USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of the officers of the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts for the year ending 1959 > Part 36
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For the economy of Plymouth, the Commission rec- ognizes that we must have an Industrial Area to en- courage industry for new construction; and, with the sup- port of the Plymouth Planning Board, we have worked out three specific areas comprised of 1,930 acres which is being presented at the next Town Meeting, and it is hoped this will be approved and long range planning set up for a new Industrial Development.
The area must initially have Zoning and Industrial Development and for expansion of the development, there are various plans for industry, such as Development Corporations etc.
We have the full support of the Industrial Develop- ment Board of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and
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they strongly recommend our request for a Zoned In- dustrial Area.
Respectfully submitted,
E. N. MAYER, Chairman HENRY W. BARNES, Secretary WILLIAM H. BARRETT MELVIN G. COOMBS DAVID M. CRAWLEY LAWRENCE MOSSEY REV. RICHARD F. NORTON JOHN J. PETRELL, JR. HYMAN SHERMAN
Plymouth Development & Industrial Commission.
REPORT OF THE HARBOR MASTER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The 1960 boating season was enjoyed by all.
We were privileged in being hosts to the Sectional Turnabout Championships.
The dragger fleet had another poor season because of the poor fishing.
Another good year was had by the party boat fleet. Fishing draggers in harbor 14
Pleasure boats in harbor 350
Pleasure boats visiting harbor 860
Party boats in harbor 16
Lobster boats-all types 35
Respectfully submitted,
DONALD L. McDONALD,
Harbor Master.
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PLYMOUTH COMMUNITY NURSE ASSOCIATION
To The Selectmen
Town of Plymouth
We are submitting a report of the Plymouth Commun- ity Nurse Association, for the period of one year, from October 1959 to October 1960.
This year has brought many changes - but as we look back over a ten year period, the changes are even more apparent. To illustrate, we will give you some statis- tics .... In 1949 - 1950, there were 5197 visits made to patients in Plymouth and Kingston, as compared with 6271 made during 1959 - 1960. In that year, 4906 of these visits were made to patients needing bedside care with the re- maining 291 visits as health teaching or supervisory visits. During the ten year period, our supervisory visits have in- creased to 754 - which shows a substantial increase in our health teaching activities, plus a decided indication of our changing pattern of service. In conjunction with these fi- gures on health teaching I would like to tell you a little about the program of Tuberculosis visiting that we are doing for the Health Department. We attempt to visit each family that has had any contact with Tuberculosis. In some cases, the family is not aware of such contact and so receives a shock when a nurse comes to their door to re- quest them to arrange for an X-ray. A few families react with annoyance and denial but the majority will cooperate fully once they are aware of the importance of a physical check-up. Families often do not realize that Tuberculosis has an undertermined incubation period and that resis- tance susceptibility differ in individuals. Also, in its early stages, Tuberculosis causes few symptoms - and one may feel well and still be in need of treatment. Therefore, ear-
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ly casefinding and immediate medical treatment is indi- cated.
Ten X-ray clinics were held at the Jordan Hospital with a total of 365 patients X-rayed and examined.
There were twenty-four Well Child Conferences held during the past year, as compared with twenty-two in 1949 - 1950. 602 infants and preschool children were ex- amined by Dr. C. James Gormley; nearly 300 more than in 1949 - 1950.
Ten Immunization clinics were held during the year with 556 children immunized against Diphtheria, Whoop- ing Cough and Tetenus. There are, strangely enough, chil- dren who have not yet been immunized against these diseases and it is this group that we must try even harder to reach in our daily work and at our Well Child Confer- ences.
Two polio clinics were held during the year with 505 polio injections given.
This summer, we continued with our camp inspec- tions, adding bath houses to our list. A total of twenty- eight camps, bath houses and tenting areas were inspected by the nurses.
The nurses have continued throughout the year, to at- tend conferences and classes in in-service education.
On July 1st, Mrs. Eleanor Maini, our part-time nurse, resigned from our staff. We were fortunate in obtaining the services of Mrs. Anne Welcker, of Duxbury, for sum- mer relief.
In September, Mrs. Ethel Groetzinger, of Plymouth, joined our staff as part-time nurse.
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Mrs. Christine Darsch, our practical nurse, continues to give us faithful assistance with our chronically ill pa- tients and Mrs. Kritzmacher remains with us as part-time secretary.
In summary, we may say that our program of Board of Health work enjoys continuing growth, with plans un- der consideration for further service to the Public. Our Well Child Conference attendance shows a steady in- crease - as does our X-ray and Immunization clinics. Our bedside case load has decreased somewhat, due perhaps, to increased admittance to Nursing Homes. This appears to be a general trend throughout the country.
We wish to extend to the members and friends of our organization, our sincere thanks for the help and en- couragement given to us over the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
MARION A. CORCORAN, R. N. Supervisor
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PLYMOUTH PUBLIC LIBRARIES
DIRECTORS
Mr. John Farrell President
Dr. Charles C. Forman Vice President
Miss Sara C. Bodell Clerk
Mr. Walder J. Engstrom Treasurer
Mrs. Edward R. Belcher Mr. Roland W. Holmes
Mrs. J. Robert Browning
Dr. H. K. Olmsted
Gen. John K. Christmas Mr. Martin Person, Jr.
Mr. Arthur G. Estes, Jr. Dr. Bryce Prindle
Miss Dorothy B. Reed
Those of you who are interested probably know that The Lindens annex was opened on April 8, 1960 with ap- propriate ceremonies before a group of about forty mem- bers of the Library Corporation, friends and librarians. Dr. Charles C. Forman acted as master of ceremonies. After opening with his prayer, he introduced Mr. John Farrell, president of the Directors, representing the Li- brary Corporation, who discussed the value of libraries and the pleasures to the individual of great literature. The Selectmen were represented by Mr. James Frazier, who said a few words, and by Mr. Sumner Chapman, Jr. Speaking for his department, Superintendent of Schools Chester V. Sweatt congratulated us on our achievement. Miss Marie T. Sullivan brought the greetings of the Divi- sion of Library Extension of the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Education. Benediction was given by Father Richard F. Norton.
The original linden trees planted about 1765 by Col. George Watson had been diseased for a number of years.
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They were replaced in the spring by four new lindens and a ground cover of pachysandra provided by the town's Tree Warden.
Personnel:
On January 11 Miss Alta Bumpus joined our staff. She has found her niche doing reference work.
Service to' children was arranged in February by transferring Miss Grace Haigh from Loring Branch Li- brary. Her earlier work with children at the Detroit Public Library is a great benefit to us.
Since July first Mrs. Mary Ellis has been full-time attendant in the Lindens Annex, where she supervises the adult periodical department, the Lord Memorial his- tory room and the Lucia and Mary Bartlett art depart- ment.
Miss Carolyn Pratt now divides her time between the main library, where she continues as records assistant, and Loring Branch, where she is librarian, with the capa- ble assistance of Miss Elizabeth Stephan.
Staff Activities:
We have given instruction to Girl Scout groups from Plymouth and Kingston for their readers' badge.
Book review programs were given for the Chiltonville Congregational Women's Guild; Plymouth Methodist W.S.C.S .; the literature committee of the Plymouth Woman's Club; the Plymouth Baptist Ladies' Guild and the Jordan Hospital Auxiliary.
The Library was host to the Old Colony Library Club on November third. A successful meeting attended by over one hundred librarians from forty libraries was held at Memorial Hall following the coffee and registration at the Library.
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Members of the staff have attended meetings of the professional groups to which they belong: Massachusetts Library Association, Old Colony Library Club, New Eng- land Library Association and the Children's Round Table.
A discussion group open to the general public was organized in September. Called "Great Decisions - 1960" we studied the relations of the United States to other countries. Eight meetings were held. We wish to thank the citizens who have acted as leaders.
Ann Appleton Children's Room:
Miss Haigh is in charge of services for children from pre-school through the sixth grade. Visits to the schools in the spring and fall help to stimulate the youngsters to want to read. Loans of collections of books for classroom use are appreciated by the teachers and children.
Several story hours for grades three and four were held at the library on Fridays in November and December.
Loring Branch:
Teachers with their classes from second and sixth grades have visited the library. Miss Pratt told stories to the young children and gave instruction in the use of the catalog to the older ones.
Due to the double session at Junior High School the library has been opening an hour earlier, at 10 a.m., on school days.
STATISTICS
Registrations:
1959
Total
1960
Total
Central
Adult
3,707
3,810
Junior
1,011
955
Total
4,718
4,765
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Loring Branch
Adult
655
645
Junior
836
885
Total
1,491
1,530
Grand total
6,209
6,295
Circulation:
Central
Adult
59,835
59,345
Junior
17,288
21,587
Total
77,123
80,932
Loring Branch
Adult
6,521
5,545
Junior
14,556
9,557
Total
21,077
15,102
ยท Grand total
98,200
96,034
Total loss
-2,166
Book Stock:
Central
Volumes in Library Jan. 1, 1960
32,794
Volumes added, 1960 1,727
Total
34,521
Volumes withdrawn, 1960
1,472
Net volumes in Library Dec. 31, 1960
33,049
Periodicals (purchased)
75
Newspapers
6
Gift Subscriptions
52
Total periodicals
133
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Loring Branch
Volumes in Library Jan. 1, 1960
9,422
Volumes added, 1960 425
Total 9,847
Volumes withdrawn, 1960
544
Net volumes in Library, Dec. 31, 1960
9,303
Respectfully submitted,
EUNICE E. SHARP,
Library Director.
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PLYMOUTH REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The Plymouth Redevelopment Authority is progressing with the Summer Street-High Street area as is reported in our last report submitted in 1959.
In January 1960, your Authority opened its office on a full time basis as the application for Federal Funds had been approved and an advance of funds was received.
The Planning and Renewal Associates contract for the final planning was approved by HHFA and will be com- pleted in early. 1961.
Mr. Clifford E. Sampson was elected for a five year term at the annual election in March, 1960.
Mr. John Ryan resigned from the Authority as State representative and was replaced by Mr. Russell T. Fry on June 2, 1960 to serve the unexpired term until January 1962.
On July 2, 1960, the Authority submitted a revised budget for planning and survey, and it was approved by HHFA for the amount of $92,000 of which we have re- quisitioned $30,000 for current expenses and third party contracts.
The Planning Board on the recommendation of the Authority is in the process of updating the Compact as re- quired by the HHFA for future planning of the Town of Plymouth.
Your Authority engaged the services of the William E. Coyle Company of Seekonk to conduct the First Land Acquisition Appraisal of the project area. This Appraisal should be completed early in 1961.
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Your Authority also engaged the services of the Wil- liam H. Ballard Company to conduct the Marketability Study, and also, the Re-use Appraisal which should be completed in early 1961.
Your Authority also submitted to the HHFA, the El- igibility and Relocation Report to show that the Town is now eligible for the reservation of funds as spelled out in its initial' application. On May 18, 1959 this report was approved, and now we are continuing on with the final plans which will be completed in 1961, and ready to be submitted at the next annual or special Town Meeting.
Your Authority has met with many boards this past year, and has received excellent cooperation from every- one for which we are most appreciative.
Our object is still the same as when we made our last report to:
A. Improve and beautify the Summer Street-High Street area.
B. Improve our Pilgrim Landmarks.
C. Bring more desirable and more taxable real estate into the Town.
Of the $10,000 appropriated at the Special Town Meet- ing in December 1958, the Authority has expended $2,- 814.97 leaving a balance at this time of $7,185.03.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH L. DREW, Chairman CLIFFORD E. SAMPSON RUSSELL T. FRY
WILLIAM B. EDMANDS, Vice Chairman HOWARD P. BARNES
Plymouth Redevelopment Authority
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
The members of the Board of Public Welfare on Jan- uary 1, 1960 were Margaret E. McLean, Chairman, Dex- ter M. Brooks, John J. Magee, Francis Murphy, and Jos- eph H. Nogueira.
At the March 1960 Annual Town Election, Dexter M. Brooks was re-elected a member of the Board of Public Welfare.
At the organization meeting of the Board of Public Welfare held following the Town Election, Margaret E. McLean was re-appointed Chairman of the Board of Public Welfare, and also Acting Secretary of the Board.
Albert A. Saunders, Director of Public Assistance for the Board of Public Welfare, who had been on sick leave since October 19, 1959, retired on March 31, 1960. Mr. Saunders had served the Town of Plymouth for twenty years.
Joseph H. Nogueira tendered his resignation as a member of the Board effective September 30, 1960.
At a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Public Welfare on October 20, 1960, Paul With- ington was appointed to fill the vacancy until the next Annual Town Election.
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
In the Old Age Assistance category the year opened with 412 cases being aided. The case load remained fairly constant until October and November, when 56 cases were transferred to the new category of Medical Assistance to the Aged. The year closed with 355 cases receiving Old Age Assistance.
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The 1960 appropriation for Old Age Assistance was $334,000.00. Federal Grants of $203,383.97 were received during the year making available $537,383.97 for Old Age Assistance in 1960. The total payments for Old Age As- sistance were $503,326.58. The share of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be approximately $214,007.62, and approximately $4,800.41 will be received from other cities and towns for aid granted Old Age Assistance recipients residing in Plymouth and having settlements in other communities.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO THE AGED
This is a new category of assistance which was ef- fective on October 1, 1960. 56 Old Age Assistance cases were transferred to this category in October and Novem- ber.
The total payments were $24,048.69, which came from the Old Age Assistance appropriation. The share of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be approximately $8,453.10. Federal Grants for 1960 should total approxi- mately $10,858.52.
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
In this category of assistance the year began with 81 cases composed of 60 parents and 177 children receiving aid. At the close of the year there were 73 cases composed of 55 parents and 165 children receiving aid.
The appropriation was $90,000.00 Federal Grants of $57,849.00 were received during the year, making a total of $147,849.00 available for Aid to Dependent Children. The total expenditure for Aid to Dependent Children was $137,414.55.
The share of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be approximately $45,382.14.
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DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
In this category of assistance the year opened with 54 cases receiving aid. The year closed with 50 cases re- ceiving aid.
The 1960 appropriation was $40,000.00. Federal Grants in the amount of $25,725.92 were received during the year, making a total of $65,725.92 available for Disability Assistance. The total payments were $64,627.38.
The share of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be approximately $22,144.11.
GENERAL RELIEF
During the year 139 cases received assistance. 96 new applications were approved.
128 cases were closed during the year, and 34 re- applied for assistance.
At the beginning of the year 42 cases composed of 133 persons were being aided. The peak load came in March with 71 cases composed of 261 persons being aided. Most of this increase was due primarily to the strike at the Fore River Shipyard. The case load decreased to a low 25 cases composed of 53 persons in August.
The year closed with 45 cases composed of 135 persons.
The appropriation was $55,450.00 Payments totalled $43,760.12. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and other cities and towns paid the Town of Plymouth $13,344.62.
INFIRMARY
The facilities of the Town Infirmary were made avail- able to 5 persons during the year.
The appropriation for the year was $11,369.95 for gen- eral expenses and salaries. The total payments were $7,035.64.
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The Infirmary was officially closed as of August 1, 1960. The Board of Public Welfare turned over the build- ing, with such furnishings as had not been removed, to the Board of Selectmen. This action was voted upon favorably at the special Town Meeting held on November 21, 1960.
According to old records, the Infirmary had been in operation for approximately 135 years.
IN CONCLUSION
We would like to report a sum of $18,382.56 which was given to the Town Treasurer and represented recoveries principally on Old Age Assistance Liens on real estate in 1960.
In general summary, we have returned balances to the "Revenue" account from all categories despite cost of living increases in budgets and rising medical costs.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET E. McLEAN, Chairman DEXTER M. BROOKS JOHN J. MAGEE FRANCIS H. MURPHY PAUL WITHINGTON
Board of Public Welfare
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REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Tree planting in 1961 is a must on new streets.
Approximately 125 trees of 10' to 12' heights are run- ning a little more costly, around $8.50 each so we need more funds to replace trees on streets where we have removed them.
Spraying of trees for red spider, aphids and mites was not satisfactory. Our old sprayer, I hope, will be replaced in 1961. The old one is a 300 gallon capacity but in 1960, on account of its poor condition, we could only carry 100 gallons of water.
A great many trees were pruned since Hurricane "Donna" and will be carried on until it is cleared up.
I want to thank those who have helped in my work and made my job more pleasant through the year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN A. KENNEDY,
Tree Warden.
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REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The maintenance of the several cemeteries has been carried on as usual, but the general appearance in some places suffered considerably in the hurricane of Septem- ber 12, 1960. Altogether 51 trees were completely lost, 42 at Oak Grove and Vine Hills Cemeteries, and the ba- lance at Burial Hill and the Outlying Cemeteries. There was further damage, such as broken branches and some monuments damaged by falling trees and branches. The total cost of cleaning up after this storm was $3,756.65.
In addition to the general care and maintenance, we wish to record the following items for the records.
At Oak Grove and Vine Hills Cemeteries a surface water drain and catch basin were installed to take the water from the low spot near the Easterly Samoset Street gate. A new surface of black-top, 11/4 inches thick, was put on the main avenue from the Samoset Street gate for a distance of 1500 lineal feet toward the Summer Street gate. The building used for the office and tool room was painted.
More of the addition to Vine Hills Cemetery was filled and graded, and a fence with a new entrance was erected along the Samoset Street side. The fence will be extended along the Westerly side, after some grading is completed on the line of the State Highway. The road from the new entrance on Samoset Street, which will ex- tend across the new addition, will join the road from the present Vine Hills Cemetery at the top of the hill. As part of this road will be on newly filled ground, it seemed ad- visable to wait another year before constructing it.
At Burial Hill some mason work had to be done around the Town Square entrance.
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At the Chiltonville Cemetery the black-top covering on the roadway was carried along the Northerly side, and the water pipe was extended.
At the Manomet Cemetery the whole central section has now been graded and seeded, and this should take care of the demand for lots for quite a few years. There is still a substantial amount of undeveloped land here that can be developed when needed.
At Cedarville the fence around the cemetery was re- paired by replacing the wooden posts with posts of rein- forced concrete. The iron pipe railing was all in good shape so it was installed on the new cement posts. The receipts and payments of the Department are listed in Schedule "A" and in "B" the Town Accountant's report.
Respectfully submitted,
F. WILLARD DITTMAR, Chairman GEORGE E. RANDALL RICHARD T. ELDRIDGE
Board of Cemetery Commissioners
AUSTIN S. FRATUS, Superintendent
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ASSESSORS' REPORT
Official Value of Real
Estate
$54,341,600.00
Official Value of Personal Property 8,613,375.00
Aggregate Value
$62,954,975.00
Exempted Under Chapter 59 Real $19,007,650.00
Personal
5,011,350.00
$24,019,000.00
Assessed Value Available for Revenue $38,935,975.00
To Be Raised by Taxation:
State Tax
$10,520.36
Old Colony Transportation Area 104.11
County Tax
134,467.22
Tuberculosis Hospital
45,443.77
Mosquito Control
11,621.90
Town Appropriations
3,432,874.10
Deficits Due to Abatements in Excess of Overlay of Prior
Years
4,059.59
Overlay
62,728.07
Underestimates for 1959
3,198.77
Total Amount to be Raised by Taxation $3,705,017.89
Estimated Receipts including
Dog Tax voted by the Town to be used by the Assessors $1,015,202.33
Overestimates for Year 1959 to
be used as Available Funds 2,837.41
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Out of Available Funds voted by the Town to be used by the Assessors 357,350.00
Total Estimate Receipts and Available Funds $1,375,389.74
Net Amount to be Raised by Taxation, Polls and Property $2,329,628.15
Division of Taxes:
Personal Property, Jan. 1st $214,680.69
Real Estate, Jan. 1st 2,105,897.46
Polls, March 1st 9,050.00
Total Taxes to be Raised on Polls and Property $2,329,628.15
Rate of Taxation: $59.60 on $1000
General Rate 39.13
School Rate 20.47
WARRANTS TO COLLECTOR
Real Estate
$2,105,897.46
Personal Property
214,680.69
Polls
9,050.00
Farm Animal Excise
97.66
Water Liens
5,779.73
Additional Real
2,862.20
Additional Personal
49.17
Additional Polls
22.00
Total Warrants to Collector $2,338,438.91
Exempted Under Section 5, Chapter 59, General Laws as Amended: Houses of Religious Worship: Real $484,975.00 Personal 45,375.00
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Charitable, Benevolent, Literary and Educational:
Real
2,445,450.00
Personal
252,175.00
Parsonages:
Real 65,225.00
United States of America:
Real
190,800.00
Personal
20,000.00
Town of Plymouth:
Real
$5,690,550.00
Personal
4,468,100.00
Commonwealth of Mass .:
Real
8,381,750.00
Personal
93,300.00
County of Plymouth:
Real
1,305,850.00
Personal
129,000.00
Cemeteries:
Real
8,250.00
Plymouth Housing Authority:
Real
411,100.00
Personal
1,000.00
Property of Incorporated Organi- zations of War Veterans:
Real 23,700.00
Personal 2,400.00
Total Exempted under Section 5, Chap- ter 59, General Laws as Amended $24,019,000.00
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TABLE OF AGGREGATES
Number of Persons, Firms and Corporations
Assessed on Property 18,999
Polls Assessed 4,525
Polls Exempted under Clauses 17A and 18, Chapter 59 or Section 8, Chapter 58 669
Polls Exempted under Acts 1950, Chapter 796 (Armed Forces) 82
Polls Exempted under Section 71, Chapter 59
59
Horses
48
Cows
106
Bulls (1) Steers (6)
7
Swine
20
Sheep
4
Fowl
6,400
All Others
13
Dwelling Houses
12,000
Acres of Land Assessed
70,000
Motor Vehicles and Trailers Assessed Under Motor Excise and Trailer Law:
Value of Motor Vehicles and Trailers:
Registered (1959)
$933,765.00
(1960)
$3,191,710.00
Number of Motor Vehicles and Trailers:
Registered (1959)
1,854
(1960) 6,644
Warrants to Collector (Motor Vehicle and
Trailer Excise) (1959)
$31,901.66
(1960) $201,936.95
State Rate on Motor Vehicles and Trailers: $66.96 on $1000
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ABATEMENT ACCOUNT
Levy of 1957:
Abatements:
Personal
$609.31
Real Estate
11.68
Tax Titles
36.50
$657.49
Overdraft, appropriated in 1960
48.18
Overdraft (To be appropriated in 1961)
$609.31
Levy of 1958:
January 1, 1960 Balance
$3,347.81
Abatements:
Poll
$30.00
Tax Titles
7.30
37.30
$3,310.51
Transferred to Reserve Overlay
346.76
December 31, 1960 Balance
$2,963.75
Levy of 1959:
January 1, 1960 Deficit
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