USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1952 > Part 11
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$5,000.00
$279,201.85
Health and Sanitation
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
In April, 1952, Town Manager Macdonald accepted with regret the resignation of Health Officer Bertram N. Cameron, who felt it necessary to give up his work because of poor health. It is very largely through his generous contribution of his knowledge and experience that his successor was able to pick up the work of the Department.
KEEPING MIDDLEBORO CLEAN-During the year the garbage collection service has operated on a weekly basis with a minimum of complaints in spite of the fact that the truck is old and has had to be in the garage frequently.
141
ANNUAL REPORT
A by-product of the garbage collection service is the piggery at the Town Infirmary. Operated through the joint efforts of the Health and Welfare Departments, this activity brought in over $2,000.to the Town last year from the sale of pigs.
The rubbish collection service was greatly improved by the purchase of a modern Packmaster. Not only did this make it unnecessary to con- sider employing another man, but the saving in time effected by this type of loader has made it possible to extend the rubbish routes until the town is now well covered. Rubbish is collected every other week. A number of dumps have been posted. Through the efforts of the dump custodian, the Town Dump is in better condition than it has been for some time.
This year saw the launching of a program of restaurant sanitation. Through the cooperation of the State Department of Public Health, a survey of our 53 eating and drinking establishments was made in June and each restaurant was graded on its compliance with the rules and reg- ulations governing eating places. An average score of 75%, while not up to the 90% required for protection of the eating-out public, was con- siderably better than the score revealed by a previous survey. The survey was followed by a school for food handlers which stressed the importance of proper dish washing, covering of food, and cleanliness in the preparation of food. This school was very well attended. The program received much favorable comment from the public and had the cooperation of the proprietors of eating and drinking establish- ments who realize that not only is a clean eating place a safer place, but it also does more business. Follow-up inspections have shown that a number of major improvements are being made, and a spring inspec- tion is planned to regrade restaurants making improvements.
BURIAL PERMITS - A study of the 121 burial permits issued during the past year shows that diseases of the heart and circulation rank first as & a cause of death. Although we have no program for controlling the chronic diseases affecting our older people, they rank high on the list as health hazards.
CONTROLLING COMMUNICABLE DISEASES - Last year was a big year for measles, both German measles and the old-fashioned kind. Several cases of scarlet fever and meningitis were reported, but no epidemic resulted. No case of polio was reported in Middleboro in 1952.
During the year five cases of tuberculosis were hospitalized at Plymouth County Hospital and one at Lakeville State Sanatorium. All arrested cases were followed by the Public Health Nurse. Not only was nursing care provided as needed, but patients were educated to take proper care of themselves and to prevent the spread of the dis- ease. Whenever indicated, appointments were made for the X-ray Clinic which is held the second Wednesday of the month at St. Luke's Hospital.
KEEPING OUR CHILDREN HEALTHY - Although there is no program for providing prenatal or well baby care through clinics, sev- eral cases of special need were referred to the nurse for prenatal care and infant supervision. The law requires that the Health Department provide hospital care for all premature babies until they reach the
142
ANNUAL REPORT
weight of 51/2 pounds provided the parents are unable to pay. Of the 16 premature babies born in Middleboro in 1952, only one required prolonged hospitalization. This was paid for by the Department. All premature babies are referred to the Public Health Nurse for home visits and supervision.
A new school health program is being developed jointly by the Health Officer, the School Physician and the School Nurse. This pro- gram is the result of a new law which provides for a more thorough physical examination spaced to include, for example, children in grades 1, 4, 7 and 10 to replace the more superficial annual examination of school children conducted in the past.
The Dental Clinic, conducted every Wednesday during the school year, is under the supervision of the Clinic Dentist and the Nurse. Last year over 1,500 pupils were examined and 900 notices of need for dental care were sent home to parents. Two hundred and twenty-four children in the first and secod grades were treated in the Clinic.
As part of the child health program, three Diphtheria Clinics were held in the spring at which pre-school as well as school children were immunized or given booster shots. This work was carried on through the efforts of the Clinic Doctor and the Public Health Nurse and with the cooperation of the District Nursing Association. The average attendance at each clinic was 140. The fact that so many children of school age were immunized for the first time shows the need for stressing early immunization of pre-school children.
A new program of licensing and inspection of kindergartens and other child care centers was started this year. Rules and regulations governing the licensing of the above are being prepared for considera- tion and approval by the Board of Health.
TEACHING HEALTH METHODS - The Public Health Nurse gives instruction in health methods along with bedside care. In ad- dition to this, the Department tries through the press to keep people informed of the work of the Department and to pass along helpful hints for keeping well. Pamphlets on certain health problems are available at the Health Department office, and the Department is glad to send for information upon request.
PUBLIC HEALTH IS EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS.
REPORT OF PLUMBING INSPECTOR
3 207
For the year 1952, I received-238 applications for new and remodel- ling work on plumbing, 35 applications for cesspools and septic tanks. 38
334 Three hundred and fifty-four inspections were made of plumbing and 44 inspections of cesspools and septic tanks.
All written complaints during the year have been investigated and properly disposed of.
143
ANNUAL REPORT
I wish to thank Mrs. Campbell, Health Officer, for the splendid cooperation she has given me and our work together was very pro- gressive, also I wish to thank Town Manager Macdonald and the Hon- orable Board of Health for their cooperation.
HARRY ROWE
Plumbing Inspector.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MILK, ANIMALS AND SLAUGHTERING
Milk
All producers of milk have a certificate of registration by the Division of Dairying.
All milk dealers have a license issued by the Milk Control Board and one also issued by the Town of Middleboro to sell milk and cream.
Forty-four samples of milk were taken to Steel's Laboratory, East Bridgewater, Mass., for analysis during the past year. No mastitis was found during these tests.
One hundred and seventy-six restaurants, roadside stands, stores, also 29 milk trucks, 17 dairy barns were inspected for conditions about the caring for milk. Sixty-two inspections were made of dairies and producers for handling milk. Two days of inspection of premises were made with the State Milk Inspector.
25 Oleomargarine license issued
$12.50
80 Store milk and cream license issued
40.50
23 Dealers milk and cream license issued
11.50
Total
$64.50
Animals
A survey of 235 premises with 142 herds was made for the State Department with the following results.
Cattle
1,164
Sheep
370
Calves
218
Bulls
60
Horses
54
Steers 50
Goats
71
Swine 244
Total number of animals 2,231
26 Dogs were put under quarantine during the year.
42 Permits were received from the State to ship cattle into Middle- boro and 151 head were shipped in under these permits.
All cattle in Middleboro were tested for tuberculosis during the year with only one re-actor found and condemned by State Department.
144
ANNUAL REPORT
Slaughtering
Monthly reports were received and returned to the Department of Public Health on any slaughtering done in town as required by State.
I wish to thank the Board of Health and all others I have been in contact with doing my work during the past year for their assistance and cooperation.
JOHN REBELL Inspector of Milk, Animals and Slaughtering
Board of Public Welfare
REPORT OF THE WELFARE DEPARTMENT
To the Town Manager:
The Welfare Department expenditures in 1952 increased consider- ably over the amount paid out in 1951. This fact, however, has been offset by the increased amount of reimbursement received from both the Federal and State funds.
Under the General Relief program of this Department, the net cost has been decreased greatly. This was anticipated at the begin- ning of the year due to the inception of the new category of relief known as Disability Assistance. Many of our cases at that time were transferred from General Relief to Disability Assistance. This brought about a savings because of the fact we are now receiving Federal and State reimbursement for assistance to those cases.
Town Infirmary
The usual efficient job of operating the Town Farm has again been accomplished by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest A. Crowell. Some improvements have been made such as the reshingling of the piggery, painting and papering a section of the house and repairs to the barn. There are more extensive repairs required on the barn and Mr. Crowell is plan- ning to have these done in 1953 as well as to carry on his plan of re- finishing a part of the inside of the home.
The net cost of maintaining the home as well as the per capita cost has increased this year. This is a consequence of the lower pork prices together with the fact that our population has decreased in the home and thus, the income from boarders is less.
145
ANNUAL REPORT
The expenses and receipts show an income of $4,781.10 from the sale of pigs and produce. This is a source of income which should also be reflected in the report of the Health Department. The pigs are kept at the town farm and are maintained by the employees of this depart- ment, for the use of the Health Department who, in turn, furnishes the taxpayer the service of collecting his garbage.
Old Age Assistance
The program of Old Age Assistance is, of course, the source of the greatest expense of this department. The net cost, however, has been considerably reduced due to the increased amount of reimburse- ment received. Our caseload continues at about the same rate as last year. It is very difficult to make any predictions as to what this year may bring forth in the way of changes in this category of assistance. We have a new administration both in the federal and state branches of our government. Both have made promises to attempt to liberal- ize this form of aid.
Aid to Dependent Children
The caseload on Aid to Dependent Children has increased slightly and this, along with the increased rent ceilings allowed, accounts for the increase in expenditures.
Disability Assistance
The first full year for the new category of assistance known as Disability Assistance has been completed. It has been found to be a pro- gram of liberal assistance to recipients at a considerably reduced overall expense to the local taxpayer. The Federal and State funds reimburse the town for a large portion of the expenditures. The caseload at the present time is twenty with four applications pending. It is expected that it may increase considerably during the coming year as we are now receiving referrals from hospitals and other agencies.
On January 16, 1953, I plan to terminate my services to the Town of Middleboro and I would like to use this report as a means of recording my deep appreciation to all of my associates:
To all of the Department heads and employees for their very fine cooperation during the past two years.
To the Town Manager and Board of Selectmen for having allowed me the full responsibility of the administration of the Welfare Department to which trust I have endeavored to be true.
To the Administrative Staff directly under my supervision for having worked in a manner of efficiency of which they may well be proud.
To the Superintendent and Matron and the employees of the Town Farm for their kindnesses and the interest they have displayed in the operation of the Farm upon an economical, methodical and yet, humane basis.
I refer you to the Town Accountant's Report regarding the receipts and disbursements pertaining to this department.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWIN O. WILSON,
Welfare Agent.
146
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE VETERANS' SERVICE DEPARTMENT
For the Year 1952
The past year of 1952 has seen a large increase in both cost and cases handled by this office on account of the increase by law of the amounts payable. Also the number of veterans, servicemen and dependents in the town has increased on account of so many boys going into the service and many others being discharged as veterans.
Veterans' Benefits cases are paid by the state and town on equal basis with each paying half.
Office records and amounts paid on Veterans' Benefits cases are in- spected and approved by the Commissioner's Office and the accounts audited by the State Auditors.
The following is a list of cases which have been handled by this office during the year of 1952.
Allotment or Allowance
5
Civil Service
16
Discharge
17
Copy
17 17
Education
35
Employment
64 45
Flags
9
Gratuity - six months
2
Grave Marker
24
Information
3,600
Legal Aid
10
Maternity
2
Readjustment
12
Social Security
125
Taxes
45
Telephone Calls and Letters
3,400 41
Unemployment Compensation
131
Burial
7
Compensation
9
Education
61
Training
45 47 22
Hospitalization
Housing
60
Insurance
44
Internment Forms
7
Legal
40
Loans
37
Medical-Dental
111
Pensions
7
Veterans' Benefits
244
Vital Statistics
180
Miscellaneous
360
Recorded
Finance
Veterans' Administration
Rehabilitation
1 47
ANNUAL REPORT
Notary Public
700
Mustering-Out Pay
50
Other Records
300
Records of Applicants
350
Investigations Made
74
Photostats for Bills and Discharges
1,200
Lost Discharges
8
Veterans Put to Work
51
Veterans Looking for Work
70
Bonus Applications
2
Funeral Arrangements for Burial of Veterans
5
Applications for Burial Allowances
5
Widow's Pension
6
Veterans' Administration Disability Certificate
30
Filing of Widow's Yearly Applications for Pensions
20
Flags Obtained for Graves
7
Veterans Sent to Schools
18
Flags Purchased and Placed on Every Veteran's Grave
I wish to thank the Town Manager, Treasurer, Town Clerk and Police Department for their splendid cooperation during the year of 1952.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUIS A. COLE,
Director of Veterans' Services.
REPORT OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
The towns of Plymouth County have the opportunity of contribut- ing directly to the budget of the Plymouth County Extension Service by Town appropriation, which is sent directly to the County Treasurer for the use of this Department. Town Directors are chosen to represent the Town in the administration of the Extension Service wherever possible.
The direction for the Extension Service is by board of nine trustees who are appointed by, and report to, the Board of County Commission- ers. In addition, each Department has an advisory council and com- modity committees which give counsel in the formation of educational programs for their respective groups.
General educational programs are conducted through meetings, circular letters, newspaper and radio publicity. In addition, farm and home visits are made to promote rural welfare among the men, women and youth interested in better farm and rural living.
The Extension Service is an educational organization sponsored jointly by the County of Plymouth, University of Massachusetts, and the United States Department of Agriculture. There are three Depart- ments within the Extension Service - Agriculture, Homemaking, and 4-H Club Work. The major objectives of the Extension Service are directed to farm and rural people, but since funds from tax sources are used, there is an obligation to all the citizens of the County.
HAROLD C. GATES Agent
148
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY
January 27, 1953.
Board of Selectmen
Middleborough, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The year 1952, the third full year of operation of the Veterans' Housing Project at Archer Court, was a successful year in every respect for the Middleboro Housing Authority. The 28 apartments at the Project were fully tenanted throughout the year. The turnover of tenants was longer than usual, nine families having moved out during the year; but the vacancies were immediately filled without loss of revenue.
No major repair or maintenance projects were necessary during the year. A number of apartments were redecorated, at least in part, and considerable work was done by the authority in beautifying the grounds. Physically, the project is in excellent condition.
The Middleboro Veterans' Housing Project was constructed and is operated under Chapter 200 of the General Laws of Massachusetts to provide low cost housing to veterans of limited income. Low rents are made possible by a State subsidy, a maximum of $7,000.00 for Middleboro. Admission to the project is restricted to veterans whose family income ranges between $2,000.00 and $3,500.00, although if once admitted the veteran may remain until his family income reaches a maximum of $4,000.00. The amount of rent paid is determined by the veteran's in- come and the size of his family, with large families paying a slightly lower rent than small families.
The average shelter rent for 1952 was $37.15 and the average charge for all utilities, electricity, heat and water, was $16.05 per month. Since the utility charge was actually over $4.00 per unit month less than the cost to the authority, it is anticipated that it will have to be increased during the coming year.
The appended balance sheet and operating statement show the ex- cellent financial condition of the authority at the end of the year 1952.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE DONNER, Executive Director.
149
ANNUAL REPORT
BALANCE SHEET - December 31, 1952 ASSETS
Cash:
Development Fund Administration Fund Security Deposit Fund
$1,791.65 14,579.13
268.00
$16,638.78
Accounts Receivable, Tenants
Fiscal Agent's Fund
9,812.50
Debt Service Trust Fund
1,183.10
Investment Fund
3,000.00
Development Costs
$280,000.00
Less: Development Cost Liquid
5,000.00
275,000.00
Total Assets
$305,634.38
LIABILITIES
Accounts Payable: Development
$1,791.65
Accrued Liabilities :
Insurance
$975.87
Payment in Lieu of Taxes
624.15 9,812.50
Matured Interest and Principal
11,412.52 268.00
Tenants' Security Deposits
Fixed Liabilities:
Bonds Authorized
$280,000.00
Less: Bonds Retired
5,000.00
Reserves:
Debt Service Reserve
$1,714.60
Unamortized Bond Premium
4,183.10
Working Capital
490.71
Operating Reserve
8,400.00
14,788.41
Surplus - December 31, 1952
2,373.80
Total Liabilities
$305,634.38
275,000.00
150
ANNUAL REPORT REPORT OF TOWN ACCOUNTANT
For the Year Ending December 31, 1952 CLASSIFICATION OF RECEIPTS
Taxes
Current Year
Polls
$5,162.00
Personal
39,144.25
Real Estate
520,249.07
Excise
47,818.27
Previous Year
Polls
26.00
Personal
7,823.81
Real Estate
55,972.80
Excise
8,143.59
Total Taxes
$684,339.79
Licenses and Permits
Liquor
$7,818.00
Pedlar
46.00
Sunday
72.00
Pool and Bowling
42.00
Marriages
204.00
All Other Licenses
1,301.15
Total Licenses and Permits
$9,483.15
Fines and Forfeits
Court Fines
$361.60
Total Fines and Forfeits
$361.60
Grants and Gifts
Federal Grants
For Old Age Assistance
$125,350.17
For Aid Dependent Children
28,431.07
For Disability Assistance
5,510.01
Dog Fund
336.50
Dog Licenses-Individuals
2,187.80
Total Grants and Gifts
161,815.55
:
151
ANNUAL REPORT
General Government
Tax Collector Town Clerk Town Hall
$
705.39
1,587.41
1,544.51
Total General Government $3,837.31
Protection of Persons and Property
Police Department-rent
$2,750.00
Fire Department
1.87
Sealer Weights and Measures
437.30
Insect and Pest Extermination
388.50
Forest Fires
254.50
Total Protection of Persons and Property $3,832.17
Health Department
Contagious Diseases
$3,169.53
Sewer Maintenance and Connections
479.11
Sewer Rates
6,350.10
All Other
100.42
Dental Clinic
12.30
Total Health Department $10,111.46
Highway Department
Chapter 90 Maintenance-State
$12,999.87
Chapter 90 Maintenance-County
7,999.87
Snow Removal
153.14
Road Machinery
120.25
Miscellaneous
49.05
Total Highway Department $21,322.18
Welfare Department
Infirmary
$6,346.16
From State
8,080.29
From Cities and Towns
11,857.15
From Individuals
990.00
Total Welfare Department
$27,273.60
Aid Dependent Children
From State $20,209.78
Total Aid Dependent Children $20,209.78
152
ANNUAL REPORT Old Age Assistance
From State From Cities and Towns
$135,256.84 4,650.12
Total Old Age Assistance
$139,906.96
Disability Assistance
From State $5,643.52
Total Disability Assistance
$5,643.52
Veterans' Benefits
State Aid
$6,170.15
Total Veterans' Benefits
$6,170.15
School Department
Tuition-Transportation, State
$46,067.55
Tuition-All Other
23,218.38
George-Barden Fund
4,650.00
Smith-Hughes Fund
419.58
Milk
3,868.65
Lunch
15,382.14
Athletic
4,585.29
All Other
29.92
Total School Department
$98,221.51
Library
$627.40
Fines and Sales All Other
68.29
Total Library
695.69
Unclassified
Sales of Real Estate
$171.00
Lease of Land
1.00
Swimming Pool
822.30
Old Fire Station
105.00
Herring
583.97
Tailings Account
77.54
All Other
835.46
Total Unclassified
$2,596.27
153
ANNUAL REPORT
Water Department
Metered Rates Service Repairs Liens Construction Renewals
$49,044.22
785.19
960.42
3,453.35
550.69
Total Water Department
$54,793.87
Electric Light Department
For Lighting
$320,987.46
For Power
42,422.60
For Street Lighting
7,000.00
Miscellaneous
541.92
Bad Debts
4.53
Refunds
9,790.37
Deposits
2,296.00
Total Electric Light Department $383,042.88
44
Gas Department
For Lighting $84,320.38
Total Gas Department
$84,320.38
Municipal Indebtedness
Temporary Loan
$100,000.00
Total Municipal Indebtedness
$100,000.00
Interest Municipal Indebtedness
On Deposits
$ 156.06
On Deferred Taxes
2,342.33
On Trust Funds
M.L.H.P. Drinking Fountain Fund
105.11
M.L.H.P. Fund
75.90
Enoch Pratt
271.90
Mary Hullahan Fund
90.00
Richard Fund
949.36
Total Interest Municipal Indebtedness $3,990.66
Agency and. Trust
Agency
State Taxes
$145,763.93
Trust
Cemetery Perpetual Care-Income
2,173.69
Cemetery Perpetual Care-Bequest
1,675.00
Jobbing
1.54
ANNUAL REPORT
Tax Title Profit (hold 5 years) Road Machine Fund Retirement Withholding
65.55
1,000.00
17,725.83
74,967.02
Total Agency and Trust Included in State Tax is $65,906.84 to be credited to School
$241,881.98
Refunds®
Departmental
$7,588.13
Water Department
1.30
Excise Taxes
1,203.80
Real Estate and Personal Polls
778.04
Herring
416.03
Total Refunds
$9,987.30
Total Receipts
$2,075,332.26
Cash Balance-January 1, 1952
Revenue
$286,123.47
Non Revenue
13,590.61
$299,714.08
Grand Total
$2,375,046.34
CLASSIFICATION OF EXPENDITURES Finance Committee
Approp.
Drafts
Expenses
$300.00
$278.00
Balance $22.00
Total Finance Committee
$278.00
Town Counsel
Salary
$961.20
Total Town Counsel
$961.20
Planning Board
Expenses
$59.00
$59.00
$0.00
Total Planning Board
$59.00
Selectmen
Miscellaneous-Board Expense
$500.00
$495.44
$4.56
Salary and Bonus-Clerk
66.00
66.00
0.00
Town Reports
1,148.35
1,148.35
0.00
Dues
60.00
60.00
0.00
155
ANNUAL REPORT
Expenses :
Office Supplies
40.00
20.00
20.00
Printing and Advertising
70.85
87.60
17.60
Postage
25.00
23.25
1.75
Miscellaneous
10.00
10.00
0.00
Legal Advice
80.00
80.00
0.00
Total Selectmen
$1,990.64
Town Manager
Salaries and Bonus :
Town Manager
$6,340.00
$6,340.00
$0.00
Secretary
2,435.00
2,435.00
0.00
Operation and Mtce. of Car
250.00
242.27
7.73
Travel and Expense
100.00
81.65
18.35
Out of State Conventions
150.00
150.00
0.00
Adding Machine
360.00
271.00
89.00
Expenses :
Stationery and Postage
50.00
12.00
38.00
Printing and Advertising
30.00
1.72
28.28
Bonds
5.00
0.00
5.00
Office Supplies
50.00
123.25
73.25
Telephone
175.00
183.93
8.93
Miscellaneous
50.00
39.10
10.90
Total Town Manager
$9,879.92
Town Clerk and Accountant
Salary and Bonus:
Clerk and Accountant
$3,898.00
$3,898.00
$0.00
Senior Clerk
2,091.30
2,091.30
0.00
Part-time Clerk
200.00
166.61
33.39
Transportation
50.00
50.00
0.00
Duplicating Machine
175.00
175.00
0.00
Expenses :
Stationery and Postage
30.00
14.60
15.40
Printing and Advertising
10.00
10.25
0.25
Binding Records
25.00
39.40
14.40
Office Supplies
50.00
76.69
26.69
Office Equipment
45.00
37.50
7.50
Telephone
141.48
133.78
7.70
Recording Deaths and Births
100.00
105.75
5.75
Dues
8.00
8.00
0.00
Bonds
12.50
12.50
0.00
Miscellaneous
20.00
3.51
16.49
Conventions
50.00
50.00
0.00
Total Town Clerk and Accountant
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