USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Duxbury Massachusetts for the year ending 1960 > Part 13
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It is the purpose and hope of all who are connected with the administration of the Duxbury Free Library, that as a result of these visits every Duxbury boy and girl will develop a life-long love of books and reading and that the public library habit will be a lasting one.
Story Hours, given by the librarian, are held every other week for the four first-grade classes. Before many weeks have passed, cards are issued to those who can already read enough to borrow a book. By January 1st almost every first-grader is the proud possessor of a library card. Mr. James M. Cain, Jr., the principal of the Elementary School and the teachers in the first six grades are all enthusiastic supporters of this programme and have been most cooperative in developing it into such an important and successful one. The foundation for all future learning rests upon good reading ability. The
47
library's school programme is its contribution to the building of that foundation. Beginning with September 1962, 15 classes will be visiting the library each week.
In 1960 an "Act Providing State Aid for Free Public Libraries" was passed by the Massachusetts Legislature. Libraries in towns under a 10,000 population were to receive 25, for each individual in the town, if the libraries met the minimum requirements of the law. It was the first time that Massachusetts towns ever received such aid and it was a clear-cut recognition of the importance of public libraries in the life of our Commonwealth. The Duxbury Free Library met the requirements laid down in the law and was granted its share of this aid, which amounted to $992.67. The amount was slightly less than anticipated because the million dollar appropriation was not quite enough to cover all requests. It is hoped that in 1962 the library will receive $1181.75, based upon population figures of 4727.
The total library appropriation for 1961 was $13,132, $992.37 of this amount coming from the state. It is the hope of the librarian that the 1962 budget will enable the library to further its services in every direction, to take care of the immediate need of more books and of more help to carry on the increasing business of the library ; the work with the public, the schools, the selection, cata- loguing and processing of books.
After the immediate needs of the library are taken care of, the future of the library must be considered. Ever since September 1961, when the new Junior-Senior High School.became our near neighbor, there has been a decided increase in the number of pupils using the library for reference. On most afternoons every available seat and nook and cranny are occupied. All available space is being used. The Library Staff often hear the comment,
48
"Well, we need a larger library." It is true; shelves, even with careful discarding are filling up. Duxbury needs a larger library and that problem is something that must be thought about.
On November 15, 1961, Mrs. Odeal Moody resigned from the Library Staff after 12 years of devoted service to the library. The Trustees and librarian accepted Mrs. Moody's resignation with sincere regret. She is very much missed by her host of friends and co-workers. Mrs. Mercy K. Goin is the new member of the Staff.
While the librarian and her husband enjoyed a visit to Ireland, Scotland and England during October, a new book by Mrs. Winona Strachan of the Library Staff was published by Franklin Watts. This is Mrs. Strachan's second book for boys and girls. It is called "Johnny Cod- liner" and it is an exciting and absorbing story of rope- making and Plymouth during our American Revolution.
Once again it is time for the librarian to extend her thanks and appreciation to all who have helped to carry on the increased work of 1961: to the Trustees, sincerely interested in the welfare and success of the library, to the Staff, Mrs. Winifred T. Couch, Mrs. Odeal O. Moody, Mrs. Margaret R. Bates, Mrs. Winona Strachan and Mrs. Mercy K. Goin for their conscientious and faithful execu- tion of their duties, to Mr. James E. Walke, custodian, for a shining library. To the members of the Duxbury Gar- den Club for their contribution of plants and flowers and to the Junior Garden Club for another very decorative Christmas tree. Special thanks is also due to all of our
49
library friends who have so generously donated money, books, periodicals, plants and flowers during the year. Gifts, such as these reflect the attitude of the community toward the library. It is an attitude of friendliness and cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
MINNIE BURKE FIGMIC Librarian
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REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Duxbury Finance Committee held its organi- zational meeting on May 16, 1961, at which time new members Stanley D. Waters and Charles H. Fargo were welcomed and the following officers were elected :
Theodore H. Reed, Chairman Charles M. Tenney, Jr., Vice-Chairman Charles H. Fargo, Secretary
Departing slightly from past procedure, one of the three vacant positions on the Committee was filled by Henry Palmer, who had already completed a three-year term.
For the third year John T. Hathaway, Jr., was ap- pointed the Finance Committee representative on the Personnel Board. For the second year Edward B. Peters was appointed our representative on the Site Committee. Henry Palmer was assigned the responsibility of follow- ing through on insurance matters and Nathaniel R. Cutler, Edward B. Peters, and John T. Hathaway, Jr., were as- signed to follow through and recommend on Town Trust and Invested Funds.
Early in our year as a Committee we participated in a Special Town Meeting at which time $11,000.00 was voted to install a filter bed at the Elementary School. It is appropriate to mention here that this $11,000.00 was voted from the Excess & Deficiency Fund and, although the project was unavoidable, the expenditure reduces by that much the amount that would be available from Excess & Deficiency to reduce the tax rate, should it be needed for that purpose.
A study of Building Permit fees was made by a committee headed by Charles M. Tenney, Jr., and a report containing a new proposed schedule was presented to the Selectmen. The aim of this schedule is to provide suffi-
51
cient income to the Town from the fees so as to cover about 75% of the cost of operating the Building Inspec- tor's Department. At the present about 57% of the costs are covered and this was found to be considerably below the average of most other towns surveyed. It should be pointed out here that the fee increases are slight so as not to become a burden to anyone wishing to construct or alter a building.
Your Finance Committee firmly believes that one of its more important duties is to investigate all the possible means by which the Town can save money. One logical way is to charge fees which are more commensurate with services rendered. By so doing, those who make greatest use of a department's services also contribute propor- tionately more to the operation of that department.
A study has also been made by Charles M. Tenney, Jr., relating to the charge for hydrant service. At the present time no conclusions or agreements have been arrived at by the Finance Committee, Water Com- missioners, or Selectmen. However, this report is being studied and by the time of Town Meeting some definite recommendations may be expected.
As this Town Report goes to the printer your Finance Committee has already acted upon some budgets and is seriously considering the balance. Some Special Articles are available for study, but more will be received in the coming weeks. As we make progress in our work and as Town Meeting date nears, we will make periodic reports to the voters through the pages of the Clipper.
It is too early now to make any prediction concerning the 1962 tax rate. However, in Duxbury, as in most other towns, there appears to be no end in sight to the increase in costs of government services. We, in Duxbury, have benefited somewhat each year by an increase in our total
52
assessed valuation. This increase has helped to absorb a part of the rising costs and over the next few years this should continue to be so. But every town reaches a point where this levels off and everyone should be aware, as far ahead as possible, so as to consider what might be done now to ready ourselves for that time. In considering this one of the guiding rules of your Finance Committee might be applied, i.e., will this expenditure, which now appears desirable and nominal, later obligate us to a costly and burdensome necessity ?
Your Finance Committee is concerned over these ever-rising costs and expenditures and plans to start a five-year projection of capital expenditures which are for the most part non-recurring. From this should come a forecast of necessary borrowing and an estimate of the probable impact on the tax rate. This study will take many hours and will necessitate the full cooperation of all town officials, committees, and department heads.
The citizens of Duxbury are to be congratulated for their conservative attitude in the past in regard to new and added services. This has been an important factor in the actual costs of operating the Town. At the same time, it should be pointed out that these same citizens are ex- tremely fortunate to have working for them such a capable and conscientious group of elected officials, depart- ment heads, and department employees. The Finance Committee certainly appreciate their efforts and their cooperative attitude in working with us. ?
During 1961 the Finance Committee approved the - following transfers from the Reserve Fund appropriated to cover unusual and unforeseen expenditures :
To: Unpaid bills of 1960
(Repairs to chimney of #1 Pumping
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Station)
$
263.05
Atlantic Roofing & Skylight Works
572.91
Elementary School Repairs
.96
Water Department
985.00
Town Clerk
285.00
Franklin St. Awards
173.00
Patrolmen's Salaries
1,000.00
Insurance Premiums
700.00
Summer Employees' Salaries - Tree Dept.
200.00
Winter Freeze-ups and Water Service Installations 1,200.00
Fire Department - Labor
1,500.00
Fire Insurance Schedule Account
600.00
Total Transferred $7,479.92
Although the Reserve Fund was appropriated from the Overlay Reserve and thus did not actually change the tax rate, the Finance Committee is pleased the total amount transferred from the Reserve Fund was lower than usual. There were two reasons for this - first, a welcome absence of the usual requests for transfers to pay for snow and ice removal and, second, no transfer requests to pay for damages on buildings or equipment caused by storms, fires, etc.
THEODORE H. REED, Chairman
CHARLES M. TENNEY, JR., Vice Chairman
CHARLES H. FARGO
NATHANIEL R. CUTLER
JOHN T. HATHAWAY, JR. JOHN D. OSBORN
HENRY W. PALMER
EDWARD B. PETERS
STANLEY D. WATERS
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REPORT OF STATE AUDIT
November 10, 1961
To the Board of Selectmen Mr. Philip W. Delano, Chairman Duxbury, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Duxbury for the period from October 25, 1959 to March 21, 1961, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. William Schwartz, Assistant Director of Accounts.
Very truly yours, HERMAN B. DINE Director of Accounts
Mr. Herman B. Dine Director of Accounts Department of Corporations and Taxation
State House, Boston
Sir :
In accordance with your instructions, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Duxbury for the period from October 25, 1959, the date of the previous examination, to March 21, 1961, preparatory to a recommitment of the outstanding tax, excise, assess- ment, departmental, and water accounts to the newly elected collector, the following report being submitted thereon :
An examination and verification was made of the recorded financial transactions of the town, as shown on
55
the books of the departments receiving or disbursing money or committing bills for collection.
An analysis was made of the town accountant's ledgers for the period covered by the audit. The receipts were checked with the treasurer's books, and the pay- ments were compared with the warrants authorizing them and with the treasurer's records of payments. The appropriation accounts were checked with the town clerk's record of town meeting proceedings, and the re- corded transfers from the reserve fund were verified by comparison with the records of the finance committee. The necessary adjusting entries resulting from the audit of the several departments were made, and a balance sheet, which is appended to this report, was prepared showing the financial condition of the town on March 21, 1961.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked. The cash book additions were verified, and the receipts as recorded were compared with the accountant's books, with the records of the several departments collecting money for the town, and with other sources from which money is paid into the town treasury. The recorded payments were checked with the treasury warrants authorizing the treasurer to disburse town funds and with the accountant's records.
The treasurer's cash balance on March 21, 1961 was proved by actual count of the cash in the office, by recon- ciliation of the bank balances with statements received from the depositories, by examination of the savings bank book, and by verification of the United States Treasury Bills held by a bank for safekeeping.
The transactions of the trust and investment funds in the custody of the town treasurer and the Plymouth Five Cents Savings Bank were verified, and the savings
56
bank books and securities representing the investment of these funds were examined and listed.
The recorded payments of maturing debt and interest were proved with the amounts falling due and with the cancelled securities on file. The bond and coupon account was reconciled, the outstanding coupons being listed and compared with a statement received from the bank of deposit.
The records of employees' payroll deductions during the period of the audit were examined and checked, the payments to the proper agencies being verified.
The records of tax titles held by the town were exam- ined and checked. The amounts transferred to the tax title account were compared with the collector's records, the recorded redemptions were checked, and the tax titles on hand were listed and reconciled with the accountant's ledger.
It is recommended that proceedings be started by the town treasurer to foreclose the right of redemption on all tax titles held over two years, as required by law.
The books and accounts of the town collector were examined and checked. The tax, excise, assessment, departmental, and water accounts outstanding at the time of the previous examination, as well as all subsequent commitments, were audited and proved with the warrants issued for their collection. The recorded receipts were checked with the payments to the treasurer and with the accountant's books; the abatements, as recorded, were compared with the assessors' and other departmental records of abatements granted; the transfers to the tax title account were checked with the records of tax titles held by the town ; and the outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled with the accountant's controls.
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In order to verify the outstanding accounts notices were mailed to a number of persons whose names ap- peared on the records as owing money to the town, the replies received thereto indicating that the accounts, as listed, are correct.
The total amounts outstanding on each of the tax, excise, and assessment levies, as well as the departmental and water accounts, were given to the assessors and other departments concerned for use in preparing the recommit- ments to the newly elected collector, and detailed lists of all the outstanding accounts were prepared for the col- lector.
The records of apportioned sea wall assessments were examined. The amounts added to taxes were veri- fied, and the apportioned assessments not due were listed and reconciled with the accountant's ledger.
The financial records of the town clerk were ex- amined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts on account of dog and sporting licenses issued, as well as from town licenses and permits, recording fees, copies of records, and miscellaneous charges, were verified and compared with the payments to the town treasurer and to the Division of Fisheries and Game.
The records of licenses and permits issued by the selectmen and the police and health departments were examined and checked. The payments to the treasurer were verified by comparison with the treasurer's cash book.
The surety bonds on file for the several town officials required by law to furnish such surety were examined and found to be in proper form.
In addition to the departments mentioned, the avail- able records of all other departments collecting money for
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the town or committing bills for collection were examined and checked. The payments to the treasurer were veri- fied, and the cash on hand in the several departments was proved by actual count.
There are appended to this report, in addition to the balance sheet, tables showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's cash, summaries of the tax, excise, assess- ment, tax title, departmental, and water accounts, to- gether with schedules showing the condition and trans- actions of the trust and investment funds.
For the cooperation extended by the town officials during the progress of the audit, I wish, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM SCHWARTZ Assistant Director of Accounts
TOWN OF DUXBURY Balance Sheet - March 21, 1961 GENERAL ACCOUNTS
ASSETS
LIABILITIES AND RESERVES
Cash:
General,
$ 752.882.44
Payroll Deductions:
Federal Taxes,
$
3,290.04
Advances for Petty:
State Taxes, 1,236.41
School,
5.00
County Retirement System, 553.41
Accounts Receivable: Taxes:
Group Insurance, 17.99
5,097.85
$
Levy of 1957:
Planning Board Deposits, Agency:
Personal Property,
$ 51.66
County - Dog Licenses,
$
24.00
Personal Property,
234.23
Excess - Sale Land of Low 464.06
Value,
488.06 1,050.60
Personal Property,
287.10
Levy of 1960: Poll,
42.00
Personal Property,
1,720.62
Real Estate,
19,644.39
21,982.00
Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds, 400.00
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise:
Levy of 1958,
$ 295.35
Levy of 1959, 927.43
Levy of 1960,
4,678.15
5,900.93
Trust Fund Income: Lucy Hathaway: Tree Department, $ 407.86
10.07 59
Levy of 1958:
Levy of 1959: Poll, 2.00
Tailings, Gifts and Bequests : Eben Ellison Beach Fund, $ 14.15
Ship's Weathervane Fund, 60.50
474.65
Town Collector, $ 250.00
Farm Animal Excise: Levy of 1960, Special Assessments: Sea Wall: Levy of 1960,
27.12
Highway Department, 13.93
306.27 Bridge Department, Town Landing's, 464.12
School Department, 183.50
Cemetery Department, 101.06
1,476.74
Committed Interest: Levy of 1960, 39.10
Premium on Loan: School Construction,
1,384.44
Tax Titles and Possessions: Tax Titles,
$ 2,211.19
Tax Possessions,
160.31
Veterans' Services, 1,144.75
2,371.50
Departmental:
Federal Grants:
Town Clerk,
$ 18.19
Planning board,
7.04
Inspector of Buildings,
2.00
Assistance,
1,088.88
Health,
348.57
General Relief,
159.90
Aid to Dependent Children: Administration, Aid,
876.06
Disability Assistance,
705.23
3,689.73
Aid to Dependent Children,
3,620.82
Old Age Assistance,
697,19
Medical Assistance for the Aged,
2,361.77
Veterans' Services,
8,491.15
Cemetery,
736.00
Administration, 106.04
Assistance,
3,765.71
Water:
5,595.47
Smith-Hughes and George Barden Funds, 332.00
Public Law 85-864, 1,529.43
Public Law 81-874,
7,074.29
18,000.00
30,127.44
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Old Age Assistance: Administration, Assistance,
1,125.71
10,345.58
Medical Assistance for the Aged:
17,147.86
School:
Rates and Charges, Aid to Highways: State, County,
$ 12,000.00 6,000.00
109,07
$ 69.97
Recoveries: Disability Assistance, $ 936.20
2,080.95
Disability Assistance: Administration, $ 194.01
Revenue 1961:
Appropriations Voted,
$1,430,667.96 County Hospital Assessment 1961 Paid, 18,689.80
$1,449,357.76
Deduct :
Estimated Receipts Collected,
33,255.72
Available Funds Voted,
-263,916.29
$1,152,185.75
Loan Authorized : Water, 28,000.00
Unprovided For or Overdrawn Accounts: Underestimate 1960:
State Recreation Areas Assessment, $ 725.27
Expenditures Authorized Under Section 31, Chapter 44, General Laws:
Police Department, 118.30
Fire Department, 1,283.92
Tree Department,
3,150.82
Town Dump, 1,666.40
Highway Department, 5,117.35
Bridge
Department, 208.62
Town Landings,
202.00
Medical Assistance for the Aged, 9,923.52
State Grant - Marine Fisheries, Revolving Funds: School Lunch, $ 3,791.66
School Athletics, 175.40
3,967.06
Appropriation Balances: Revenue: General, Water,
$1,257,063.72
41,576.47
Non-Revenue:
School Construction, 409,238.14
Water,
5,415.29
1,713,293.62 28,000.00
Loan Authorized and Unissued,
Overestimate 1960: County Tax,
$32.26 61
Receipts Reserved for Appropriations : Insurance Reimbursements, 1,416.66
Reserve Fund - Overlay Surplus,
26,982.95
'Overlays Reserved for Abatements:
Levy of 1957, $ 51.66
Levy of 1958,
234.23
Levy of 1959, 289.10
Levy of 1960, 7,012.19
7,587.18
Revenue Reserved Until Collected : Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise, $ 5,900.93
Farm Animal Excise, 27.12
Special Assessment, 109.07
Tax Title and Possession, 2,371.50
Departmental, 17,147.86
740.87
Cemetery Department,
1,989.09
24,385.29
Water, Aid to Highway, 18,000.00
5,595.47
49,151.95 255.00
Reserve for Petty Cash Advances, Surplus Revenue: General, 155,224.08
$2,028,842.43
$2,028,842.43
DEFERRED REVENUE ACCOUNTS
Apportioned Assessments Hot Due: Sea Wall, $ 3,888.25
Apportioned Sea Wall Assessment Revenue:
Due 1961 to 1974, Inclusive,
$
3,888.25
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DEBT ACCOUNTS
Net Funded or Fixed Debt: Inside Debt Limit: General, Outside Debt Limit: General, $1,000,000.00 Public Service Enterprise, 245,500.00
$ 284,000.00
Serial Loans: Inside Debt Limit: Schools Outside Debt Limit: Sea Wall, Schools, Water,
$ 284,000.00
1,245,500.00
$
4,000.00
996,000.00
245,500.00
1,245,500.00
$1,529,500.00
$1,529,500.00
TRUST AND INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS
Trust and Investment Funds: Cash and Securities: In Custody of: Treasurer, $ 280,662.68 Plymouth Five Cents Savings Bank, 623.20
Agnes S. Ellison Fund, $ 1,259.33 Jonathan and Ruth Ford Fund, Lucy Hathaway Fund, 29,584.73 26,235.30
Feinberg Scholarship Fund, 1,517.50
William Penn Harding Library Fund, 1,296.33
2,034.24
Thomas D. Hathaway Fund - Shade Trees and Sidewalks, Myles Standish Lot Fund, Cemetery Funds : Perpetual Care, $ 175,361.42
1,865.64
Lucy A. Ewell, 540.23
George H. Wood Memorial Day Flower, 1,055.12
Mayflower General Care
and Improvement,
2,686.31
Forrest and Helen Partch Flower, 322.93
George Chandler Flower,
106.98
Charles R. Crocker Flower, 314.46
Grace and Gertrude Myrick Flower, 152.62
180,540.07
Investment Funds: Post-War Rehabilitation, $ 8.96
Stabilization, 36,943.78
36,952.74
$ 281,285.88
$ 281,285.88
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REPORT OF VETERANS' AGENT
December 31, 1961
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I respectfully submit my report as Agent and Director for the Department of Veterans Services for the year 1961.
During the year we have had a total of 18 cases, representing 51 persons who received Veterans Benefits.
I have continued to advise and assist our Veterans and their dependents, whenever the occasion arises in their numerous problems.
Six pension claims were handled, four of the appli- cants are now receiving Federal pension checks. Two claims are still pending.
This Department photostats and keeps on file Veter- ans discharges at their request.
I have registered 47 local 18 year olds for Draft Board Number 129, Marshfield, Massachusetts.
Our appropriation was $14,468.00. We expended $14,050.12 leaving a balance of $417.88 in the account to be returned to the Town. Approximately half of the amount expended will be reimbursed to the Town, by the State Department of Veterans' Services.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY P. McNEIL, Agent
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE AND BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of Duxbury
The Department of Public Welfare now administers five types of Public Assistance.
Medical Assistance for the Aged became effective October 1, 1960. Under this program persons over 65 years of age, with income sufficient to meet all needs other than medical, may be helped with all or part of their medical requirements. Children of applicants for, or rceipients of, Medical Assistance for the Aged are legally liable to contribute to the support of their parent depending upon their earn- ings.
Disability Assistance has been in effect since 1952. This type of assistance is granted persons between the ages of 18 and 65 who are in need, and found to be totally and permanently disabled. The length of time a person is considered to be totally and perma- nently disabled depends upon the extent of incapaci- tation. To-date the Town has recovered $5,175.59 from estates under this category of assistance.
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