USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Westborough > Town Records Vol. 7 > Part 19
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16
Voled to pay its own Officers salaries as follows Auditor 45.00
Treasurer (including bond) 250.00
blesk 50,00
Collector (including bond) 250.00
and 5 per cent of collections from person. paying a poll tax only
Registrans of Voters 180.00
Assessora
Overseers of Poor 500.00
200.00
Water Commissioners 150,00
Treasurer Sinking Fund. 50.00
Selection
300.00
Voted, That the Engineer be paid fifty dollars 17
(550.00) cach and the Firemen twenty five dollars( $25.00) each per annum
stiche 31 77.40)
March 20. 1899.
404 Article 18
No action
Motion that the unpaid tax be printed was toet list
and no further action was taken 20
Voted, That the sum of Five hundred dollars ($500.00) be appropriated for the super of the Public Library.
21) No objections being made these articles were
22) considered jointly. After discussion it was voted to lay uporstub
Voted That the subject matter of this article referred to the Power Commissioners with in structions under the advice of a competent engineer to consider the same and report at a future meeting 21422 Taken from the table. Motion to indeti vitety postpone was lost Voted, That the articles be laid upon the table. 2% Voted That the subject matter of this article be referred to the Selection with instruction to act as they deem for the best interest of the town
Voted to adjourn to 1.30 oclock f.m. Monday March 20. 1899.
Attest. A Iv. Bullard Town blesk.
Article 19
405
Westborough, Mass. March 20. 1599 Town assembled at 1,30 oclock pin as per adjourment and was called to order by the Moderato.
ticle 25 Voted to appropriate a sum not exceeding Fifty dollars ($50.00) to meet necessary expenses incurred by the Board of Health
26 Noted to pass over.
27 Voted that the portion of Haskell Street lying west of the State Highway be discontinued. 28 " Notion to discontinue that portion of Fay Street lying east of Milk Street was by vale laid upon the table 29 No action.
30
Voted that the Selection be authorized to sell the land recently purchased of the Boston Y Albany Railroad Company for a sum not less than Twenty five hundred dollars $250000) 28 Motion to discontinue taken from table
Voted that the portion of Fag Street. lying east of Milk Street be discontinued.
Voted to indefinitely postpone. 32
Voted, That the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000 .- ) be funded and made payable Five thousand (5.000,-) in 1906 and Five Thousand dollars ($5,000,-) in 1907, and that the Treasures of the Town with the approval of the Selection beauthorized to find the same.The vote was Les 79CA. 8.
March -20. 1899. Voted to pass over. Voted to indefinitely postpone.
35
No action.
36
37 -38 39
No action,
Voted to indefinitely postpone
No action.
Appropriations made under Article 15 Memorial Day 100.00 20. Public Library 500.00
25 Board of Health 50.00 " brought forward for concurrence 650.00
40 Voted appropriations for current expenses as follows Salaries of Town Officers Auditor. · 45.00
Treasurer (including bond) 250.00
Clerk 50,00 Collector (including bond) 250.00
id 5 per cent of collections from persone paying a poll tag only Registrars of Voters Assessors 500.00
180.00
Overseers of Poor.
200.00
Water Commissioners 150.00
Treasurer Sinking Funds 50.00 Selection 300,00
1975.00. 500.00
Care of Cemeteries Fire Department. Salaries 175000
Expenses Overview of Poor Schools
1000.00
2750.00 3500,00
12.900,00 2600.00
406 Article 34
407
March 20. 1899.
Soldier's Relief 1 400.00
Electric Lights 2800.00
ways and Bridges 3500,00 Police 1200.00
Contingent 3500.00 Sewer Maintenance 1200,00
Interest on Funded Debt 1000.00
Interest on Temporary Loans 600.00
Sewer Sinking Friend 600.00
Payment Loan of 1894 3000,00 Tax of Sarah M. and Ida M. Barbour refunded 177.40 Total 42.852,40
Voted to grant the sum of fortyting thousand eight hundred fifty two dollars and forty cents ($42,852.40) for current expenses,
Voted that it is the sense of the town that the Selectionen draw no order in excess of the appropriation granted this several Boards of town officers, in conformity to Article 15th, of the Town By-Laws.
Voted that the thanks of the town. be extended through the Superintendent. of Schools to the teachers of our Public Schools for their very generous offer of one weeks gratuiti.
Noted that this meeting be dissolved
Attest
Iv. Bullard Town Clerk.
408
Appointments-1899-
Emory & Wood Thomas . H. Reilly Franck S. Stone Armond S. Meserve Melian E. Howard Med-20 Edward Halloran.
Undertaker
Burial agent. Special Police al Lyman School
Registrar of Voters Syears from May ! Thomas A. headway " Scalerof Freightex Measures. John Dee. janitor of Town House = Special Police & Keeper of Lockup. John Dee Mich 16 Frank & Stone Mich 13. Found Keeper. March 25" James Walsh Mich 27. Special Police Apr Is Inspection of battle and Provisionus 6 Albert B. hard Charles M. Fay apr 13 Superintendent of Streets 15 John W Slattery april Fence Viewer Frederick A. Pratt Jun 29 A. M. Brigham July 3. Special Police July 3×4.189 John Felnhive John P. Crowe. = %
11 * J. A. Glidden 11
Melvin A. Macker" =
J. D. Welts
J.A. Ekina 2
William H. M boy Luke Hannon
11
1
John It Nash 1
F. A. Taylor W. D. Atchinson July ?
21
,
Westboro Hospital
1. 1.
11
11
11 "
11
11
30 April 13
May 20 July 1
March 11
Special Meeting april 2, 1899. 409 Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester, S. To any bonstable of the Town of Westborough in the bounty of Worcester, Greeting, In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify and warn the Inhabitants of the Town of To cilborough, qualified to vole in elections and town affairs, to meet in the Town Hall, in Westborough, on Monday the Juod fourth day of April, Current, at 6:30 oclock in the forenoon, then and there to act on the following articles :
Article 1. To choose a Moderator Article 2 To choose a Selection.
The polls will be opened at 6.30 Oclock am, and may beclosed at 2 O'clock P.M. And you directed to serve this Harrand by posting up attested copies thereof at the ost-Office and Town Hall in said Town. (
Seven days, at least before the time of holding said meeting.
Here of fail not and make return of this Warrant with your doings thereon, to the Town block of said Westborough on or before the time of holding said meeting. Given under our hands this Eighth day of april in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and ninetynine Adame F. Brown.] Selectmen Butter ". Nero. Westborough. Worcester, S.S.
Westboro april 10th 1899. Ihave this day served the within warrant by posting up attexted copies there of at the post office and town wall in sand Westboro. Jorn Maquer Constable of Westboro.
410
Westborough, Mass. April 24. 1899. In pursuance with the foregoing warrant the Inhabitants of the town of Ireathorough qualific to vote in elections and town affairs, m and at 6.30 oclock an were called to order by the Town Clerk who proceeded to read the Warrant and under
Article , Adame F. Brown was chosen Moderator
Article 2 Voted That the town proceed to ballot. for a Selection. Solen, P. Clark, John D Wells, Ballot clarke and the following Jellers John brown George I. Ewell at check list John M Games Luke Hannon John Obrien. fr. O. M Robinson having beenduly sworn by the Townblech, the Ballot bot was examined in the presence of the voters, found and declared empty, was locked and the kaya given to Constable Walter B. Jourdan. The Moderator declared the polls open and ordered the ballots distributed In accordance with the unanimous vote of the election officers the ballot fot was opened at 10 oclock a. m. and 169 ballots taken therefrom, and at 11:30 am the fallot for was opened and 78
ballots were taken therefrom, and at 2 oclock pm the Ballot bot was opened and 129 ballots Dvere taken therefrom
Voled to close the polls at .30 o clock pri At 3.30 o clock pm the Moderator declared. the polls closed. The ballot for was opened and 16
april 24, 1899,
411
ballots was taken therefrom making a total of three hundred and ninetytwo (392) votes cast.
The Moderator announced that 372 ballots had been distributed and 392 names, had been checked on the list of voters sused this day-
At 3.40 oclock pm the Moderator declared as the result of the ballot that John L. Brigham had been elected a Selection,
The ballots, used and unused together with the check lists were sealed, attested by the election officers, and delivered to the Town block as the law directs.
H 3.55 oclock pm it was voted that this meeting be dissolved.
Attest. F. W. Bullard Town blesk.
412
Special Meeting May 17, 1899 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester, S.S. To any Constable of the town of Thealtorough. the County of Worcester, .1 1
Greeting in the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify and warn the Inhabitants of the Town of Vestborough, qualified to vote in elections and town affaire to meet in the Town Hall, in Westborough, on Wednesday the Seventeenth day of May current, at 1:30 oclock in the afternoon, bien and there to act on the following articles:
Article 1 Article 2
To choose a Moderator
To fear and act on reports of officers and donnutters of the town
=
To see if the town will authorize the assessore to print the valuation and tax list. 4 To see if the town will amond section tut of it's By Law, regarding the time at which the polle shall be opened at the annual town meeting 5 To see if the town will appropriate the sum. of one hundred and five dollars to pay the balance dus on the piano now in the Grammar grade room, Parkman building, or take any action in relation to the same. 6
=
To see if the town will construct new sewer bed and repair a portion of its old ones or act anything in relation to the same. in !
=
1 To see if the town will adopt measures to keep ground water out of its main sewer or act anything in relation to the same
FINAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF FIVE. 4/18/92 To the Citizens of Westboro:
At an adjourned town meeting held March 14 a motion was made and car- ried as follows. "That the various ro- ports of the town officers now before the town for consideration be referred to a committee of five with instructions to investigate the methods of keeping ac counts and accounting for the expendi- ture of public moneys : that said commit- tee be instructed to give one or more public hearings, and report in print as early as expedient, such conclusions and recommendations as are deemed essen- | tial for the public good :
Ist. What caused this committee to be appointed ?
For years past it has been extremely difficult to understand even from a care- ful scrutiny of the various reports of the town why this expense has been in- curred, or where the money has been ex- pended. Again, under the head of "sun- dry bills" the amount should be classi- fied, or so reduced by proper vouchers, that an intelligent idea may le had by any person not an expert in bookkeep- ing; as it is, criticisms are justly made. It will be seen then that the main object of this committee is to endeavor to as- certain if it is not possible to have some uniform system of bookkeeping-no fair- minded person will question the right of the people-which they claim-viz : to know in detail where and how the mon ey appropriated for town purposes is spent. We will now state why the com- mittee has "dwindled" to three. Mr. Hubbard Willson resigned -not from lack of sympathy with the object of the committee, but for personal reasons as regards his health. Mr. Reed, another member considering the work of the committee a useless waste of time, with- drew, so that the remaining three con cluded to proceed and endeavor to carry out the vote of the town. Either the ex. igency is an imaginary one and the vo- ters who carried the motion at the town meeting premature in their action, or the matter must be considered a real ne- cessity, and the work accomplished al- ready by the committee warrants the conclusion that the movement is neces sary. We have had as per vote one pub- lic hearing in the town hall, but as only two of the committee were present the investigation was not satisfactory ; part- ly from this fact, but more from the tardy responses to questions by the com- mittee and others besides the absence of committees, and an apparent unwilling- ness to have the books inspected by the committee. In the case of the cemetery accounts there seemed a willingness to give some light in reply to questions put by the committee of inquiry and others, yet a member of the cemetery committee in reply to a courteons invitation to be present with the books at a subsequent hearing in the room of the water com- missionemp tively refused to bring the books or allow us to see them as a com- mittee but would condescend to allow us to see them as individuals. The road commissioner claimed that he is amen- able to the sek ctmen and that his mem- orandum is made not for public inspec tion but for private use. The books con- taining most of the accounts of the town hall committee were shown and satisfac- tory replies were made by Mr. Bingham to questions from the audience and com- mittee. The fire department was repre- sented by Mr. Chase, the engineer, 'and Mr. Taylor, the clerk ; but as the books were not brought for inspection no great help could be obtained, although Mr. Chase replied cheerfully to all questions put him in regard to bills and charges. At a subsequent hearing at the room of the water commissioners we met the full board of commissioners, where the sys- tem of keeping accounts was explained and all of the various books shown the committee, and such other information was obtained which led the committee to compliment the system and perfect order rather than suggest any change. The
library committee and the overseers of the poor were represented, and having their books and accounts we were enabled to examine them, which with some needed explanations gave us the information we sought.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
Our committee are aware that the task is difficult to effect a change in this mat- ter, which to be ultimately beneficial to the tax payer must not be so compli- cated as to make a bad matter worse, and we will venture to make the following suggestions :
Ist. That all accounts be regularly and systematically audited on the last week of each month or oftener, and that no bills be paid before being audited as has been the custom in years past.
2nd. All orders for money must be drawn through or by the sanction of the board of selectmen.
.3d. The water commissioners and road commissioner, in order to pay employees in their departments, must have their accounts audited before applying for money to pay said employees.
4th. As early as practicable the ex- periment be tried of having the town clerk, or some suitable and efficient per- son take charge of the various books in the various departments ( except the water commissioners ) and that he be required to attend the regular meetings of the different boards and perform the clerical work. Furthermore, as an aid to this, each department to be required to make daily or frequent re, ports to the main office
5th. We would further recommend
that the town incorporate in its by laws that no department under any circum stances exceed the amount appropriated for its annual expenses, but shall post- pone such expenses, be it extra or ordi- nary, till such appropriation is made at a legal town meeting.
CONCLUSION.
We expect that whatever the plan pro- posed, especially if it be radical, that the conservative element will question its utility, and we are free to say that there are difficulties, but we do assert that the practical benefit to the town will be so apparent as to give satisfaction to the voters of the town.
Signed,
N. PORTER BROWN. M. F. MORSF. F. W. MOULTON.
ters, of when com- board of selectmen, r, school committee, of the town library, engineer of the fire ding year, shall be remaining members derator, whereupon il to the third Mon- s the meeting may
ng officer, except as e determined by the ry practice as laid Practice of Legisla- applicable to town
y entertain motions ever in his judgment Couture Is Consistent with good order and
the proper transaction of business.
4. The moderator in propounding questions in- volving different sums shall put the largest sum first.
5. No article in the warrant passed over, or further action thereunder indefinitely postponed, shall be again taken into consideration unless or- dered by a vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting.
6 No person shall speak more than once on the same question to the prevention of others; nor more than twice when objection is made, without first obtaining leave of the town.
7. At any town meeting held for the transac. tion of town business, no person whose name is not upon the list of voters shall be admitted to the floor of the hall, and it shall be the fluty 'of the constables and police officers to enforce this by-law, but the same shall not apply to the annual state and town elections while the voters are cast- ing their ballots and pending the declaration of
the committee, ap- consider the articles n and make report imates and recom- tion of the town at
ually an auditor of Accounts of the treas- 1, and in verifying the records and ac- f officers and con- l arrange ant, issue least five days be- succeeding his elec- town officers report- ort any facts relative mances of the town
he selectmen on or ary in each year to accurate statement but of the treasury 1 year, and to sub- to the auditor. It he selectmen, over- ittee, fire engineers, tery committee, and ut the fifth day of 't in writing to the ud information rela- gement of their re- arefully prepared quired for the year
from the treasury, ixes and notes and n order therefor, selectmen and des- n which said order be the duty of the keep a correct ac- made by the town, om such appropria- st such account. on r's books kept for re duty of the town the selectmen and made by the town, ne such appropria
Alrawn against any the amount of the
ecessary to execute y other instrument y vote of the town, the treasurer in be- vn shall vote other-
shall pay to the f every month the
shall have all the own treasurer when
nd payable in four- ther taxes shall be LF of November in Lid on or before the ar, interest shall be ent. per annum.
, trustees, and per- se their own chair- ho shall keep records poters of the town. the assessors to ap- ing to the town in year, and enter the t for the purpose. id appraisal to the same to the town, report.
library shall be in- ees, three of whom ) shall have power overnment, and to regulations for the library.
care of the ceme-
properly care for then doing the same to the (c). The trustees, in insert in the instrume and conditions as ap proper, and all money shall be paid into the t (d). No person shall erection enclosing any burial of the dead in upon such place by res any sport or game, or ure for convenience o avenues and walks, ( any such enclosure to a purposes. Whoever this by-law shall be lia two nor more than twer (e). It shall be the amine into all trespas: laws relating to cemett persons offending aga against the statutes of to the preservation o burial.
24. The town of W self of the several pro Commonwealth, now truants and absentees (c). All children be fifteen years, residin about in the streets of having no lawful occu and growing up in igi to the Worcester Co term not exceeding on
(b). Two or more pointed annually, who into all violations of 1 laws relating to comp all the acts required ( Commonwealth.
(c). It shall be the prior to making any c to notify the truant on also his parent or gu. mitted, and of the p truant officer can obt the restraint and refor forbear to prosecute s faithfully kept
(d). It shall be the ( keep a fullįrecord of all an annual report there
25. No building sha street without a writ men or road commissi be given by the select for moving any build destruction or serious standing.on the street or projecting over the consent of the person premises such tree or s be obtained. If any b or through any public building, and the per same, shall be jointly town for all damage which the town may. be compelled to pay i or of any obstruction, casioned thereby.
26. No person shal in any street or square
have authority as or defend all suits | post, fence, tree, or ise ordered by voto. | square in the- town, orize the treasurer , in anticipation of to give promissory town, the same to countersigned by a and all promissory uted in like manner. ave charge of the
selectmen or road con 37. No person sha strument in or near al cause a disturbance of make any alarming o 28. No person sha his control to pasture vided nothing herein person to use his land adjoining his premise
29. No person sha control to go at an im way within the town the life, safety or cony fully being or passing 30. No person shal on any of the sidewal his horse or vehicle to longer time than five t 31. No person shal cattle or team to any public highway, street nor drive into the sar nor aflix any advertise 32. No person shall cle of any description his care, to stand upor walk so as to obstruct of the same.
33. No person shal sidewalk; nor shall : struct any sidewalk o been requested by a c move away.
34. No person shall fire, or kick foolball, stones or snowballs a steds or otherwise, 11 : 35. No person shall any explosive compon firearm in any public works or explosive n any public way.
36. No person thal or write any indecent wall, post or building shall any person thro or advertisement card 37. No person sha bill, placard or poster, words, figures or dey the town not his own, consent of the owner t 38. No person shal conduct, or by the use sulting language in any any person peaceably 39. No person shall in any public way or garbage, carrion, shav of rubbish, except in s ner as may be directed 40. No person shall or conduit, or empty a
REPORT
OF
Committee on Appropriations,
Acting under authority conferred by vote of the town at its annual meeting, held March 6th. inst., all boards of town officers have been invited to appear before the committee in support of their recommendations.
We find the floating debt of the town to have been
On Jan. 1, 1898 $19,800 00
On Jan. 1, 1899.
35,300 00
An increase of 16,000 00
After careful investigation, and a full hearing upon all matters calling for an appropriation of money under the war- rant, the committee make the following recommendations:
FOR SALARIES OF TOWN OFFICERS.
Auditor.
$25 00
Treasurer (surety bond ) ..
250 00
Clerk
50 00
Collector of Taxes ( surety bond ) ..
240 00
Registrars of Voters.
100 00
Assessors.
500 00
Overseers of Poor
200 00
Water Commissioners.
150 00
Treasurer Sinking Funds.
50 00
Selectmen. .
300 00
$1,865 00
To be expended under direction of
Cemetery Committee.
$500 00
Fire Department, salaries.
1,750 00
.. expenses
1,000 00
Overseers of Poor ...
3,500 00
Library Trustees, service
500 00
School Committee, schools.
12,900 00
incidentals.
2,600 00
Selectmen, Soldiers' Relief.
300 00
Electric Lights.
2,800 00
Highways and Bridges
3,500 00
Police
1,200 00
Contingent
3,500 00
Sewer Maintenance
1,200 00
Memorial Day
100 00
Interest on Funded Debt. .
1,000 00
Interest on Temporary Loans
600 00
Sewer Sinking Fund
600 00
Payment on Floating Debt
5,000 00
Payment Loan of 1894
3,000 00
Tax of Sarah M. and Ida M. Barbour, re-
177 40
funded.
$45,727 40
Total
44,355 00
The appropriation of 1898 was.
$3,237 40
Increase.
On the basis of the valuation of 1898, the amount recom- mended will necessitate an increase in tax rate to $18.03 per $1,000.
Under Articles 21, 22 and 23, the committee are unable to make recommendation in the absence of any definite plans submitted by the Sewer Commissioners.
Under Articles 14, 24, 25, 26, 32, 34, 35, 36 and 37, the committee do not recommend an appropriation.
Under Article 30, we recommend the selling of the whole or a part of the land purchased of the B. & A. R. R. for a Public Park.
The committee further recommend that the town instruct the Selectmen to draw no order in excess of the appropriation granted the several boards of town officers, in conformity to Article 15th, of the Town By-Laws.
M. H. WALKER, Chairman, FRANK W. FORBES, Secretary, For the Committee.
Travel 6.1899.
$47,592 40
Statement of Votes for Representatives to General Court 12th Worcester District, Massachusetts.
Names of Candidates.
Residence.
BERLIN.
GRAFTON,
|| NORTHBORO.
SOUTHBORO.
SHREWSBURY.
WESTBORO.
TOTAL.
Charles M. Batchelder John E. M. Clellan Miles J. morse J. Henry Robison George H. Dethier a. J. Brown
Grafton
151321 43 111 358 165 15 112 43
39 111 53 119
33 167 4321344 208 471 40 1424011178
96276
145
1. 1
1
Blanks
61 212/20 04 109228001
298 1090 516 406 486 1460 4256
We, the Town Clerks of the several towns of the 12th Representative District of Worcester County, certify that the above is a true statement of the returns of votes cast on the 5th day of November, 1895 , for Representatives to the General Court, made to us by the Selectmen of the towns in said District.
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