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