


202


Smoke Scares-Needless Alarms


108


Accidents, Inhalator Calls


190


Miscellaneous Emergency Calls


379


False Telephone Calls


11


Out of City Calls


247


Ambulance Calls


2029


TOTAL


4024


TIME PERIOD OF ALARMS


8:00 A. M. to 4:00 P. M. 787


4:00 P. M. to 6:00 P. M. 343


6:00 P. M. to 9:00 P. M. 387


9:00 P. M. to Midnight 221


Midnight to 8:00 A. M.


257


MANUAL FORCE


1995


The Manual Force consists of Two Hundred and forty-two (242) permanent men and one Senior Account Clerk and Stenographer. During the year 1 Fire Fighter was pensioned and 1 Fire Fighter resigned. Reverend Stephen C. Lang, the Chaplain, also resigned.


The Roster of the Department is as follows:


1 Chief Engineer


3 Deputy Chiefs


4 District Chiefs


1 Master Mechanic


4 Assistant Mechanics


7 Captains


24 Lieutenants


7 Ambulance


184 Fire Fighters-3rd Grade


7 Fire Fighters-2nd Grade


1


Senior Account Clerk and Stenographer


243 Total


I respectfully recommend the purchase of the following equipment:


An Aerial Ladder Truck for Ladder 1-Union Square. The present truck was placed in service June 15, 1932.


A Hose Wagon to replace Engine 1's Hose Wagon. Pres- ent wagon was placed in service July 31, 1928.


A Hose Wagon to replace Engine 2's Hose Wagon. Pres- ent wagon was placed in service May 31, 1932.


114


ANNUAL REPORTS


A hose Wagon to replace Engine 3's Hose Wagon. Pres- ent wagon was placed in service September 12, 1929.


A Combination Light and Rescue Wagon for Central Sta- tion. Present wagon was placed in service June 15, 1932.


A 1000-Gallon Pump for Engine Co. 6. Present Pump was placed in service May 31, 1932.


The problem of inspecting premises for Fire Prevention, the checking on complaints relative to fire hazards, the in- spection for the storage of inflammable fluids in dwellings and business establishments, and the issuing of approximately 16,000 renewal permits annually for the storage of fuel oil, is one requiring detailed supervision and direction by an of- ficer.


The placing in service and operation of modern fire equip- ment requires that the members of the department be thor- oughly trained in the use of this apparatus and equipment. At the present time, this work is performed by the various com- manding officers-thereby leading to different methods of operating and handling the new equipment and a lack of con- tinuity of the training program.


I therefore recommend that two Captains be appointed: one to supervise the Fire Prevention Bureau and one to be Drill Master.


I am recommending the purchase of a recorder to record incoming telephone calls and also radio conversations.


I also recommend that the Fire Department transmitter be located on another frequency. At present, the Fire and Police Departments use the same frequency and this has resulted in the delay in receiving and transmitting important messages. The sets now in use by the Fire Department can be used with minor adjustments


To His Honor the Mayor, the members of the Honorable Board of Aldermen, the Officers and Members of the Fire De- partment, all municipal departments who so ably assisted this department, and to the citizens of the City, I extend the thanks of the department for their support and co-operation.


Respectfully submitted,


JAMES H. O'HARA, Chief Engineer.


115


BOARD OF ASSESSORS


REPORT OF THE BOARD ASSESSORS


-


January 1, 1956.


To the Honorable the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville


Gentlemen:


The following report is respectfully submitted as the An- nual Report of the Board of Assessors for the year ending De- cember 31, 1955:


CITY OF SOMERVILLE - 1955 CAPITULATION


A-City or Town, All appropriations since 1954 Tax Rate was fixed


1. Total to be raised by taxation $10,912,902.51


2. Total from Available Funds 1955 $56,169.42 434,989.43


1954


491,158.85


3. Deficits due to abate- ments in excess of over- lay prior years: 1954


30,263.59


1953


22,409.31


1952


39,633.68


92,306.58


4. Any other amount to be raised


Revenue Deficit 1954 ... Hurricane Expenditures


14,111.19 130,086.41


$11,640,565.54


1954


1955 Estimates Underestimates


B-State - Tax and Assess- ments:


1. State Audit of Municip- al Accounts


9,585.24


2. State Examination Re- tirement System 530.45


3. Smoke Inspection Service 1,622.91


4. Add'l State Ass'ts. 961,740.03


973,478.63


116


ANNUAL REPORTS


C-County: Tax & Assess- ments:


1. County Tax $303,981.00


2. Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment 152,626.29


456,607.29


D-Overlay of current year:


225,000.00


E-Gross Amount to be raised


$13,295,651.46


F-Estimated Receipts and Available Funds:


1. Income Tax $721,762.62


2. Corporation Taxes 482,168.95


3. Old Age Tax (Meals) 39,009.31


4. Motor Vehicle Excise


734,751.54


5. Licenses


136,243.53


6. Fines


6,004.91


7. Grants and Gifts


32,275.88


8. General Government


14,948.22


9. Protection of Persons &


Property


6,690.93


10. Health and Sanitation


19,949.40


11. Highways


11,876.35


12. Charities


175,873.15


13. Old Age Assistance State Assistance for


828,462.00


14. School Construction


16,670.87


15. Veterans' Benefits


36,018.27


16. Schools


159,423.09


17. Libraries


4,245.65


18. Recreation


360.20


19. Public Service Enter-


prises


650,002.41


20. Interest


12,326.07


21. Electrolysis


1,000.00


22. City Property Rentals


391.50


23. Disability Assistance® 104,728.48


24. Hurricane Relief 117,077.77


Total Estimated Receipts


$4,312,261.10 $4,312.261.10


25. Overestimates of previous year (to be used as Avail- able Funds):


(a) County Tax


11,156.86


(b) County Tuberculosis Hospital


4,723.12


(c) Metropolitan Parks ..


1,826.64


(d) Metropolitan Sewer- age ! (north system) ..


4,232.69


(e) Metropolitan Transit Authority


53.83


(f) Smoke Inspection Service


26. Amounts to be taken from Available Funds ....


491,158.85


491,158.85


Total Estimated Receipts & Available Funds


238.93


22,232.07


$4,825,652.02


117


BOARD OF ASSESSORS


G-Net amount to be raised by taxation on polls and property ..


$8,469,999.44


H-Number of Polls: 30,961 @ $2.00 each ..


Tax:


$61,922.20


J-Total Valuation:


Personal Property


$8,299,900.00 524,553.68


Real Estate


124,739,300.00


7,883,523.76


Tax Rate $63.20


$133,039,200.00 $8,469,999.44 $8,469,999.44


Total Taxes levied on polls and property: $8,469,999.44


The Board of Assessors wishes to thank the other depart- ments for the cooperation extended during the year, partic- ularly the Legal Department.


Respectfully submitted,


GORDON FAUKNER, Chairman WILLIAM J. MORAN EDWARD T. BRADY TIMOTHY J. CRONIN HAROLD W. WELLS


Board of Assessors


118


ANNUAL REPORTS


REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD


February 20, 1956.


To the Honorable the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville


Gentlemen:


The Planning Board of the City of Somerville, in accord- ance with Section 81C, of Chapter 41, of the General Laws of Massachusetts, herewith respectfully submits the annual re- port for the year 1955.


On February 3, 1955, at its annual organizational meet- ing, Mr. Harry P. Burden was unanimously elected Chairman of the Planning Board for the ensuing year, and Mr. John J. Molloy was elected clerk of the Board. On June 15, 1955, Mr. Anthony Bellamy was appointed to succeed John J. Molloy whose term had expired, and Robert D. Donahue was elected Clerk, pro tem.


On August 3, 1955, Mr. Alan McClennen, Planning Di- rector, resigned to become Director of Planning, Massachu- setts Department of Commerce. No replacement for Mr. Mc- Clennen's position was made. On November 26, Mr. Robert W. Mayerson, junior planner requested and was granted a leave of absence, without compensation, until January 1, 1956, (when Mr. Mayerson tendered his resignation which was ac- cepted by the Board.)


In March, 1955, the Planning Board and staff, following two and a half years of intensive study, completed the final draft of a proposed general amendment of Somerville's thirty-year old zoning ordinance. Copies of the amendment proposals were distributed throughout the city for public discussion and for publication in consecutive issues of the Journal-Press. In May and June, 1955, three informal public meetings were held in the junior high school and high school auditoriums, and sub- sequently, on June 23, a legal public hearing was held in the




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