USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1920-1921 > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33
100.00
Burial Hill Cemetery,
1,500.00
1,500.00
C. M. C. and S. P. Cemeteries,
300.00
300.00
Town Debt and Interest,
46,000.00
46,000.00
$478,703.89 $467,603.89
Less Dog Tax,
1,097.00
1,097.00
$477,606.89
Article 6. To take such action as the Town may see fit in aid of the Plymouth Public Library.
The Committee recommends that the sum of $4,000, in- cluding the dog fund of 1919, amounting to $1,097, be ap- propriated for the maintenance of the Plymouth Public Library.
Article 7. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding two hundred and fifty (250) dollars in aid of the Manomet Public Library.
- 41-
The committee recommends that the sum of $250.00 be ap- propriated in aid of the Manomet Public Library.
Article S. To see what appropriation the Town will make for the care and improvement of the various parks and of the Training Green.
The Committee recommends the following appropriations :
Parks, $3,950.00
Cutting wood in parks, 500.00
Training Green, 300.00
Stephen's Field,
150.00
Article 9. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding two hundred and twenty-five (225) dollars to pay the expenses of the observance of Memorial Day.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate a sum not exceeding $225.00 to pay the expenses of the obser- vance of Memorial Day.
Article 10. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum not exceeding three hundred and fifty (350) dollars for the use of the Plymouth County Farm Bureau.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate the sum of $250.00 for the aid of the Plymouth County Farm Bureau.
Article 11. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of thirty-five hundred (3,500) dollars to be used in paving the westerly side of Main Street and that part of Town Square below the westerly line of Market Street.
The Committee recommends that the sum of $3,500.00 be appropriated for the purpose of resurfacing the westerly side of Main Street, and that part of Town Square below the west- erly line of Market Street, according to the plans of the select- men.
Article 12. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum
-42-
of four thousand (4,000) dollars to be used for concrete con- struction on the bridge over Eel River.
The Committee recommends that the Town take no action under this article, as later developments contemplated by the State may render the Town's action unnecessary.
Article 13. To see if the Town will appropriate, for deep- ening the bed of Eel River below the bridge, the sum of seven hundred (700) dollars, that being approximate extra expense caused by the storm and paid from the appropriation in 1919.
The Committee recommends that the sum of $700.00 be ap- propriated for deepening the bed of Eel River below Warren Avenue bridge, such sum to be expended under the direction of the Selectmen.
Article 14. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of seven hundred (700) dollars, to be expended on the Bartlett Road in Manomet in building a permanent road.
The Committee recommends that it is inexpedient for the Town to make such appropriation at this time.
Articles 15, 16, 17.
The Committee recommends that the sum of $542.40 be appropriated from the tax levy of 1917, and $312.41, same being the balance of reserve from overlayings of taxes, and $6,000 of the overlay of taxes of 1919, to the reserve Account.
Article 18. To see if the Town will appropriate, from money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, the sums of one hundred and thirty (130) dollars to the Law Depart- ment, seventy (70) dollars to the Assessors' Department, four hundred, thirty-six and 63/100 (436.63) dollars to the Fire Department and twenty-four and 45/100 (24.25) dollars to the Sewer department; the foregoing amounts to be for the pay- ment of bills contracted in 1919.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate,
-43 --
from money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, the following amounts, for payment of bills contracted in 1919 :
Law Department, $130 00
Assessors' Department, 70 00
Fire Department,
436 63
Sewer Department, 24 45
Article 19. To see what action the Town will take in re- gard to increasing the salary of the Chairman of the Select- men to nine hundred (900) dollars a year, and of the other Selectmen to three hundred (300) dollars a year.
The Committee recommends that the salary of the Chairman of the Selectmen be increased to $900.00 a year, and that it is inexpedient to increase the salaries of other members of the board.
Article 20. To see what action the Town will take in regard to closing the Town House on Wednesday evenings, during the months of July and August.
The Committee recommends that the Town authorize the closing of the Town House on Wednesday evenings during the months of July and August.
Article 21. To see if the Town will accept Chapter 423, Acts of Massachusetts for 1909 and amendments thereto, rela- tive to the sale of ice cream, confectionery, soda water and fruit on the Lord's Day.
The Committee recommends that it is unnecessary and inex- pedient to accept chapter 423 of the Acts of Massachusetts, for 1909, and amendments thereto.
Article 22. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the use of a lot on South Street near Brailey's Lane for cemetery purposes.
The Committee recommends that the Town authorize the use for cemetery purposes of the prescribed lot on South Street near Brailey's Lane.
It will be noted that the Committee recommends the total
-44-
appropriation of $13,500.00 for street lighting as requested by Selectmen. The Committee, however, believes that the light- ing subject should be carefully investigated by competent indi- viduals to assure the Town that it is receiving full voltage, and the maximum of illumination for the money spent, also to see that the circuits are maintained in proper condition.
ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF PLYMOUTH.
Edward L. Burgess, Chairman; Wilfrid O. Broadbent, Sec- retary; Elmer E. Avery, Frank D. Bartlett, Ellis W. Brews- ter, Sumner A. Chapman, Alton D. Edes, Richard T. Eldridge, Nicholas Keefe, Henry E. Walton, John B. Washburn, Harold J. Weston, Colburn C. Wood.
NOTE.
Mr. Edes dissents from the vote of majority under Article 14; Messrs. Washburn and Bartlett dissent under Article 19; Mr. Bartlett dissents under Article 21; Messrs. Washburn and Edes dissent under appropriation for Tree Warden's Depart- ment; Mr. Keefe dissents under appropriation for Shell Fish Department ; Messrs. Walton and Wood dissent under School Department appropriation.
All other recommendations passed upon by unanimous vote of the Committee.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE, RELATING TO ARTICLES IN
WARRANT FOR SPECIAL TOWN MEETING,
MAY 29, 1920.
Article 3. To see what action the Town will take in regard to the erection of a Town Hall and furnishings for the same, to make an appropriation therefor, and to authorize the issue of
-15-
notes or bonds of the Town for said purpose, and to recon- sider or rescind any vote heretofore passed by the Town in regard to the same.
In view of oral report presented by Chairman of the Town Tercentenary Committee, and information furnished by Chair- man of Board of Selectmen, the Committee recommends that no action be taken under this article.
Article 4. To see if the Town will accept Chapter 240, of the Acts of 1920, entitled "An Act to Permit, under Public Regulation and Control, Certain Sports and Games on the Lord's Day."
The Committee recommends that the Town accept Chapter 240, of the Acts of 1920.
Article 5. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money to be used by the Selectmen for entertainment purposes.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) to be placed at the disposal of the Selectmen for entertainment purposes.
Article 6. To see what action the Town will take in rela- tion to the increase of the Assessors' salaries and to make an appropriation therefor.
The Committee recommends that the salaries of the Assess- fors be fixed at one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) and that the Town appropriate the further sum of three hundred dollars ($300.00) to meet the increase.
Respectfully submitted,
ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE, TOWN OF PLYMOUTH.
Edward L. Burgess, Chairman; Wilfrid O. Broadbent, Sec- retary ; Elmer E. Avery, Frank D. Bartlett, William H. Har- riman, James S. Kierstead, Henry W. Royal, Henry E. Walton.
NOTE.
Unanimous action under all articles, except Mr. Avery dissents under Article 4, and reserves vote under Article 3.
-46-
Plymouth, July 20, 1920.
Mr. George B. Howland,
Town Clerk, Plymouth.
Dear Sir :- The Advisory and Finance Committee met at the Town House Tuesday evening, July 20, to consider articles in the Town Warrant for the special meeting to be held on Saturday, July 24. It was the sense of the majority of the members present that no action by the Advisory Committee was needed on the articles involved, inasmuch as they relate to matters under the jurisdiction of special committees.
Respectfully submitted,
W. O. BROADBENT, Secretary, Advisory and Finance Committee.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE, RELATING TO ARTICLES IN WAR- RANT FOR SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, AUGUST 7, 1920.
Article 2. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of ten thousand, five hundred twenty-six and 26-100 (10,526.26) dollars to be used for payment of bill of the architects for services on account of working drawings and specifications for the Town Hall.
The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate the sum of ten thousand, five hundred twenty-six and 26-100 (10,- 526.26) dollars for payment of bill of the architects for serv- ices on account of working drawings and specifications for the Town Hall.
Article 3. To see if the Town will authorize the transfer of the sum of two hundred (200) dollars received from the sale of the Chiltonville Grammar School Building, to the School
.
-47-
Department Appropriation, to be used for improving the Lin- coln Street grounds.
It was reported to the Committee that the proposed transfer was to make available funds with which to improve conditions for playing baseball; in view of the lateness of the season the Committee considers that the expenditure at this time would be inexpedient. The Committee recommends that no action. be taken under this article.
Respectfully submitted,
ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE, TOWN OF PLYMOUTH.
Edward L. Burgess, Chairman; Wilfrid O. Broadbent, Sec- retary ; Elmer E. Avery, Sumner Chapman, Richard T. Eld- redge, William H. Harriman, Henry W. Royal, Henry E. Walton.
Mr. Avery dissents from vote of Committee under Article 2.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE RELATING TO ARTICLES IN WAR-
RANT FOR SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, OLD COLONY THEATRE, THURSDAY EVEN- ING, DECEMBER 30, 1920.
Article 2. To see if the Town will appropriate from money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, the sum of one hundred eighty-one (181) dollars for Election and Registra- tion.
'Article 3. To see if the Town will appropriate from money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated the sum of one hundred forty (140) dollars for maintenance of the Town House.
Articles 2 and 3. Subject matter having been otherwise
-48-
provided for, action by the Town is not needed. The Commit- tee therefore recommends that no action be taken under these articles.
Article 4. To see if the Town will appropriate from money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated the sum of three hundred fifty (350) dollars for the Police Department.
Article 4. The Committee recommends that the Town ap- propriate from money in the treasury not otherwise appro- priated the sum of three hundred fifty (350) dollars for the Police Department.
Article 5. To see if the Town will appropriate from money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated the sum of seven thousand (7,000) dollars for the School Department.
Article 5. The Committee recommends that the Town ap- propriate from money in the treasury not otherwise appro- priated the sum of seven thousand (7,000) dollars for the School Department.
Article 6. To see if the Town will appropriate from money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated the sum of one thousand (1,000) dollars for Oak Grove and Vine Hills Ceme- tery.
Article 6. The Committee recommends that the Town ap- propriate from money in the treasury not otherwise appro- priated the sum of five hundred (500) dollars for Oak Grove and Vine Hills Cemetery. (Amount amended to $500.00 on suggestion of Cemetery Commissioners).
Article 7. To see if the Town will appropriate from money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated the sum of fifty (50) dollars for Burial Hill.
Article 7. The Committee recommends that the Town ap- propriate from money in the treasury not otherwise appro- priated the sum of fifty (50) dollars for Burial Hill.
Article 8. To see if the Town will appropriate from money
-49 --
in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, the sum of eleven hundred (1,100) dollars for Town Debt and Interest.
Article 8. The Committee recommends that the Town ap- propriate from money in the treasury not otherwise appro- priated the sum of eleven hundred. (1100) dollars for Town Debt and Interest.
Article 9. To see if the Town will appropriate, as provided in Section 7, Chapter 591, Acts of 1920, to Roads and Bridges, reimbursement in the sum of eighteen hundred, sixty-three (1863) dollars for labor and materials paid from that appro- priation used on North Park Avenue, and in front of the rail- road station, and to granolithic sidewalks all reimbursements for granolithic construction during the year.
Article 9. The Committee recommends that the Town appropriate, as provided in Section 7, Chapter 591, Acts of 1920, to Roads and Bridges, reimbursement in the sum of eigh- teen hundred sixty-three (1863) dollars for labor and mate- rials paid from that appropriation used on North Park Avenue and in front of the railroad station, and to granolithic side- walks all reimbursements for granolithic construction during the year.
Article 10. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen to use for other purposes, incident to the Tercen- tenary celebration, such portion of the appropriation already made by the Town for entertainment purposes, as they may deem advisable. (By request).
'Article 10. The Committee recommends that the Town take no action under this article.
Article 11. To see if the Town will rescind its vote of Oc- tober 11, 1919, making an appropriation for building a Town Hall.
Article 12. To see if the Town will rescind its vote of Oc- tober 11, 1919, to erect a suitable Town Hall, as a memorial building, with town offices.
PLYMOUTH FOUR
-50-
Article 13. To see what action the Town will take in re- gard to the erection of a Town Hall and furnishings for the same, to make an appropriation therefor, and to authorize the issue of notes or bonds of the Town for said purpose.
Articles 11, 12 and 13. Inasmuch as insufficient informa- tion has been furnished to the Town or to the Advisory and Finance Committee, the Committee recommends that no ac- tion be taken under Articles 11, 12, and 13, until some future meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
ADVISORY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF PLYMOUTH.
Edward L. Burgess, Chairman: Wilfrid O. Broadbent, Sec- retary ; Elmer E. Avery, Frank D. Bartlett, Sumner A. Chap- man, Oliver L. Edes, Richard T. Eldridge, William H. Harri- man, Henry W. Royal, Henry Walton, Alvin M. Watkins.
NOTE.
Unanimous action under all articles except that Mr. Edes dissents and Mr. Harriman reserves vote under Articles 11, 12, and 13. Messrs. Bartlett, Chapman and Royal excused before votes taken on any articles.
-51-
PLYMOUTH MEMORIAL BUILDING. REPORT OF BUILDING COMMITTEE ON PROPOSED
TOWN HALL, AND OFFICES.
In presenting the following report of the Building Commit- tee to the voters for consideration and discussion, your com- mittee feels that a statement should be made of the causes of delay in presenting the report.
In our report to the Town at a special town meeting, held October 11, 1919, your Committee recommended that the Town accept the plans for a memorial building as submitted by Little & Russell.
After presentation of the report and discussion by the Town it was voted that a committee of nine be appointed by the Moderator to have full charge of constructing a memorial building, with power to sign contracts; and the sum of $300,- 000 was appropriated for the construction of the hall.
The Moderator appointed on this committee the same per- sons that served on the committee to obtain plans; and the committee met and organized, with John W. Churchill, chair- man, and Geo. L. Gooding, secretary.
Arrangements were promptly made with Little & Russell to furnish detail plans of the memorial building which the Com- mittee recommended in its report of October 11, and to obtain estimates of cost of construction from reputable contractors.
The architects were seriously handicapped in their efforts to rapidly prosecute this work by causes beyond their control.
The policeman's strike in Boston took some of their draughtsmen and others attracted by larger salaries elsewhere took positions in other cities.
-52-
In the meantime prices of material and labor were con- tinually advancing, and with such rapidity that it was impos- sible to obtain a reasonably accurate estimate of the cost of construction of the proposed building.
Every contractor who was asked to bid made his estimate high enough (in his judgment) to cover all contingencies and fluctuations in labor and material, or as expressed in the letter of Little & Russell to us dated May 18, "at least 25 per cent. to 30 per cent. of the estimated cost has been put in to cover contingencies."
We therefore have to report that the estimates that Little & Russell have been able to obtain for us vary from $488,423 to $618,423.
In view of the fact that the Committee is unable to carry out the vote of the Town and keep within the appropriation, it submits this report for the consideration of the voters and awaits their further action.
We append herewith the letter of Little & Russell which your Committee believes is a fair statement of conditions at present existing.
May 18, 1920.
To the Building Committee of the Plymouth Memorial Build- ing, Plymouth, Mass. :
Gentlemen-We hand you herewith a complete schedule of competitive estimates for the memorial building. You will note that we have included approximate estimates for a num- ber of items for furnishings and work outside the building, which should not be included under your present appropria- tion.
As you are aware, the conditions of the market for labor and materials have for many months been such that estimates from contractors do not represent the actual cost of the building.
All the evidence gathered from the contractors during the
-53-
period of estimating the memorial building confirms our opinion that such is the case and that in spite of the most care- fully prepared plans covering every branch of the work, this state of affairs still exists.
Contractors are unable to obtain from mills and subcontrac- tors, proper prices or guarantees of deliveries, and they are unable to set a basic cost for labor of any kind.
We would call your attention to the fact that some of the contractors invited, absolutely refused to estimate on the work and that it was only by inviting the contractors to bid practical- ly on their own terms that we were able to secure any estimates at all.
The estimate, such as it is, for the work which should pro- perly be included under your appropriation is approximately $488,423.
Based on our experience in obtaining these estimates and on our experience with a number of other office jobs, it is our opinion that at least twenty-five per cent. to thirty per cent. of this estimate has been put in to cover contingencies, and that that amount represents no value to the owners in labor and material. While the majority of opinion seems to indicate distinctly better conditions in the market for labor and mate- rial in the near future, there is still a vague distrust in the minds of those who buy in this market, and they prefer to risk other money than their own when taking contracts.
We realize that the cost of a public building must be known beforehand and that its ultimate cost must be practically guar- anteed. In view of the practical impossibility at the present time of entering into a contract or contracts for building, which would so guarantee the cost, we recommend that you postpone any further action on this building for a period which we would estimate to be from three to six months. We are con- fident that within such a period there will be a very distinct and encouraging change in conditions.
We have made every effort to eliminate chance in the prepa-
-54-
ration of our specifications and plans. We hope that we have made it clear that we are not discouraged in the outlook for getting the Plymouth Memorial built at a proper figure within a reasonable time.
Very truly yours, LITTLE & RUSSELL.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. CHURCHILL,
JOHN H. DAMON,
FRANCIS C. HOLMES,
FRANK EASTWOOD,
JOHN J. O'BRIEN,
C. D. HOWLAND,
GEORGE L. GOODING,
LEBARON R. BARKER.
Ninth Annual Report
OF THE
Town Accountant
OF THE
TOWN OF PLYMOUTH
MASSACHUSETTS
For the Year Ending December 31
1920
-56-
Plymouth, Mass., February 3, 1921.
To the Board of Selectmen,
Plymouth, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit report of the financial transactions of the Town of Plymouth for the year ending December 31, 1920, arranged as in former years.
Schedule A. shows the receipts and payments for the year, classified as required by the Division of Accounts of the Commonwealth.
Schedule B. is a detailed account of each appropriation, showing the amount appropriated, the additions to and payments from the same.
Schedule C. is a statement of the Estimated Receipts; the charges being the amounts estimated and deducted from the total of the appro- priations, by the Assessors in making up the Tax Warrant, and the credits being the amounts actually received.
Schedule D. is the Revenue Account for the year.
Schedule E. is the Excess and Deficiency Account for 1920.
Schedule F. is the Balance Sheet, January 1, 1921, showing the condition of the Town Finances after closing the books for 1920.
Schedule G. is a summary of the Outstanding Indebtedness showing the debt at the beginning of the year, the amounts paid on same, and the principal and interest requirements for 1921.
Schedule H. is a detailed statement of the Outstanding Indebtedness.
Schedule I. is an itemized statement of the Trust Funds, not includ- ing the January, 1921, dividends.
But for deferred payments of corporation tax which is received from the State the balances on Schedules C. and E. would have shown sub- stantial increase.
Respectfully submitted,
ELMER R. HARLOW, Town Accountant.
-57-
SCHEDULE A. RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS RECEIPTS
Sources of Receipts.
Revenue for Expenses Outlays
Revenue for Total
GENERAL REVENUE. 1. TAXES.
Current Year-
1. Property,
$115,506.52
2. Poll,
16,604.00
Previous Years-
55,261.01
3. Property, 4. Poll,
964.00
From the State-
5. Corporation, 13,004.26
6. Street Railway
7. Bank, 1,650.21
Income Tax, 29,716.09
Income Tax (School Fund), 16,280.00
Reimbursement for loss of
Taxes, land used for public institutions, 262.44
Reimbursement for
Soldiers' Exemptions, 161.04
Total from Taxes,
$549,409.57
$549,409.57
2. LICENSES AND PERMITS.
Licenses-
8. Liquor
9. All Other, Permits-
$610.50
10. Marriage
11. All Other, 756.00
Total from Licenses and Permits, $1,366.50 1,366.50
3. FINES AND FORFEITS.
12. Court, $363.20
13. Department Penalties
14. Contract Violations
Total from Fines and Forfeits,
$363.20
363.20
Total forward, $551,139.27
-58-
RECEIPTS.
Sources of Receipts.
Revenue for Revenue for Total Expenses Outlays
4. GRANTS AND GIFTS.
Total forward, $551,139.27
Grants from Other Civil Divisions-
15. From State for Education (Smith-Hughes Funds), $243.06
a. Support of Public Schools b. Aid to High Schools
c. Aid to Industrial Schools
d. High School Tuition e. Union Superintendency
16. From State for Armories 17. From State for Highway Purposes
18. From State for Other Purposes
a. Inspector of Animals b. Protection against Forest Fires
19. From County (Dog Licenses) for Schools or Libraries, 1,230.60 Gifts from Individuals --
20. For Expenses
21. For Outlays
Total from Grants and Gifts,
$1,473.66
1,473.66
5. ALL OTHER REVENUE.
22.
23.
Total from all other Revenue.
Total forward, $552,612.93 L
-59-
RECEIPTS.
Sources of Receipts.
Total forward,
Revenue for
Revenue for Total
Expenses
Outlays
$552,612.93
COMMERCIAL REVENUE. 6. SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS.
24. Street Sprinkling
25. Moth Extermination, $964.28
26. Sewers
27. Sidewalks and Curbing
28.
Other Purposes
Total from Special Assessments,
$964.28
964.28
7. PRIVILEGES. $595.69
29. Public Service,
30. Minor
Total from Privileges,
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.