USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1948 > Part 3
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Recognizing the seriousness of this situa- tion your School Committee deemed it imperative to increase salaries in 1948. After surveying the whole situation, however, it was decided to wait until 1949, when it was almost certain that much State financial assistance would be available. In taking this positon the School Committee was mindful of the fact that the situation could be taken care of in 1949 with very little additional cost out of local taxation.
At the direction of the School Committee a special committee of five spent nearly seven months studying the whole salary situation. This committee was composed of Vernon W. Evans, Superintendent of Schools as Chairman, Dr. John L. Silver and Mr. James W. Currier of the School Committee, Mr. Edward Gibbs, 3rd, Chairman of the Salary Committee of the Teachers' Association and Mr. John B. Leahy.
At the conclusion of its deliberations this special committee submitted its findings and recommendations to the School Committee as a whole.
The School Committee, after deliberation and discussion, voted unanimously that, effective January 3, 1949, a new salary schedule for teachers and other school employees be placed in effct.
Salient features of the new salary schedule are as follows :
(a). A single salary schedule for all teachers whether they teach in elementary, junior high or senior high school.
The School Committee believes that a first grade teacher is just as important in our educational system as a teacher of math-
ematics in the Senior High School.
(b). A minimum salary of $2100.00 and a maximum salary of $3500.00 for all teachers with only teaching assignments and respon- sibilities. Annual increments to be at the rate of $200.00 per year effective in September each year. Thus a teacher, with no previous teaching experience, would start at a salary of $2100.00 per year and would be increased each year by the annual increment until reaching the maximum salary of $3500.00.
(c). Present teachers, now on maximum salary, would be increased by $400.00 on January 3, 1949 and would be increased by $300.00 per year or less until the new maxi- mum salary is reached. In all cases all in- creases, after the initial $400.00 increase, wouldbe given in September of each year, the first in September 1950.
Present teachers, not now on maximum salary, would be increased by $300.00 on January 3, 1949 and would be increased by $200.00 per year or less until the new max- imum salary is reached. In all cases all in- creases, after the initial $300.00 increase, would be given in September of each year, the first in September 1950.
(d). New salary schedules were also adopted for executives, supervisors, heads of departments, school custodians, and other school employees, consistent with the res- ponsibility of their positions and their duties. In the case of these emplovees the pattern listed above would substantially be followed in the matter of the amounts and timing of the salary increases.
The School Committee believes that the adoption of the new salary schedule will enable Saugus to attract to its teaching staff the type of teacher which is desired to continue the mainten- ance of present high educational standards. Under the 1948 schedule such would cost certainly be impossible.
The maximum cost of the adoption of the new salary schedule, by years, would be as follows :
1949
$41,799.10
1950
11,964.90
1951
24,316.90
1952
16,761.40
1953
7,792.22
1954
3,284.68
1955
2,307.65
$108,226.85
18
The above would not be the actual cost, by years, however, since teachers and other em- ployees terminate their services each year through death, retirement, marriage accepting positions elsewhere, etc. Many of such would be on maximum salary and their successors might be hired at a lesser figure.
It appears very probable that only a small part of this cost will be borne by local taxation. This is so because of the fact that Saugus will receive large sums or money for education from both the State and Federal governments.
It is estimated by the School Committee that Saugus will receive from the State in 1949 somewhere between $35,000.00 and $60,000.00 more than it did in the year 1948. This amount is certain to increase in each of the successive six years.
On the Federal Government side of the ledger it is a foregone conclusion that a Federal Aid to Local Education bill is going to pass both branches of Congress and be signed by President Truman. If Saugus received only the minimum, under the terms of the present bill, it would amount to over $15,000.00 per year. This legislation will be effective in 1949 or 1950, probably in 1950.
Thus it can be seen that the 1949 cost of the new salary schedule will doubtless be com- pletely taken care of by the increased 1949 finan- cial aid from the State. The total additional cost in 1950 would more than be taken care of by the financial assistance from the Federal government alone.
It is not only possible, but very probable, that the additional costs in 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954 and 1955 will in a large part be taken care of by still further increases in Federal and State Aid financial assistance to local communities.
This will very likely be so for two reasons. 1. Both the State of Massachusetts and the Federal Government are now openly com- mitted to a definite program of greater financial assistance to local communities to lessen the costs of education to local tax- payers.
2. As our number of pupils increases the amount of State and Federal Aid to local education will increase. This is due to the fact that the formulae for State and Federal Aid is very largely based on the school population of the local community. In Saugus the number of pupils is going to increase tremendously in the next decade.
The new salary schedule for teachers, adopted by the School Committee, is the first of two steps which the School Committee intends to take.
The first step, already taken, is to bring the salaries of teachers up to a living wage, con- sistent with the importance of the profession and present living costs. It is also hoped that teachers will no longer be forced to work at other employ- ment in order to live in a decent manner.
The second step is one which the School Committee intends to take as more State and Federal Aid become available. This second step will be to establish supermaximum salaries for teachers who constantly seek to improve them- selves professionally. This super-maximum salary to be given only to teachers who present evidence such as ---
1. Additional degrees.
2. Completion of courses in education.
3. Travel (National and Foreign)
4. Research in Education.
5. Outstanding actual accomplishment.
On the other hand, under the new salary schedule, already adopted, the School Committee reserves the right to deny the annual increment to any teacher or other school employee who, in the opinion of the school authorities, is not giving true service to the school system.
Two Distinct Losses
During the year 1948 the School Depart- ment suffered two distinct losses. The first was in the death of Mrs. Anne C. Huntley, School Nurse and Supervisor of Attendance. The second was in the retirement, through illness, of Miss Effie M. Stanhope, for many years a teacher of English in our Senior High School. Both were conscientious and faithful employees and both will be missed.
In closing may I thank each member of the School Committee for their splendid cooper- ation. I also desire to thank all principals, teachers, pupils and other school employees for their loyal cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,.
Superintendent of Schools
19
On August 26, 1948, following major construction work, a valve was opened and water from the Metro- politan District Water Supply flowed into the Saugus Water Department's system thus insuring an adequate supply of quality water backed by unlimited reserves and delivered at proper pressures to serve and protect all areas of the town.
Contributory Retirement Report
Contributory Retirement Board
Carl E. Chapman Delmont Goding John C. McLean
Active membership of the system as of December 31, 1948 totaled 93. As of the close of the year there was a total of 10 pensioners.
Statements of Operations Summarized
Cash Receipts
Cash Payments
Cash on hand
$
Investments $10,000.00
Jan. 1, 1948
13,746.60
Expenses 432.00
Employees' Contributions :
Retirement Allowances :
Group A
7,937.52
Annuities Paid 557.42
Group B
930.95
Pensions Paid
5,636.50
Appropriation by Town.
Refunds :
Pensions
5,636.20
Group A :
Expenses
479.93
Deposits
2,476.74
Investment Income
2,577.50
Interest 42.69
$31,308.70
Cash on hand 12-31-48
12,163.35
$31,308.70
Balance Sheet December 31, 1948
Assets
Liabilities and Reserves
Cash
$12,163.35
Annuity Savings Fund $56,125.10
Annuity Reserve Fund 7,682.81
Pension Fund 55,907.68
Sp. Military Ser. Fund
2,088.37
Expense Fund
793.81
$122,597.77
Non Contributory Pensions (Fire and Police Personel and Veterans)
At the close of the year there were 4 police officers and 1 widow of a police officer, 1 fireman and 2 widows of firemen, 1 Department Public Works Veteran, and one School Department Veteran on pension at a tax dollar cost for the year of $10,473.23.
21
Investments
110,434.42
$122,597.77
Library Report Alice H. Boyd, Librarian
Albert R. Magee, Chairman William Irby, Secretary Kaler A. Perkins - Walter D. Blossom Elmer H. Watson-Chauncy Whittredge Trustees
Commemorating The Long and Faithful Service To The Public Library Of Mrs. Anna J. Swanson
Librarian*Lynnhurst Branch* 1930-1948
Saugus Public Library consists of 6 agencies: the main Library and branches at Cliftondale, East Saugus, North Saugus, Lynnhurst and High School.
Book Stock
25,582
New volumes added during 1948 1,795
Circulation Record
Total 77,968
Main Library
43,564
North Saugus
3,376
Cliftondale
19,874
Lynnhurst
2,313
East Saugus
7,262
High School
2,579
Registration Record
Total 5,803
Main Library
3502
East Saugus
475
Cliftondale
1546
North Saugus
185
Lynnhurst
95
-
The Town Library is a busy place with a capable, friendly staff.
Report for the year ending December 31, 1948 :
This has been a good year in the library, rather more interesting when considered as presenting certain trends for the future, than from the point of view of circulation figures. The fall months which usually indicate the increase or decrease of activity for the coming year have brought an appreciable number of new borrowers to the library, a greater volume of reference questions, and a truly gratifying increase in the work with children and young people. The circulation figures for the entire year may not present this picture, as during the early months of the year, we, like many libraries in surrounding towns, noticed a lessening of public interest in reading. This was perhaps understandable, since so many other interests, which had been in abeyance during the war years, were again being revived. This lapse, however, was apparently only temporary, and the trend of library business seems again to be upward.
One aspect of this year's figures is particularly remarkable. Although the total circulation for the library is less than last year, the Main Library will show a gain over the same period. This would seem to indicate a growing tendency toward centralization in the use of the library by the townspeople. In the Main Library, also, the growth in the circulation of books for child- ren and young people is especially noticeable, as it has nearly doubled since 1943. The greater use of the juvenile collection is very gratifying, as we feel that the increase has been gradual, solid, and almost entirely the result of individual work with the children. The very young group has received much attention this year, as the teachers of the first and second grades have urged their pupils to go to the library for books similar to the school readers. There has been at times a waiting list on "Friends and Neighbors" and "Fun with Dick and Jane."
In last year's report, it was noted that there had been an unprecedented demand for books on philosophy, psychology, social sciences, current events, and the classics, many of which we had found it difficult to supply. During this year, we have bought books and periodicals on these subjects so far as possible, and while there is still some basic material which the library does not possess, we have been able to answer requests more promptly. The required reading for the "Great Books" courses, of which we have pur- chased complete sets, contains much basic clas- sical and historical material, and we have found that these books are of value to students other than those enrolled in the courses.
The publicity work of the library has been carried on in much the same fashion as before. From time to time, lists of new books or short items of special activities have been sent to the newspapers. Story Hours have been arranged for the children at the Main Library and at the Cliftondale and East Saugus branches. There have not been as many of these as either the children or we could wish, but as many as a crowded schedule would allow. The librarian and Miss Huldah Blackmer have given book reviews to P.T.A. and women's club groups when requested. Also as usual, we have had displays of books and posters for the special times of the year such as Lent, Religious Book week, National Art and Education Weeks, and Children's Book Week. During National Art Week, there was also an exhibit of paintings by local artists displayed at the Main Library, under the sponsorship of the Riverside Club.
We should like here again to express our ap- preciation to all of those friends of the library who have helped during the past year to make it a growing and attractive part of the town's activities
Respectfully submitted,
Alice Hamilton Boyd, Librarian
23
Cemetary Report
Benjamin Fullerton Paul Hayes Commissioners
CEMETERY
There were 134 burials during 1948. Receipts for sale of lots, care of lots, interment fees, foundations, rent, and interest from Perpetual Care Funds totaled $12,405.98. The total cost of operating the department was $19,349.70 representing a deficit of $6,943.73 made up by taxation.
Receipts during the year added $5525.00 to the Perpetual Care Funds held in trust by the Town bringing the overall total of these funds to $147,024.69, with annual interest of approximately $3000.00 which is applied to the care of lots.
Consideration of a new area dedicated for cem- etery purposes by the Town is now imperative.
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1
1
Riverside cemetery- Seventy-five cents Is doing the work of one dollar. Another example of better service for less cost.
Town Accountant's Report Carl E. Chapman
REPORT OF THE ACCOUNTANT
General Financial Condition: During the year the Surplus Revenue increased $19,909.59 over the balance on January 1, 1948. The sum of $2,537.87 reverted to this account from unexpended funds of the various ap- propriations or allotments.
Temporary Loans: Because of excellent collections and receipts during the year the Treasurer needed to bor- row only $365,000 in temporary loans in anticipation of revenue. Though the tax rate in 1948 was lower than for many years our borrowing need was $135,000 less than that of the year 1947. The Town completed the year with no outstanding temporary loan.
Tax Title Loans: During the years 1933 to 1941 inclusive the Town borrowed the sum of $834,600 from the Com- monwealth of Massachusetts on its tax titles. A total of $826,304.34 has been paid off on these loans leaving a balance of $8,295.66 due on December 31, 1948. This should be easily paid in full in 1949.
Town Indebtedness: Saugus reduced its bonded indebted- ness by $3,000 this year from $465,000 to $462,000, which includedan additional issue of $25,000 for Water Bonds. The Relief Loan issued on November 15, 1938 was paid in full on November 15, 1948. Our total in- debtedness dropped from $505,831.09 to $470,295.66.
Unpaid Bills: Under the new Plan E. Form of Government for Saugus, the departments completed the year with no unpaid bills being presented to the Town Accountant. With continued cooperation and efficiency the finan- cial condition of the town should show a good improve- ment during the next three years.
Tax Titles and Tax Possessions: The tax title redemptions during the year reduced the amount outstanding as of January 1, 1948 from $151,026.23 to $141,581.73 and the Tax Possessions were lowered from $176,643.06 to $164,190.02 by sale of possessions lands. An in- crease of sales of possessions would materially de crease this account in 1949.
24
1948 RECEIPTS GENERAL REVENUE
Taxes: Levy of 1948 Real Estate Personal Poll
Lynn Water Shed
741.16
Taxes: Prior Years
Real Estate
66,597.53
Personal Poll
20.00
67,837.63
From the Commonwealth: Corporation Tax
48,181.56
Income Tax
78.717.00
126,898.56
Licenses and Permits: Bowling and Pool
56.00
Auctioneer 12.00
Victuallers 380.00
Hawkers and Peddlers
40.00
Liquor and Malt Beverages 14,913.00
Auto Dealers
197.00
Gasoline
3.00
Junk
50.00
Pole Locations
16.80
Entertainment
1,893.00
17,560.80
Town Clerk:
Marriage 496.00
Mortages 959.00
Discharges and Assignments 93.50
Certified Copies 38.00
Business Certificates
33.00
Dog and Fishing Licenses 205.85
All others 507.40
Fees
262.60
Fines and Forfeits : County Court Fines :
1,254.10
1,254.10
Grants and Gifts: From the Federal Government:
O.A.A. - Aid
63,701.95
O.A.A .~ Administration 2,152.43
A.D.C. - Aid
4,968.53
A.D.C .- Administration 310.06
71,132.97
From the State:
Met. Park Maint.
10.00
10.00
From the County:
Dog Licenses
2.883.55
2,883.55
Tax Title Redemptions 14,470.09
Tax Title Sale '47 correct. -3.00
Tax Possession Sales 18,552. 51
Sale of Town Owned Land 1,300.00
1,300,00
Total for General Revenue
1,009,300.92
COMMERCIAL REVENUE
Special Assessments :
Sewers:
Apportioned 1948
2,843.62
Apportioned 1948 Interest 436.9+
Apportioned 1947 361.60
Apportioned 1947 Interest 67.60
Unapportioned 266.64
Unapportioned Interest 2.14
Paid in Advance
423.36
Paid in Advance Interest 6.11
4,408.01
Privileges: Motor Vehicle Excise : Levy of 1948
40,590.98
Levy of 1947
2,620.58
43.211.56
Total for Special Assessments and Privileges 47,619.57
COMMERCIAL REVENUE _ DEPARTMENTAL
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Manager :
Garage Rent
110.00
Town Farm Barn Rental
120.00
Iron Works Rental
1.00
Sale - Used desk
10.00
Court Room Rental
120.00
361.00
Public Works:
Sale - 01₫ plow
100.00
Sale - Material
82.52
Sale - Scrap
473.80
Sale - Maps
31.00
Use of Dump
170.00
Use of Hydrant
3.00
860.32
Town Hall Rentals
211.00
211.00
Treasurer :
Releases on Tax Titles 105.00
Land Court Costs 1.00
106.00
Tax Collector:
Costs on Poll Taxes
168.00
Costs on Excise Taxes 481.65
Costs on Property Taxes 298.45
W. L. Rel. and Tax Cert. 322.00
Costs on Water Charges
152.00 1,422.10
2,960.42
Total for General Government
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY
Superintendent of Buildings :
Building Permits 1,388.00
Signs over sidewalks 22.00
Excavation Permits 140.00
Insulation Permits 29.00
Gas Pump Permit 1.00
Sale of Scrap 8.00
1,588.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures:
Sealing Fees
101.10
Tree Warden:
Damage to Trees
335.00
Trimming Permits 296.00
631.00
Gypsy Moth:
Sale of Sprayer 400.00
400.00
Police Departmnet :
Revolver Permits
43.50 43.50
Total for Propection of Persons and Property
2,763.60
HEALTH AND SANITATION
Health Department: Licenses and Permits 517.00
Subsidies - Comm. of Mass. 1,438.55
Dental Clinic 107.00
Plumbing Permits
500.50
Vital Statistics
.25
Sewer Department:
Sewer Rentals
2,894.68
2.894.68
Total for Health and Sanitation
5,457.98
HIGHWAY AND BRIDGES
Chapter 90 Construction: Hesper Street Contract 10090 From the State From the County 3,016.85 1,508.45 4,525.30
Sweetwater Street Contract 10089
From the State
352.35
From the County 352.35
704.70
Sweetwater Street Contract 10622
From the State 587.56
From the County 587.56 1,175.12
Central Street Contract 10707
From the State 5,480.76
From the County 2,740.38
8,221.14
Total for Highway and Bridges
14,626.26
CHARITIES AND VETERANS' BENEFITS
Old Age Assistance: From the State 54,366.54
From Cities and Towns 2,575.51
From State Meal Tax 3,745.8+
From Recoveries 110.67
60,798.56
Aid to Dependent Children:
From the State
5,659.12
5,659.12
Temporary Aid :
From the State
3,284.89
From Cities and Towns 1,314.34
From Individuals 826.80
Estates of Deceased Persons 400.00
5,826.03
Infirmary :
Board and Room 480.00
Sale : Produce, Animals, Equip. 931.30
Lease of Land 1.00
1,412.30
Veteran's Benefits:
From the State 6,375.27
6.375.27
Total for Charities and Veterans' Benefits 80,071.28
33,019.60
610,159.39 64,471.81 9,436.00
684,808.36
1,220.10
2,595.35
2,563.30
101.10
6,541.14
Total for Refunds
TRANSFERS
Reserve Fund 14,911.18
Mosquito Control 12.26
Land Damage - Hesper Street 130.50 Surface Drain - Centennial 1,850.00 Trade School Tuit. '47 un- naid bills 54.75
World War 11 Plans & Spec. 1,000.00
Cleaning Oaklandvale Brook
400.00
Vet. Lot-Riverside Cemetery
971.29
Wall Rencir
=
10.00
Fill. & Grade
11
= 2,114.82
Reserve
Payment of Sewer
Loan 7,171.90
Reimbursement by County for
Dog Licenses 2,883.55 16,599.07
Total for Transfers
31,510.25
Total Receipts, Refunds and Trans. 1,744,629.07
Cash on hand January 1, 1948 160,056.13 1,904,685.20
1948 EXPENDITURES General Government
Finance Committe
Salaries and Wages :
Secretary
125.00
Clerical 75.00 200.00
Other Expenses
Printing and Advertising 3.70
Dues
10.00
6.75 20.45 220.45
Salaries and Wages :
Other Expenses : Professional Services Printing and Advertising 28.13
Stationery and Postage 2.88
Supplies 20.00
376.01 376.01
From Guaranteed Deposits - Clerical
Board of Appeals
Salaries and Wages :
Secretary
200.00
200.00
200.00
Selectmen
Salaries and Wages:
Chairman
500.10
Other Members 1,527.10
Secretary 50.00
2,077.20
Other Expenses
Printing and Advertising 284.80
Telephone 28.18
Stationery and Postage 80.07
Supplies
77.28
Posting .Jarrants
123.00
Bond
37.50
Signs
12.00
Dues
60.00
702.83
2,780.03 116.09
Unpaid Bills, 1945, 146, 147
Town Manager
Salaries and Wages:
Town Manager
Clerical 5,996.92
Other Expenses
Printing and Advertising
165.70
New Equipment 275.00
Supplies
109.69
Bond
50.00
Tele phone
55.46
Subscriptions
3.00
Stationery and Postage
21.00
Dues
28.50
Machine Repairs and Contract 29.16
Conference Expense 164.00
901.51
6,898.43
Salaries and .Jages :
Accountant
3,437.53
Clerical
2,651.98
Other Expenses :
Printing and Advertising 192.25
Stationery and Postage 43.68
Supplies 90.4+
Telephone 67.70
Subscription 3.00
Dues
Pensions
33.15
4 ,500.03
NCR ATION AND UNCLASSIFIED
Insurance : Commons. tion recovery 342.51
Total for 'ecreation and Unclassified
ENTERPRISE AND CHIETERIES
ater Department: ster ates 64,399.98 ater liens added to taxes 2,036,08
Cemetery Demartment:
1,255.00
Sale of ots and Graves
1,9.7.50
Case of Lots
4,368.00
Erterment Fres
Found. ti. s 3.2.80
300.00
Interest on .. C. Frnds 3,702.68
12,405.98
Total for Enterprise and Cemeterics
78,842.94
INTEREST
0: 1947 . oll Taxes .50
Ch 1%7 Real : state Taxes 1,368.59
On 1019 Recl . state Taxes 194.02
On 1947 & prior N. V.F. Taxes 45.11
On 1049 M.V.C. Taxes 50.19
On Tax Title Redemptions
4,000.77
On Trust Funds :
Johnson Library Fund
'ilson Library Fund 52.50
Kimball .lelfare Fund 125.00 305.00
On "ter Bonds :
Premium
Interest
Total for Interest 6,102.99
AGENCY AND TRUST
Cemetery P.P. Care Bequests 5,525.00
Dog Licenses for County 3,801.60
Withholding Tax Deduct.
Blue Cross & Shield Ded. 5,687.87
Dept. of Conserv. - Licenses 536.75
Tailing-Outstanding Checks 294.41
Guarantee Dep. - Planning Board 99,00
63,989.18
Total for Agency and Trust 63,989.18
INDEBTEDNESS
Temporary Loan in Anticipation
of Taxes 365,000.00
Jater Bonds - Loan
25,000.00
390.000,00
Total for Indebtedness
390,000.00
Total for Commercial Revenue
697.276.76
Total for General and Commercial Revenue
1,706,577.68
DEPARTMENTAL REFUNDS
1947 Real Estate Taxes 1.65
Selectmen
21.00
Collector
108.75
Tax. Title Expense
100.00
Tax Title Foreclosure 1947 15.85
Town Hall
18.25
Public Works
1,364.21
Police
331.89
Fire
128.82
Building Repairs
95.73
Highway
129.69
Street Lighting
18.12
O.A.A. Aid
1,751.18
A.D.C. Aid
361.02
Welfare
65.15
Infirmary
.89
Veteran's Benefits
698.80
Schools
169.62
Trade School Tuition
140.50 297.32 634.80
Insurance Vater Maintenance Hydrants
EDUCA ION AND LIBRARIES
Sehoel Department : City of Boston Wards State wards 1,589.87
State Vocational 'rairing 1,598.37 Out of Town Tuition 118.48
Miscellaneous 140,63
3,668.07
831.06
831.96
Library : Book fires
Total for Education and Libraries
342,51
342.51
66,436.º6
1,658.41 4,000.77
127.50
106.00
32,81
138.81
3.00
Supplies
Planning Board
325.00
6,541.14
Accounting
6,089.51
43.00
54.75
5,845.92 151.00
48,044.55
Machine Repairs Binding
62.22 4.50
506.79
6,596.30
Salaries and Wages: Treasurer Clerical
800.00
3,547.78
4,347.78
Other Expenses :
Printing and Advertising
70.00
Stationery and Postage
334.72
Supplies
60.19
Telephone
69.03
Bond
256.50
Insurance
370.61
Dues
1.00
Machine Rental
37.50
Legal Services
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