USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1916 > Part 10
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As classified the new books added are as follows:
General Works
40
Philosophy and Religion
35
Sociology
60
Philology
6
Science, and Useful Arts
64
Fine Arts
39
Literature
57
Description and Travel
39
History
48
Biography
62
Fiction
203
Young People's Books
131
Gifts of books during the year included Vital Records of several towns in Massachusetts, from the Secretary of State; volume third of the "Life and work of Susan B. Anthony," from the National American Woman's Suffrage Association ; several French books presented by Miss Robinson, and books on Banking and the United States postal money-order system. Also the Manual of the Mass. General Court, and Journals of the House and Senate.
REGISTRATION AND CIRCULATION.
Two hundred and eighty-nine new cards were issued during the year, 122 being taken by children under fifteen years of age. The Library was opened for the circulation of books 306 days, and the number issued was 51,819. The number of non-fiction 8,166, of fiction 26,372, and 17,381 were taken from the young people's room.
The circulation was made smaller by the closing for several weeks of the children's room during parts of September and October.
The largest number of books issued any one day was 378, the smallest being 50, and the average daily circulation 169.
The sending of books to the East part of the town has been given up, as there is now no one to have the care of them, but several of the teachers continue to give the children the benefit of the books by carrying them to the localities where they teach.
Respectfully submitted, MARY M. EDDY,
Librarian.
186
REPORT OF THE MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD FOR 1916.
At the close of our fiscal year 1915, we had a large cash asset in Town Treasury, consisting of the following:
Depreciation Account $8,216.52
Construction Account
361.89
Operation Account
5,213.20
Cash in office 757.37
Total Amount $14,548.98
This amount we had been accumulating for the past three years to anticipate extensive additions to both the Gas and Electric Plants, especially the Electric, without calling on the Town for any extra appropriation.
A high tension or main line to connect with the Plymouth Company at the town line in Carver and also a sub-station at our own plant, has been completed at a cost of $12,930.42. (This is for purchasing current according to vote of the town).
The line for commercial lighting, as by vote of the town running to the Lakeville town house, which has, eighteen customers on main line and fourteen at Nelson's grove; a long extension at North Middleboro about two and a half miles on Pleasant and Clay Streets, besides a number of smaller additions in the village have been finished. The line to Marion Road is nearly completed.
The total cost of the above lines is $7,935.36, which is an addition or asset to the Plant, and comes from its earnings.
Extensions now would be at very high cost, owing to the greatly advanced price on copper and on electrical material. While there are applications for long outside extensions, we should meet them as our finances will permit.
The first six months of our fiscal year were the largest and most profitable in the history of the Plant, The last six months, although there was an increase in the number of customers, show a decrease of $1,544.37 over corresponding
187
period of last year, owing to the reduction in price of elec- tricity taking effect July 1, and the higher cost of material entering into cost of manufacture.
Gas :- The gas mains were extended about three thousand feet, with four inch cast iron pipe, together with thirty-four new services, at a cost of $3,604.13. The income from con- sumers over cost of manufacture was $2,539.81. The com- missioners are in favor of making a reduction of 10 cents on a thousand, providing the State Board will allow it.
The main issues which we proposed last year have been met and all paid for except a small balance on the construc- tion account of the high tension line. The final settlement has been waiting for a joint inspection and inventory of mate- rials used. Aside from this, all other new work laid out or proposed last year has been paid for, with a small balance of $232.83 available over and above bills payable.
(Signed) WILLIAM A. ANDREWS, Chairman. HARLAS L. CUSHMAN. BURTON DINSMORE.
Municipal Light Board.
188
REPORT OF THE MANAGER OF THE MUNICIPAL LIGHT PLANT FOR 1916.
Messrs William A. Andrews, Chairman.
Harlas L. Cushman and Burton Dinsmore. Municipal Light Board, Town of Middleboro.
Gentlemen: I have the honor to present herewith for your consideration and approval, the twenty-third annual report of the Manager on the operation of the Plant as well as the accounts as shown by the books for the year ending December 31, 1916.
As will be seen from the following pages, the Plant con- tinues to show a prosperous growth along all lines.
The benefits already accrued from the small extensions of gas mains this past year, are made apparent from the fact that more gas meters were set than in any one year before.
The gain in operating, on gas (income over expense) was $2,539.81, which was the largest ever made. . This showing should be gratifying to the commissioners, when one stops to consider the adverse showing in years previous to 1912. We trust it is fully as gratifying to the Pierce Trustees, who, by rehabilitating the Gas Plant in 1912, made possible the marked change in its showing, which is, from a loss of $1,719.44 in operating the year previous to installing the new apparatus, to the above mentioned gain of $2,539.81 in operating (income over expense) in 1916.
With the present outlook for increased cost of many of the materials entering into the manufacture and production of the gas, there will probably be a smaller margin of profit next year, but by careful and attentive management, wefeel safe in asserting that it will be sufficient to apply the basic principle upon which municipal ownership is founded, which is, to give the consumers the benefits of any profits which may accrue from operating this branch of industry.
Therefore, would recommend that the price of gas to consumers be reduced 10 cents per thousand, provided, however, that the consent of the State Board of Gas and Electric Commissioners may be obtained to so do.
189
The result of the reduction in price of electricity for light- ing was as follows :- The sales for the six months preceding the reduction were $1,357.04 more than those of the cor- responding period of 1915. The sales for the six months after the reduction went into effect, were $1,544.37 less than those of the corresponding period of previous year.
The final connection to the high tension line from Plymouth Electric Light Co. was made December 3, and from that date, excepting the week of December 18, such current not produced with the water wheels has been sup- plied from the high tension line. With a line capacity of 1500 K. W. and station capacity of nearly 30,000 K. W. back of the line, the Plant is now in position to offer cheap and reliable power service.
Wish at this time to call your attention to the Profit and Loss balance, December 31, especially the attention of those, if there are any, who still continue to claim that the Plant is not self-supporting, and a great source of expense to the citizens and tax-payers.
December 31, 1916, the Profit and Loss balance was $10,552.80.
June 30, 1906, the Profit and Loss balance was $68,361.44.
Of the $7,000.00 appropriated last March, $3,500.00 was used for payment of Bond due, and $3,500.00 transferred to Depreciation Fund, the latter amount being the cost to the town for its street lights for the year.
Notwithstanding the loss in receipts of over $1,500.00 on account of reduction in price of current, the gross profits of the Plant, namely, $13,980.13 was the largest during its 26 years of existence.
Following is a detailed statement for the year 1916.
ACCOUNTS FOR WHICH BILLS ARE PAYABLE.
Garage Account
$9.05
Station Tools, Electric
3.15
Oil and Waste
.65
Bituminous Coal, Electric
83.51
Coke
41.28
Wood
3.25
Lines and Wires
7.49
Current bought
483.50
Repairs, Real Estate Gas
. 65
-
190
Repairs, Real Estate Electric
6.40
Repairs, Lines and Wires
.20
Repairs, Electric Plant
1.03
$640.16
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE.
Which include the December sales (January 1st Bills).
Gas
$962.58
Lighting
4,569.25
Power
874.43
Jobbing
169.71
$6,575.97
SALES.
1917
1916
Gas
$8,524.09
$7,265.01
Lighting
26,605.75
26,793.08
Power
5,920.94
5,377.27
Jobbing
1,192.74
873.75
$42,243.52
$40,309.11
Increase in Gas Sales in 1916 over 1915
$1,259.08
Increase in Electric and Power Sales in 1916 over 1915
356.34
Net Increase in Gas, Electric and Power
Sales in 1916 over 1915
1,615.42
CUSTOMERS.
Jan. 1, 1917 Jan. 1, 1916 Increase
Gas
127
93
34
Electric
481
425
56
Gas and Electric
299
265
34
907
783
124
METERS INSTALLED.
Gas
447
386
.61
Electric
872
803
69
1,319
1,189
130
Jan. 1, 1917 Jan. 1, 1916 Increase
191
STREET LIGHTS.
All Night Service
348
3,135
29
9 hrs.
(21 incandescent)
1.30 A. M. Service
321
1,855
27
5 hrs. 46 min.
(229 incandescent)
So Middleboro, Rock and
No. Middleboro Service
365
1,907
30
5 hrs. 30 min.
(96 incandescent) ยท
Total K. W. made 454,668
Total K. W. bought
27,629
Total K. W. used for street lights
47,062
192
GAS MANUFACTURING ACCOUNT.
EXPENSES.
For Manufacture :-
Coal
$294.75
Coke
1,185.54
Wood
22.88
Water
53.98
Fuel Oil
1,669.43
Purifying Materials
21.82
Wages at Works
1,116.36
Works, Tools, etc.
35.50
Repairs and Maintenance, Works
291.41
Repairs, Real Estate
.60
$4,692.27
For Distribution :-
Wages, Reading Meters
$34.00
Repairs, Mains and Services
76.60
Repairs, Meters
77.52
Distribution Tools, etc.
54.51
$242.63
Miscellaneous :-
General Salaries
$402.85
Salaries of Municipal Light Board
50.00
General Office Expenses
83.61
Stable Account
14.57
Garage Account
45.65
Insurance
35.23
Bad Debts
7.84
$639.75
Total Expenses
$5,574.65
Balance to Profit and Loss (Profit)
2,539.81
Total Debits
$8,114.46
INCOME.
From Sale of Gas
$8,524.09 409.63
Less Discounts
$8,114.46
Total Credits
$8,114.46
193
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING ACCOUNT. EXPENSES.
Current bought
$483.50
For Manufacture :--
Bituminous Coal
$898.86
Pea Coal
2,551.26
Oil and Waste
402.96
Water
38.93
Wages at Station
6,205.04
Station Tools, etc.
123.62
Repairs, Real Estate
29.81
Repairs, Gas Engine Plant
453.67
Repairs Steam Plant
25.45
Repairs, Water Plant
48.63
Repairs, Electric Plant
334.30
Repairs. Gas Producer Plant
61.77
$11,174.30
For Distribution :-
Wages, Care Lights
$10.86
Wages, Reading Meters
170.00
Electrodes
14.77
Distribution Tools, etc.
42.73
Stable Account
276.73
Garage Account
867.37
Repairs, Lines and Wires
1,601.20
Repairs, Electric Meters
153.78
Repairs, Street Arc Lamps
91.40
Repairs and Maintenance, Street
374.68
Miscellaneous :-
General Salaries
$2,014.25
Salaries of Municipal Light Board
250.00
Commissioners' Expenses
10.00
General Office Expenses
418.04
Insurance
379.29
Accounts charged to bad debts
37.20
Total Expenses
Balance to Profit and Loss (Profit)
11,440.32
Total Debits
$29,810.42
Total Expenses
$18,370.10
Balance to Profit and Loss
14,940.32
Total Debits
$33,310.42
Incandescent Lamps
$3,603.52
$3,108.78 $18,370.10
194 ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING ACCOUNT.
INCOME.
From Lighting $26,605.75
Less Discounts and Rebates
2,258.29
$24,347.46
From Power
$5,920.94
Less Discounts and Rebates 457.98
$5,462.96
Total Credits $29,810.42
To give Electric Plant full credit, should show as follows:
Income from Private Consumers Income from Town for Street Lights 3,500.00
$29,810.42
Total Credits $33,310.42
195
BALANCE SHEET.
Appropriations for Bond Payments
$48,000.00
Appropriations for Note Payments
19,200.00
Appropriations for Construction
36,102.39
Appropriations for Extraordinary Repairs
2,890.00
Bonds Outstanding
27,000.00
Notes Outstanding
20,000.00
Interest Accrued, but not due
313.33
Bills Payable
640.16
Deposits
8.00
Deposit Fund
$8.00
Construction Fund
144.46
Land, Gas
1,200.00
Building, Gas
2,777.30
Machinery and Appliances, Gas
10,624.05
Street Mains
22,935.42
Gas Meters
3,104.63
Land and Water Power, Electric
6,000.00
Buildings, Electric
4,338.44
Steam Plant
756.10
Water Plant
11,472.98
Gas Producer Plant
2,687.83
Gas Engine Plant
7,349.85
Electric Plant
3,593.25
Electric Lines
32,961.31
Transformers
8,004.61
Electric Meters
10,272.09
Street Arc Lamps
470.65
Street Incandescent Lamps
1,494.98
Operating Fund
720.53
Inventory
6,108.63
Bills Receivable, Gas
962.58
Bills Receivable, Lighting
4,569.25
Bills Receivable, Power
874.43
Bills Receivable, Jobbing
169.71
Profit and Loss Account
10,552.80
$154,153 .88 $154,153.88
196
CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT.
EXPENDED FOR.
Lines and Wires
$20,865.78
Electric Meters
979.95
Transformers
2,578.80
Street Incandescent Lamps
62.31
Gas Meters
694.74
Mains and Services
3,604.13
$28,785.71
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT.
For Balance from last account $20,716.71
Amount appropriated for Bond Payment
3,500.00
Interest paid
1,346.66
Interest accrued to December 31
650.00
Bad debts
182.18
Amount charged off for Depre- ciation of Plant as follows:
Machinery
884.37
On Gas Plant
Street Mains and Services
1,108.10
Meters 141.89
Gas Engine Plant
722.39
Steam Plant
74.78
Electric Plant
189.12
Street Lines 1,008.79
Arc Lamps 52.29
Incandescent Lamps 75.40
Transformers
303.54
Gas Producer Plant 233.72
Meters 511.16
By Amount appropriated for Operation Balance of Gas Manufacturing Account Balance of Electric Manufacturing Account Balance of Jobbing Account Balance
$7,000.00
2,539.81
11,440.32
168.17
10,552.80
$31,701.10 $31,701.10
On Electric Plant
197
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS.
BONDS.
1916
1916 June Transferred from $3,500.00 Dec. 31 Orders drawn $3,500.00 Operation Acct.
INTEREST.
1916
Dec. 31 Transferred from
1916 2,020.00 Dec. 31 Orders drawn 2,020.00
Operation Acct.
MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD SALARIES.
1916 1916
Dec. 31 Transferred from 300.00 Dec. 31 Orders drawn 300.00 Operation Acct.
DEPRECIATION ACCOUNT.
1916
Jan. 1 Balance
June 30 Transferred from
1916 8,216.52 June 30 Transferred to Cons. Acct. 3,000.00
Operation Acct. 5,305.55 Dec. 31 Transferred to Cons. Acct. 10,068.28 Dec. 31 Orders drawn 453.79
$13,522.07 $13,522.07
CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT.
1916
1916
Jan. 1 Balance $361.89 Dec. 31 Orders drawn 28,785.71 Dec. 31 Bal. in Town
June 30 Transferred from Operation Acct. 8,000.00 Treasury 144.46
June 30 Transferred from Depreciation Acct. 3,000.00
Dec. 31 Transferred from Operation Acct. 7,500.00
Dec. 31 Transferred from
Depreciation Acct. 10,068.28
$28,930.17
$28,930.17
198
OPERATION ACCOUNT.
1916
1916
Jan. 1 Bal. in T. Treas. $5,213.20 June 30 Transferred to
Jan. 1 Cash in office 757.37 Deprec, Acct. $5,305.55
Mar. 27 Appropriation 7,000.00 June 30 Transferred to
Const, Acct, 8,000.00
39,687.14 June 30 Transferred to Bond Acct. 3,500.00
Dec. 31 Transferred to
Interest Acct.
2,020.00
Dec. 31 Transferred to
Munic. Lt. Board
Salaries Acct. 300.00
Dec. 31 Transferred to Construction Acct.
7,500.00
Dec. 31 Orders drawn 25,303.63
Dec. 31 Cash in office 444.51
Dec. 31 Bal. in Town Treas. 284.02
$52,657.71 $52,657.71
Respectfully submitted
GEORGE A. PHILBROOK,
Treasurer
Dec. 31 Collections
199
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SEWERS.
We have at present two main sewer outlets, one at Ware- ham St. The one at Wareham St. has a hundred and sixty- one entrances. The one at Mayflower Ave. has two hundred and sixty-seven, making in all four hundred and twenty- eight. We have taken in for sewerage entrances and work incidental to the sewers $394.18. The town appropriated $500 for the maintenance of sewers; we have in 1916, spent on sewers $771, leaving the sewer in debt to the town of Middleboro, $377.82, and this has been one of our easy years in sewer work. In 1915 we spent $700 more than we took in, showing that in 1915 and 1916 the sewerage system in Middleboro has cost the taxpayers of Middleboro over $1100 more than they have received in income. I think the time has arrived when we should have a sewerage rental I would suggest that the sewerage be extended from Pierce St. down Pearl St. extension to North St., down School St. from Reland to North St., down North St. to Rice. St. and Rice St. from Pierce to North St. the three to be intersected at the foot of Rice St. to a tank cistern in the Pierce pasture on the bank of the Nemasket River.
Respectfully submitted, W. H. CONNOR,
Supt. of Sewers.
200
WARRANT FOR THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING OF THE TOWN OF MIDDLEBOROUGH, MASS.
MONDAY, MARCH 5, 1917.
Articles 1. To choose all necessary town officers, the following officers to be voted for on one ballot, viz .: One moderator for one year, one town treasurer, one collector of taxes, eight constables, three fish wardens, one auditor, three fence viewers, one tree warden, all for one year each, one selectman, one assessor, one overseer of the poor, three trustees of the Public Library, two members of the school board, one member of the Board of Health, and one member of the municipal light board, all for three years.
The polls for the election of these officers will be open at half past eleven o'clock A. M. and will not close before eight o'clock P. M.
Article 2. To vote by ballot "Yes" or "No" in answer to the question "Shall license be granted for the sale of intox- icating liquors in this town?"
Article 3. To raise such sums of money, by tax or other- wise, as may be necessary to defray the expenses of the town, for the current year, appropriate the same, and to act any- thing in relation to the assessment of and collection of taxes for the year.
Article 4. To authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, or a majority thereof, to borrow during the municipal year, beginning January 1, 1917, in anticipation of the revenue of said year such sums of money as may be necessary for the current expenses of the town, but not exceeding the total tax levy for said year, giving the notes of the town therefor, payable within one year from the date thereof, All debts incurred under authority of this vote shall be paid from the revenue of the present municipal year.
201
Articles 5. To hear the report of any committees or officers of the town, to appoint any committee, and act thereon.
Article 6. To allow accounts against the town and act thereon.
Article 7. To see if the town will vote that the yards of persons chosen Field Drivers shall be town pounds as long as they remain in office, provided they shall be elected pound keepers.
Article 8. To dispose of money received for dog licenses, and other licenses, the present year and act thereon.
Article 9. To see if the town will vote to pay the expen- ses of one or more police officers in the village and act thereon.
Article 10. To see if the town will appropriate any money to be expended by Post 8, G. A. R., on Memorial Day and act thereon.
Article 11. To see what action the town will take in relation to oiling the streets and act thereon.
Article 12. To see what action the town will take in relation to concrete or other sidewalks, appropriate any sum of money for same and act thereon.
Article 13. To appoint a committee on appropriations and act thereon.
Article 14. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to institute, defend, or compromise suits for or against the town during the ensuing year, and act thereon.
Article 15. To see if the town will appropriate a sum of money to be expended for the employment of a district nurse.
Article 16. To see if the town will appropriate money for band concerts the coming season and act thereon.
202
Article 17. To see what action the town will take in relation to disposing of its rights to take alewives for one year or a term of years, and act thereon.
Article 18. To see what action the town will take to raise and appropriate the sum of $500.00 for the George Washington Memorial building at Washington, D. C.
Article 19. To see if the town will vote to accept Crom- well Street as laid out by Selectmen and act anything thereon.
Article 20. To see if the town will vote to lay out road from foot of Sproat Street to Plymouth Street through prop- erty of Pierce Trustees and Lorenzo Wood in accordance with taking made by Selectmen. Appropriate money there- for and act anything thereon.
Article 21. To see if the town will vote to accept Chapter 423 of the Acts of 1909. (Recommended by Police Depart- ment).
Article 22. To see if the town will vote to accept an extension of West Street from its present terminus to West Grove Street, as laid out by the Selectmen, and act anything thereon.
Article 23. To see if the town will take any action toward defending its rights in the waters of Lake Assawampsett and its tributaries, appropriate money therefor and act anything thereon.
Article 24. To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Chapter 153 of the General Acts of 1916, the same being an act relative to license fee for slaughter houses in towns having less than ten thousand inhabitants.
Article 25. To see if the Town will vote to extend its sewage system, appropriate money therefor and act anything thereon.
Article 26. To see if the town will vote to appropriate any money for the support of the Plymouth County Farm Bureau and act anything thereon.
INDEX
Assessors, Report of . 118
Auditors' Report. 163
Board of Health, Report of . 133
Chief of Police, Report of
128
Cemetery Trust Funds.
100
Collector of Taxes, Report of .
140
Department for Suppression of Gypsy and Brown Tail Moths.
144
Election Officers
113
Fish Wardens, Report of .
124
Forest Wardens, Report of .
142
Inspector of Slaughtering.
135
Inspector of Wires. 162
Jurors, List of
115
Middleboro Public Library
182
Report of Librarian
184
Report of Treasurer .
183
Municipal Light Plant, Report of .
186
Municipal Lighting and Power Plant Report of Superintendent.
188
Overseers of the Poor, Report of
125
School Reports.
5
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
179
Selectmen, Report of 105
Soldiers' Relief 112
112
Military Aid
112
Superintendent of Streets.
145
Supt, of Sewers.
199
Town Clerk, Report of.
65
Births.
95
Deaths
92
Marriages
88
Town Officers
3
Town Treasurer, Report of. 165
Trustees under will cf Thomas S. Pierce, Report of.
159
Tree Warden 157
Town Warrant 200
State Aid.
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