USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of the officers of the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts for the year ending 1947 > Part 26
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3. Accidental death benefits were similarly increased from one-half to two-thirds of the annual rate of regular compensaton.
4. Until 1948, if a member continued to work beyond the age of 55 and died before retiring, his beneficiary was ineligible for any pension and could only receive back the amount of the member's deductions and interest. Under 1948 legislation, if a member files with the Retire- ment Board a form naming an eligible beneficiary and dies before retiring, his beneficiary will receive two- thirds of the amount of the Option (c) retirement allow- ance, which would otherwise have been payable to the member, had he retired on the day he died. This form becomes void as soon as a member actually retires.
We lost one pensioner, A. Perry Richards, by death during the year.
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I. MEMBERSHIP
1. Active Membership Dec. 31, 1947 Enrolled during 1948 Reinstated
173
17
1
191
Withdrawals 17
3
Transfers to inactive membership
3
23
Total Active Membership,
Dec. 31, 1948
168
2. Inactive Membership Dec. 31, 1947 30
Retirements
3
Transfers from active membership 3
36
Deaths
1
Withdrawals
5
6
Total Inactive Membership, Dec. 31, 1948 30 **
** This total includes all retired members
3. Beneficiaries from Accidental Deaths 3
II. RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES Balance, Dec. 31, 1947 $114,640.67
1. Receipts:
Appropriation March 1948 25,222.15
Deductions from members'
salaries and wages
16,457.32
Income from Interest 3,328.23
Increase by adjustment in
securities 28.24
45,035.94
159,676.61
Retirements
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2. Expenditures:
Annuities
1,175.96
Pensions 19,886.36
Accidental death benefits
3,547.70
Refunds to former members
3,865.10
Clerical Services 672.00
Other administrative expenses
172.55
Decrease by adjustment in
securities
719.46
30,039.13
Balance, Dec. 31, 1948
$129,637.48
III. BALANCE SHEET
1. Assets:
Plymouth National Bank 750.99
Plymouth Savings Bank 5,247.69
Plymouth Five Cents
Savings Bank 4,059.63
First National Bank of Boston stock 2,450.00
National Shawmut Bank stock 2,300.00
Brockton National Bank stock 3,720.00 Rockland-Atlas Bank stock 2,450.00
U. S. Treasury bonds, 2-7/8's 1,039.84 U. S. Treasury bonds, Series G 34,000.00 City of Boston bonds of '71 2,490.02
Chesapeake & Ohio Rwy.
bonds of '96 1,047.81
Northern Pacific Rwy. bonds of '97 3,867.54
Louisville & Nashville Rwy. bonds of '03 2,192.50
N. Y. Central & Hudson River
bonds of '97 3,197.86
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Reading Co. Rwy. bonds of '95 5,093.50
Great Northern Rwy. bonds
of '82
3,032.57
N. Y., Chicago & St. Louis bonds
of '86 5,113.28
Virginian Rwy. bonds of '95
2,186.14
Northern Pacific Rwy.
bonds of '97 2,125.65
Louisville & Nashville Rwy.
bonds of '03 2,000.00
Amer. Tel. & Tel. Co. bonds
of '86 2,016.80
Amer. Tel. & Tel. Co. bonds
of '82
2,013.07
Amer. Tel. & Tel. Co. bonds of '80
2,025.65
Pacific Tel. & Tel. Co. bonds
of '87 2,024.88
New Eng. Tel. & Tel. Co. bonds
of '82 2,060.00
Pacific Tel. & Tel. Co. bonds
of '78 2,072.72
Southern Bell Tel. Co. bonds
of '85
1,915.28
Mountain States Tel. Co. bonds of '86
1,840.20
Illinois Bell Tel. Co. bonds
of '78
2,055.00
Amer. Tel. & Tel. Co. bonds
of '73 2,032.20
Pacific Gas & Elec. Co.
bonds of '70 2,025.76
Pacific Gas & Elec. Co. bonds
of '71 2,096.98
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Public Service Co. of N. H.
bonds of '73 2,156.52
Southern California Edison
bonds of '65
2,031.57
No. Indiana Public Service Co.
bonds of '73 3,216.48
Montana Power Co. bonds
of '75
2,077.99
Brooklyn Union Gas Co. bonds
of '76
1,803.44
Maine Public Service Co. bonds
of '75 1,856.20
Central Vt. Public Service
bonds of '75 1,906.72
Arkansas Power & Light bonds
of '74 2,045.00
$129,637.48
2. Liabilities:
Annuity Savings Fund
85,829.45
Annuity Reserve Fund
12,302.02
Military Service Fund
1,949.81
Pension Fund
29,039.17
Expense Fund
517.03
129,637.48
Respectfully submitted,
RUSSELL P. DEARBORN, Chairman CORA B. GRADY, Secretary HERBERT K. BARTLETT
Contributory Retirement System Board of Retirement, Plymouth
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
The Board of Public Welfare presents herewith its Annual Report for the year 1948.
The members of the Board of Public Welfare on January 1, 1948 were Gordon S. McCosh, Chairman, Harold G. Roberts and Andrew Rae, Jr.
At the Annual Town Election held on March 6, 1948, Andrew Rae, Jr., was elected a member of the Board of Public Welfare for three years.
At the organization meeting of the Board, following the Town Election and held on March 9, 1948, Harold G. Roberts was elected Chairman of the Board, Albert A. Saunders appointed the Secretary for the Board, and appointed Supervisor of the Department of Public Wel- fare, and Edmund J. Priestley was appointed Supervisor of the Old Age Assistance and Aid to Dependent Children.
The Board of Public Welfare, as directors of the Plym- outh Town Infirmary appointed for the 42nd consecutive year, Russell L. Dickson as the Superintendent and Sarah A. Dickson as the Matron of the Plymouth Town Infirmary.
The year 1948 presented a steadily increasing demand for Public Assistance. 237 cases were granted "outside" assistance during the year, representing 607 persons. 135 applications were approved for assistance, and an additional 96 cases were interviewed and referred to other private or public agencies or were denied Public As- sistance for various reasons. 154 cases were closed and 34 cases reapplied during the year.
The customary social problems, supplemented by the "loss of employment because of layoff or discharge" and
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the "loss of the wage earner because of death or absence from the home" in the most part, were responsible for the continually increasing demand for Public Assistance.
40% of the applications for assistance were caused by the "loss of employment, layoff or discharge"; 22% be- cause of the death or absence from the home of the "worker" of the family; 13% were caused by the loss of employment because of illness or disablement; 6% be- cause of the loss of contributions from legally liable relatives; 3% due to the depletion of savings or other resources; 2% because of the loss of employment security benefits; 2% because of a change in the economic condi- tions without a change of resources and 10% for other and various reasons.
The year 1948 closed with 100 "open" cases, 77 of which were with a financial settlement in Plymouth, 11 with a settlement in other cities or towns, and 12 were without a settlement.
At the Annual Town Meeting on March 27, 1948, our request for what appeared to us to be amounts necessary to meet the anticipated requirements of the Department of Public Welfare for Welfare assistance for 1948, was not voted by the Town. The appropriation of $79,000.00 failed to meet the demands made upon the Department, and it was necessary at a Special Town Meeting on De- cember 6, 1948 to ask for an additional $10,000.00 appro- priation, which was voted.
The total amount expended for the year for Welfare Assistance amounted to $86,051.29 and at the close of the year, $2,948.71 was transferred to "excess and deficiency," in addition to the $7.34, the income from the Murdock Trust Fund, making the total transfer to "excess and deficiency" $2,956.05.
The Board of Public Welfare regrets exceedingly that during the months that the Welfare Department was working on a short budget, it was necessary to reduce
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amounts allowed in some needy cases and to delay authorizing some medical services. It was also necessary to delay for a considerable period, the payment of bills to several cities and towns and to the Commonwealth for aid which had been granted by them to Plymouth settled persons living in their communities and institu- tions.
The Board extends its appreciation to all of those who co-operated with the Department during this un- fortunate experience, which was beyond the control of your Board of Public Welfare.
INFIRMARY
The services and facilities of the Town Infirmary were extended during the year to 22 persons, 14 of whom were residents at the close of the year.
On account of the need for funds in the General Wel- fare Department, it was necessary to use $1,005.26 of the Infirmary Appropriation which was included in the 1948 estimated budget figures for Infirmary "Repairs" and "Equipment," for General Welfare Relief. This re- sulted in making it necessary to deprive the Infirmary of the planned and needed repairs.
The heating boilers have served their usefulness, and the Board is considerably concerned regarding their re- placement. The boilers have been in service for over 45 years and at the time of their last inspection, the in- spector warned that some consideration should be given to their replacement.
The television set presented to the Infirmary, through the efforts of the Plymouth Lions Club, at the time of the Christmas Party, has provided the residents with many happy hours of entertainment and recreation.
HAROLD G. ROBERTS, Chairman GORDON S. McCOSH ANDREW RAE, JR.
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REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
To the Citizens of the Town of Plymouth:
Presented herewith is the annual report of the Bureau of Old Age Assistance for 1948.
Under the provisions of the Social Security Act which was passed by Congress, the Federal Government grants money to the various states for Old Age Assistance if the states comply with the requirements as set forth by the Government. Each state submits a "state plan" for approval by the Government, and the towns and cities in each state must comply with the state plan in order to get any reimbursement from either the Government or the state for aid granted. This is handled in Massachu- setts by the State Department of Public Welfare which interprets the requirements of the Federal Government and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to the various cities and towns.
The statutes of Massachusetts require that assistance payments in all categories be based on need. To be eligible for Old Age Assistance a person must be sixty- five years of age or over, a citizen, a resident of Massachu- setts for three out of the last nine years, and to be in need. An individual may have cash assets not in excess of $300.00, and may have an equity of $3,000.00 in a house if residing therein. When an application is made for Old Age Assistance a careful investigation of need and resources must be made in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations issued by the State Department of Public Welfare. The State Department also issues a mandatory budget which states the amount that may be allowed for food, fuel, rent, clothing etc. A survey is made twice a year on the cost of these items, and if
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there has been an increase or decrease in the cost a new mandatory budget is sent to the various cities and towns.
When our needs were estimated for 1948 it was under- stood that the state was sending down a new budget which would be effective in March or April, and sufficient money was included in our estimate for this increase. However, just prior to the issuance of this budget the State Legislature passed Chapter 638 which provides for the adjusting of allowances of Old Age Assistance recipi- ents in accordance with such changes as may occur in the cost of living index. This law provides for a semi-annual adjustment of assistance grants by a percentage figure to be determined by the Division of Standards and Neces- saries of Life, the first change commencing October 1, 1948. The State Department began work on refiguring the budget on that basis, and submitted the new figures to the cities and towns effective on October 1, 1948. This delay in the effective date of increase in budgets resulted in a considerable saving to our department as a general increase in the Old Age Assistance allowances usually costs an additional amount of approximately $2,000.00 to $2,500.00 per month.
In addition to the amount that the Federal Govern- ment contributes towards the cost of aid, it is now paying approximately 50% of the salaries and other administra- tive expenses.
The Federal Government has always paid a very sub- stantial part of the cost for Old Age Assistance, and this year the rate of reimbursement was again increased ef- fective October 1, 1948. The Federal Government now pays one-half of the amount spent up to $50.00 per month per case plus an additional amount of $5.00 per month per case. This increase means that the Town receives approximately $2,000.00 more each month. However, the Town only received the benefit of one month's ad-
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ditional grant in 1948 as the payments from the Federal Government are always two months in arrears.
A total amount of $341,556.46 was spent for Old Age Assistance in 1948 of which $128,515.10 was received from the Federal Government leaving a balance of $213,041.36 to be met by the State and Town. Due to the bookkeep- ing setup of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Town of Plymouth, the Town must appropriate each year the amount necessary to meet the State's share of the cost as the State reimbursement goes into the Town's Excess and Deficiency fund. For 1948 the State paid $146,888.82 to the Town for Old Age Assistance which made the net cost to the Town approximately $66,152.54. The average cost per case per month to the Town of Plymouth was $12.47.
The amount requested at the Town Meeting in March was reduced by $24,243.00 on recommendation of the Finance Committee, but fortunately it was not necessary to request the full amount at the Special Town Meeting in December due to the fact that the anticipated increase came in October instead of in March or April, and due to the increased grants from the Federal Government. An amount of $3,000.00 was requested and voted to meet the expenses of the year.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD G. ROBERTS, Chairman GORDON S. McCOSH ANDREW RAE, JR.
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AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
To the Citizens of the Town of Plymouth:
Presented herewith is the annual report of the Board of Public Welfare for the Aid to Dependent Children program.
The Aid to Dependent Children program comes under the Social Security Act of the Federal Government, and is administered in accordance with the State plan for Massachusetts which conforms with that act. The State Department of Public Welfare issues the rules and regu- lations with which the various towns and cities must comply in the administration of this category of assist- ance. A regular mandatory budget is also issued by which all cases must be figured. Aid granted is for de- pendent children under the age of sixteen, or under the age of eighteen if still going to school, who have been deprived of parental care and support because of the death of either parent, divorce, desertion, separation, mental or physical incapacity of the parent, or commit- ment of the parent to a penal institution. This aid is given to the mother or the relative who is caring for the child to enable them to provide a suitable home and proper care for the child.
The State Department of Public Welfare issues new mandatory budgets once or twice a year depending on the cost of living expenses. In January and February of 1948, it was understood that this budget would become effective in March or April, but when the Legislature passed Chapter 638 pertaining to the Old Age Assistance budgets, the State Department of Public Welfare revised the Aid to Dependent Children budgets in the same way. Therefore, the increase in the Aid to Dependent Children allowances did not become effective until October 1948.
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The Federal Government has always contributed toward the expenses for this program and effective October 1, 1948 this participation has been substantially increased. The rate of reimbursement is now on the basis of one- half of the amount spent each month up to $27.00 for the first child in the family, and one-half up to the amount of $18.00 for each succeeding child plus an additional amount of $3.00 per month per child. As the Federal grants are always two months in arrears, only one month's increased grant was received in 1948. In addition to the funds received from the Federal Government for this type of assistance, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts reimburses for one-third of the entire amount spent.
In addition to the amount that the Federal Government pays toward the cost for Aid to Dependent Children aid, approximately 50% of the administrative expenses and salaries is also paid by the Government.
The total cost for this aid in 1948 was $71,968.01 of which the Federal Government reimbursed $16,674.15. This left a balance of $55,293.86 to be met by the Town and State. The money contributed by the State goes into the Excess and Deficiency funds of the Town and it is, therefore, necessary for the Town to appropriate the State's share each year. The appropriation requested for 1948 was $56,935.00 of which $50,000.00 was voted at Town Meeting. An increased amount of $2,754.15 was received from the Federal Government over the estimated amount due to the large increase in the case load and the change in the reimbursement schedule. An amount of $2,500.00 was requested and voted at the Special Town Meeting in December to complete the payments for the year.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD G. ROBERTS, Chairman GORDON S. McCOSH . ANDREW RAE, JR.
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REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS FOR THE YEAR 1948
The Cemetery Commissioners present herewith their re- port for the year 1948:
Oak Grove and Vine Hills Cemeteries
The maintenance work in these cemeteries was ac- complished much more efficiently and at less expense to our patrons in 1948 than heretofore because of the addi- tion of more power machinery. The cemeteries are expanding every year and more lots are added to our mowing lists annually. Electricity and a new water line to the tool house and office, for winter use, are badly needed. The tool house roof must be shingled in 1949.
A tree planting program should be started in 1949 to replace trees in barren areas and old trees that have begun to decay etc.
The interior of the tomb needs repainting and to be put in better condition so that committal services may be held there in severe weather.
The link fence around the cemetery from Summer Street to Samoset Street and then to Royal Street is badly in need of painting.
The cost of maintaining a truck, machinery, oil, gas tools etc. for our work in all outlying cemeteries and the inspection of veterans' graves, comes from our Oak Grove and Vine Hills Cemeteries appropriation. We inspect approximately 700 veterans' graves bi-annually. Those needing repairs and mowing are attended to periodically. This work is done in conjunction with our regular main- tenance schedule.
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In 1948, approximately 75% of our appropriation was expended for labor. The balance was spent for tools, supplies, loam, fertilizer, equipment etc. Oak Grove and Vine Hills Cemeteries returned to the Town $7,439.49 in 1948 for the care of lots, graves and other miscellaneous work. We are asking for an appropriation of $10,000.00 for Oak Grove and Vine Hills Cemeteries in 1949.
Burial Hill
Burial Hill is well known as one of the oldest cemeteries in this country. It attracts thousands of tourists every year because of its historic interest. Visitors to this ceme- tery are from all parts of the world. It is important that they leave the cemetery with the impression that it is in perfect order and that everything has been done to preserve the monuments. Each year, a number of monu- ments are broken, either because of their age or by van- dalism. In 1949 we will repair as many stones as our appropriation allows.
This cemetery should have about forty new trees and we hope to plant some in 1949.
The tarred walks are badly in need of repairs in places and this work must be done to keep them in a safe con- dition. The stone wall near the school playground must be repaired in 1949. We are asking for an appropriation of $3,000.00 in 1949.
The Outlying Cemeteries
The outlying cemeteries received much more attention this year than in former years and the work has been commended by several historical groups.
The painting of the fence around the Chiltonville Cemetery which was started in 1946 should be completed in 1949.
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There are several stones at the White Horse and Cedar- ville Cemeteries that need repairing. Trees are needed at the Cedarville Cemetery.
The 1948 appropriation was not sufficient to complete the necessary work last fall. We are asking for an ap- propriation of $2,500.00 in 1949. The $500.00 increase is needed to pay for additional mowing costs, repairing stones, painting the fence at the Chiltonville Cemetery, planting trees etc.
Appropriations requested for 1949:
Salaries
$5,930.00
O. G. and V. H. Cems.
10,000.00
Burial Hill
3,000.00
Outlying Cemeteries
2,500.00
Special Appropriation
Improvement of O. G. and V. H. Cems.
2,000.00
$23,430.00
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR E. BLACKMER
RICHARD T. ELDRIDGE JOHN N. FINNEY
The Board of Cemetery Commissioners.
.
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REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town House Plymouth, Mass.
Gentlemen,
The Planning Board organized at its first meeting, with Allen D. Russell as Chairman; Mr. Arthur E. Blackmer, Secretary.
The progress of the by-pass was watched and a few suggestions made by our citizens were forwarded to the State Highway Department. Some few matters were talked over in relation to Town Brook and conditions at the Town House but as there is a special committee, the S. S. C. Committee, which was employed by the Town to make a general over-all survey, and as that committee has not published its report, there seemed little use in developing conflicting plans, or plans which might conflict.
We have continued our investigation of annual re- ceipts and expenditures of the Town and submit our breakdown for the year 1947-48. These figures for the year 1948-49 are made up within a week of receipt of the 1948 Town Report and will be available at that time if requested of the Chairman.
Table Al Tax Receipts
1. Property Taxes $925,715.15
3. Motor Vehicle Taxes 35,328.40
4. Poll Taxes 5,984.00
8. Tax Titles 1,445.00
Total Tax Receipts
$968,472.55
Table A2 Shared Taxes
1. Corporation $92,840.99
2. Income Tax 108,293.25
3. Soldiers' Ref. 1,677.89
Total Town's Share $202,812.13
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Table A3 Department Receipts
1. Gen'l Gov. $2,972.60
2. Police Dept. 1,559.47
3. Health Dept. 980.38
4. Sanitation 950.29
5. Highway Dept. 1,564.49
6. Welfare Dept. 4,060.58
7. Education 11,910.22
9. Recreation
3,610.01
10. Cemetery
9,124.91
11. Wharf 2,862.63
12. Refunds 2,230.62
15. Water 52,340.22
Total Dept. Rect.
$94,166.42
Table A4 Reimbursements
1. Welfare $162,804.72
2. Education 40,325.25
6. Dog Licenses 1,776.12
7. Old Age 155,624.37
Total Reimbursements $360,530.46
Table A5 Miscellaneous
1. Licenses, Fines $22,564.86
2. Betterment Assmts. 783.00
3. Interest 1,502.91
4. Sales of property 186.35
6. Trust Income
39,371.24
Total $64,408.36
Total Income, All Sources
$1,690,389.92
Table B1 Dept. Service
1. Int. on loans $1,080.00
2. Int. on Bonds Total $2,580.00
1,500.00
27,000.00
9. Principal paid Total cost $29,580.00
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Table B2 Taxes and Costs
1. Miscellaneous $2,232.00
2. State Tax 19,971.17
3. County Tax 54,657.70
7. Trust Expenses 15,723.00
8. Refunds 4,318.44
Total Payments
$96,902.31
Table B3 Department Costs
1. General Gov't $77,149.90
3. Police 60,533.40
4. Fire 78,383.72
5. Health
42,899.57
6. Sanitation
35,536.36
7. Highway
66,895.07
8. Snow Removal
9,735.66
9. Street Lights
20,454.82
10. Welfare
473,432.19
12. Education
375,230.16
13. Library
19,099.69
14. Parks, Playgrounds
25,462.83
15. Cemeteries
23,440.57
16. Protection
23,123.01
17. Pensions
33,007.04
18. Miscellaneous
10,979.57
19. Wharf
4,918.40
21. Water Dept.
51,058.92
Total Dept. Expenses
$1,431,340.88
Total Running Expenses of Town $1,557,823.19
Table C1 Capital Expenditures
4. Health Dept.
$1,480.30
5. Highway Dept. 42,774.96
6. Sanitation 2,460.00
8. Education 110.00
10. Recreation
7,058.83
12. Protection 7,600.00
13. Bonds Purch.
25,000.00
15. Water Dept. 92,547.80
Total Spent
$179,031.89
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Summary Receipts from all sources $1,690,389.92 Cost of Operation 1,557,823.19.
Available for Capital Expense 132,566.73
Capital Expenditures 179,031.89
Deficit incurred 46,465.16
Proof. Cash on hand start of year $524,712.31
Cash on hand end of year 478,247.15
Decrease 46,465.16
These figures again indicate that we are gradually eat- ing up the surplus built up during the war. The day will come when we will either have to raise more from local taxes or drop our standards. Table A2 shows re- ceipts for the year of $202,812.13 most of which could dis- appear by act of the State Legislature. The share of corporation and individual income taxes received by the Town is a gift from the State. If the State finances run low the present law can be changed so that the State will take all income taxes, corporation and individual and the Town will get none. Furthermore such receipts are run- ning at an all-time high at this moment. All other income sources are unpredictable and about all we can say with certainty is that they will dry up in a recession. This leaves the main burden, as usual on real estate taxes, and that income and that alone is within the control of the Town itself.
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