USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1954 > Part 3
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Reconstruction of Main Street
14,336.62
14,336.62
Highway Truck
7,500.00
7,338.14
161.86
Sconticut Neck Road-Curbing
4,997.04
4,997.04
ANALYSIS OF APPROPRIATION ACCOUNTS - 1954-Continued
ACCOUNTS
Balance
Forward
from 1953
Appropriation
Credits
Trust Funds
and Grants
Payments
Balance
to Revenue
Balance
to 1955
Utility Tractor
3,900.00
3,900.00
Coggeshall St. Bridge
147.93
147.93
Widening of Center Street
1,700.00
1.573.36
126.64
Gelette Road Alteration
1,500.00
1,136.54
363.46
Weeden Road Alteration
1,600.00
1,600.00
Drainage North Walnut St.
10,000.00
8,810.10
1,189.90
Board of Public Welfare-Salaries
900.00
900.00
Public Welfare
33,400.00
122.00
27,416.21
6,105.79
Public Assistance Administration
2,147.75
8,100.00
4.00
11,640.08
19,962.77
1,929.06
Infirmary
7,175.00
7,174.24
.76
Infirmary Repairs
82.57
2,000.00
1,106.63
1,695.94
*Aid to Dependent Children
8,000.00
5,889.60
26,480.98*
40,370.58
*Old Age Assistance
161,000.00
3,294.71
85,240.13*
249,534.84
*Disability Assistance
5,000.00
350.85
15,114.11*
20,464.96
Veterans' Benefits
30,350.00
5,376.00
35,725.97
.03
Elementary High Schools
.50
433,157.00
20,298.06
449,833.41
3,622.15
Vocational School
8,500.00
8,169.34
330.66
Oxford School
971.75
971.75
East Fairhaven School
1,146.50
1,146.50
Elementary School Survey Committee
3,000.00
2.11
2,997.89
Addition to Schools
12,741.70
12,741.11
59
High School Repairs
2,500.00
2,500.00
School Heating
1,493.00
1,493.00
Junior High School Building Committee
431.46
2,000.00
462.09
1,969.37
Junior High School Plans
15,000.00
2,000.00
13,000.00
Junior High School Taking of Land
14,140.00
8,500.00
5,640.00
ANALYSIS OF APPROPRIATION ACCOUNTS - 1954-Continued
Millicent Library
18,095.00
18,095.00
Park Department
10,130.00
9,928.51
1.49
200.00
Roll of Honor
258.25
450.00
708.25
West Island Town Beach
2,500.00
1,939.87
560.13
Annotated Laws
130.00
130.00
Small Claims
870.77
112.21
758.56
Academy Building Repairs
39.64
31.03
8.61
Veterans' Memorial
14,120.75
Bicycle Registration
9.54
60.00
34.89
34.65
Dog Care
700.00
347.50
352.50
Woodside Cemetery
150.00
134.50
15.50
Memorial Day
400.00
400.00
Unpaid Bills
894.16
894.16
Reserve Fund
15,000.00
15,000.00
Salary of Wharfinger
350.00
350.00
Union Wharf
1,010.00
36.77
1,003.23
Sconticut Neck Water Project
1,153.85
1,153.85
Scont. Neck Water Project-Various Streets
1,082.87
1,082.87
Debt
54,800.00
54,800.00
Accrued Interest
15,366.25
15,366.25
Interest on Revenue Loans
1,000.00
654.64
345.36
Contributory Retirement
6,775.00
6,775.00
Stabilization Fund
5,000.0
5,000.00
$110,277.06 $1,377,917.87
$19,587.16 $158,773.36 $1,504,562.55
$23,834.53
$138,158.37
*Unexpended blances of Federal Grants held in reserve.
14,120.75
Treasurer's Report CASH ACCOUNT - 1954
Receipts
Disbursements
Balance
January 1, 1954
$283,490.54
January
$56,952.46
$105,047.43
235,395.57
February
46,006.42
133,810.16
147,591.83
March
39,527.71
127,529.06
59,590.48
April
224,901.80
147,942.22
136,550.06
May
47,865.86
113,151.35
71,264.57
June
135,471.47
155,838.98
50,897.06
July
305,163.52
183,380.00
172,680.58
August
115,542.13
139,437.40
148,785.31
September
238,027.00
152,169.37
133,642.94
October
416,497.34
264,664.16
385,476.12
November
301,070.24
367,226.72
319,319.64
December
123,185.66
180,523.78
261,981.52
Total
$2,050,211.61 $2,071,720.63 $261,981.52
SUMMARY
Balance, January 1, 1954
$283,490.54
Receipts
2,050,211.61
Total Balance and Receipts
2,333,702.15
Disbursements
2,071,720.63
Balance December 31, 1954
261,981.52
CASH RECONCILIATION
December 31, 1954
National Bank of Fairhaven
$260,275.30
First National Bank of Fairhaven
1,115.84
Merchants National Bank of Boston
565.38
Petty Cash in Treasurers Office
25.00
Cash Balance December 31, 1954 $261,981.52
MICHAEL J. O'LEARY,
Treasurer.
61
REPORT OF OUTSTANDING DEBT - DECEMBER 31, 1954
Debt Book Page
Purpose of Loan
Date of Issue
Interest Rate
Date of Maturity
Annual Payment
Interest Payments
Amount Outstanding 12-31-54
1
Sconticut Neck Water Loan
1941
1-1-41
2%
1971
$2,000.00
660.00
34,000.00
4
Sconticut Neck Water Loan
1945
10-1-45
11/2%
1968
2,000.00
240.00
16,000.00
6
Sconticut Neck Water Loan
1947
6-1-47
21/2%
1977
800.00
450.00
18,400.00
9
Sconticut Neck Water Loan
1948
10-1-48
21/2%
1963
2,000.00
400.00
16,000.00
12
Fire Departmental Equip. Loan
1951
6-1-51
134%
1956
2,000.00
52.50
4,000.00
13
Sconticut Neck Water Loan
1951
7-1-51
2%
1965
5,000.00
1,100.00
55,000.00
15
School Additions Loan
1951
8-1-51
1.9%
1971
35,000.00
10,355.00
545,000.00
17
School Additions Loan
1952
4-1-52
1.6%
1968
5,000.00
1,080.00
70,000.00
53,800.00
14,337.50
758,400.00
SUMMARY OF OUTSTANDING DEBT:
$139,400.00
Sconticut Neck Water Loans School Addition Loans
615,000.00
Fire Dept. Equipment Loan (Aerial Ladder)
4,000.00
$758,400.00
MICHAEL J. O'LEARY Town Treasurer
SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS FOR DEBT AND ACCRUED INTEREST DUE IN 1955
1955
Debt Book Page
Purpose of Loan
Interest
Principal
January 1
1
1941
Sconticut Neck Water Loan
$340.00
$2,000.00
January 1
13
1951
Water Mains Loan
550.00
February 1
15
1951
School Additions Loan
5,177.50
April 1
4
1945
Sconticut Neck Water Loan
120.00
April 1
17
1952
School Additions Loan
560.00
5,000.00
April 1
9
1948
Sconticut Neck Water Loan
200.00
June 1
6
1947
Sconticut Neck Water Loan
230.00
800.00
June 1
12
1951
Fire Departmental Equipment Loan
35.00
2,000.00
July 1
1
1941
Sconticut Neck Water Loan
320.00
July 1
13
1951
Water Mains Loan
550.00
5,000.00
August 1
15
1951
School Additions Loan
5,177.50
35,000.00
October 1
4
1945
Sconticut Neck Water Loan
120.00
2,000.00
October 1
17
1952
School Additions Loan
520.00
October 1
9
1948 Sconticut Neck Water Loan
200.00
2,000.00
December 1
6
1947 Sconticut Neck Water Loan
220.00
December 1
12
1951
Fire Departmental Equipment Loan
17.50
$14,337.50
$53,800 00
Trust Funds
HENRY H. ROGERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FUND
Fairhaven Institution for Savings
Principal $10,953.00 1,226.51
Interest $355.98 39.85
The Citizens Savings Bank of Fall River
5,000.00
150.00
N. B. Five Cents Savings Bank
10,000.00
175.00
The Wareham Savings Bank
4,148.96
124.44
Bass River Savings Bank
4,000.00
120.00
Bristol County Savings Bank
1,867.14
51.34
Nantucket Institution for Savings
2,477.65
74.32
Middleboro Savings Bank
2,000.00
50.00
Securities in National Bank of Fairhaven:
National Shawmut Bank of Boston
15,231.25
1,075.00
First National Bank of Boston
(109 Shares)
5,101.50
261.60
Acushnet Co-operative Bank
2,000.00
70.00
N. B. Co-operative Bank
2,000.00
70.00
Mt. Washington Co-operative Bank
2,000.00
60.00
Mt. Washington Co-operative Bank
2,000.00
60.00
Workingmen's Co-operative Bank
2,000.00
57.50
Workingmen's Co-operative Bank
2,000.00
57.50
Boston & Albany R. R. Co.
8,000.00
340.00
U. S. Defense Bond Series G
30,500.00
841.25
$112,506.01
$4,033.78
Transferred to School
4,033.78
Balance on hand January 1 1955
$112,506.01
EDMUND ANTHONY JR. SCHOOL FUND
U. S. Defense Bond Series G $10,000.00
$250.00
Transferred to School
250.00
Balance on hand January 1, 1955
$10,000.00
64
Fairhaven Institution for Savings
ABNER PEASE SCHOOL FUND
N. B. Institution for Savings
N. B. Five Cents Savings Bank
$5,000.00 2,558.12
$137.50 70.34
Transferred to Shool
207.84
Balance on hand January 1, 1955
$7,558.12
HENRY H. ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL FUND
City Bank & Farmers Trust Co. $489,921.73 $14,085.23
Transferred to School
14,085.23
Balance on hand Last Audit
$489,921.73
JAMES RICKETTS TRUST FUND
N. B. Institution for Savings
$1.430.66
$39.22
Transferred to Riverside Cemetery and Infirmary
39.32
Balance on hand January 1, 1955 $1,430.66
JULIA A. STODDARD TRUST FUND
Fairhaven Institution for Savings
$518.54
$16.71
First National Bank of Boston (220 Shares)
9228.17
528.00
U. S. Defense Bonds Series G
12500.00
312.50
$22,246.71
$857.21
Paid to Recipients
857.21
Balance on hand January 1, 1955
$22,246.71
HANNAH CHADWICK TRUST FUND
Fairhaven Institution for Savings
$500.00
$16.25
Transferred to Estimated Receipts
16.25
Balance on hand January 1, 1955
$500.00
65
$7,558.12
$207.84
POST WAR REHABILITATION FUND
Fairhaven Institution for Savings $55,636.00 $1,822.77
Added to Principal (Interest) 1,822.77
Balance on hand January 1, 1955
$57,458.77
ANDRUS SPRIIT FUND
U. S. Government Bond Series G
$10,000.00
$250.00
Transferred
250.00
Balance on hand January 1, 1955
$10,000.00
TROWBRIDGE FUND
Fairhaven Institution for Savings
$6,240.77 $202.80
Transferred for High School
Scholarships 202.80
Balance on hand January 1, 1955 $6,240.77
STABILIZATION FUND
Fairhaven Institution for Savings
$5,033.33
$237.83
Added to Principal: 1954 Appro- priation Interest for 1954
5,000.00
237.83
Balance on hand January 1, 1955 $10,271.16
MICHAEL J. O'LEARY,
Town Treasurer.
66
Commissioners of Trust Funds
March 2, 1955.
No changes were made in the Trust Fund Investments during the year.
Trust Fund Commissioners. CHARLES RADCLIFFE, BRADFORD W. LUTHER ORRIN B. CARPENTER,
67
Report of Tax Collector
For the Year ending December 31, 1954
1954 REAL ESTATE TAXES
Committed
$803,949.00 1,766.40
Refunded
$805,715.40
Collected
$716,769.05
Abated
21,111.00
Added to Tax Title
1,717.20
Balance due
66,118.15
$805,715.40
1953 REAL ESTATE TAXES
Balance January 1, 1954 Refunds
$47,125.69
201.41
$47,327.10
Collected
$33,453.07
Abated
206.70
Added to Tax Title
1,120.98
Balance due
12,546.35
$47,327.10
1952 REAL ESTATE TAXES
Balance January 1, 1954
$8,693.85
Collected
$7,630.67
Abated
68.00
Tax Taking
995.18
Balance due
.00
$8,693.85
68
1954 PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
Committed Refunded
$73,472.40 48.00
$73,520.40
Collected
$69,687.17
Abated
1,033.80
Balance due
2,799.43
$73,520.40
1953 PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
Balance January 1, 1954
$2,607.60
Collected
$1,810.99
Abated
278.25
Balance due
518.36
$2,607.60
1952 PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
Balance January 1, 1954
$210.90
Collected
$198.40
Abated
12.50
Balance due
.00
$210.90
1954 POLL TAXES
Committed
$8,528.00
Refunded
2.00
$8,530.00
Collected
$6,794.00
Abated
1,660.00
Balance due
76.00
$8,530.00
69
1953 POLL TAXES
Balance January 1, 1954
$122.00
Collected Abated Balance
$24.00
70.00
28.00
$122.00
1952 POLL TAXES
Balance January 1, 1954
$8.00
Collected
$4.00
Abated
4.00
Balance due
.00
$8.00
1954 MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISES
Committed
Refunded
$96,096.62 1,045.86
$97,142.48
Collected
$57,697.61
Abated
8,279.51
Balance due
31,165.36
$97,142.48
1953 MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISES
Balance January 1, 1954
$8,820.76
Additional Committments
14,168.28
Refunded
393.16
$23,382.20
Collected Abated
$17,010.52
6,363.97
Balance due
7.71
$23,382.20
70
1954 VESSEL EXCISES
Committed Collected Balance due
$1,313.92 1,313.92 .00
1954 APPORTIONED SEWER AND INTEREST
Committed
(Sewer)
$56.08
(Interest)
15.08
$71.16
Collected
$.00
Balance due
$71.16
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS J. MCDERMOTT
Tax Collector for the Town of Fairhaven
71
Assessors' Report
1954 Recapitulation Sheet
Town Appropriations, to be raised by Taxation Voted Since 1953 Tax Rate Was Fixed
Total appropriations to be raised by taxation $1,345,917.87 Total appropriations voted to be taken from available funds
(a) In 1954 $32,217.90
(b) In 1953 since 1953 tax rate was fixed $19,349.04
53,566.94
$1,399,484.81
State Tax and Assessments
State Parks and Reservations ...... $2,511.32
$558.73
State Audit of Municipal Accounts 1,438.06
State Examination of Retirement
System
28.66
$3,978.04
$558.73
$4,536.77
County Tax and Assessments
County Tax
$33,301.16
Tuberculosis Hospital
18,212.30
$51,513.46
$51,513.46
Overlay of Current Year
35,115.68
Gross Amount to be Raised
$1,490,650.72
72
Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
Income Tax
$117,322.36
Corporation Taxes
57,132.98
Old Age Tax (Meals) Chap. 64B, S10
5,836.95
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
97,301.39
Licenses
9,829.00
Special Assessments
56.08
General Government
5,223.38
Protection of Persons and Property
956.28
Health and Sanitation
12,364.39
Highways
149.16
Charities, other than Federal Grants
21,767.14
Old Age Assistance (other than Federal Grants)
128,351.28
Veterans' Services
17,047.17
Schools (Funds from Income Tax not to be included)
18,643.56
Interest
3,397.61
Fines
217.32
State Assistance for school construction
13,618.13
Public Service Enterprise
19,243.06
Vessel Excise
1,629.17
Refunds
3,195.55
Total Estimated Receipts
$533,282.16
OVERESTIMATES OF PREVIOUS YEARS
TO BE USED AS AVAILABLE FUNDS
County Tax
$4,456.09
County Tax T. B. Fund
661.73
Amounts voted to be taken from Available Funds
Amount Date Source of Funds
$32,000.00 3/13/54 E. and D.
1,961.21 3/13/54 Dog Fund
34,217.90
256.69 3/13/54 Fire Ins. & Equipment
19,349.04
19,349.04 9/10/53 Available Funds
12,880.00 3/27/24 E. and D. to reduce tax rate .. 12,880.00
Total Available Funds
$71,564.76
Total Estimated Receipts & Available Funds
604,846.92
Net Amount to be raised by taxation on polls and property . . $885,803.80
73
Number of polls 4,244 at $2.00 each - Poll Tax .. . . $8,488.00 Total, Personal Property $1,225,540.00 Tax Rate
$60.00 .. 73,472.40
Valuation Real Estate . 13,397,390.00
803,843.40
$14,621,930.00
Total Taxes Levied
on Polls and Property $885,803.80
Items not entering into the determination of the tax rate :
Committed
Amount
Interest
Sewers, apportioned .... $56.08
$15.08 $71.16
Excise on ships and vessels
1,313.92
$1,385.08
1,385.08
Total of All Committments
$887,188.88
Omitted Assessments, December 20, 1954 - Value $1,760.00 - Tax $105.60.
Table of Aggregates, of Polls, Property and Taxes As Assesed January 1, 1954 Not Including Excise Tax or Exempted Property
Number of Persons Assessed
Individuals All Others
Total
On Personal Estate Only
384
20
404
On Real Estate Only
4520
30
4550
On Both Personal and Real Estate
(Not the sum of Items 1 and 2)
1480
25
1505
NUMBER OF POLLS ASSESSED
4244
VALUE OF ASSESSED PERSONAL ESTATE
Stock in Trade
$91,760.00
Machinery
40,810.00 51,050.00
Live Stock
All Other Tangible Personal Property
1,040,610.00
Total Value of Assessed Personal Estate VALUE OF ASSESSED REAL ESTATE
$1,224.540.00
Land exclusive of buildings
$2,790.320.00
Buildings exclusive of land
10,607,070.00
Total Value of Assessed Real Estate
$13,397,390.00
TOTAL VALUATION OF ASSESSED ESTATE
$14,621.930.00
TAX RATE PER $1,000 - $60.00.
74
TAXES FOR STATE, COUNTY AND CITY OR TOWN PURPOSES, INCLUDING OVERLAY
On Personal Estate (Item 10×15)
$73,472.40
803,843.40
On Real Estate (Item 13×15) On Polls (Item 5x $2.00)
8,488.00
Total Taxes Assessed
$885,803.80
NUMBER OF LIVE STOCK ESTIMATED UNDER SECTION 36, CHAPTER 59
Horses (1 year old, or over) 24
Neat Cattle (1 year old, or over) Cows (Milch)
835
Bulls, 10-Oxen, Yearlings : steers, heifers-72
82
Swine (6 months old, or over) 37
Fowl 7350
All Other-2 ponies, 2 colts, 15 turkeys, 10 ducks, 5 geese 34
NUMBER OF ACRES OF LAND ASSESSED 7497
NUMBER OF DWELLING HOUSES ASSESSED
5075
It is hereby certified that the foregoing is a full and true copy of the TABLE OF AGGREGATES according to our best knowledge and belief. SUBSCRIBED THIS THIRD DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 1954, under the penalties of perjury.
CLARENCE A. TERRY SUSAN B. VINCENS CHRISTOPHER J. BIRTWISTLE
Real and Personal Property
January 1952 Supplemental
Valuation $14,020,990.00 8,360.00
Tax Abatements
On 1952 Levy Tax rate $50.00 in 1952 $17,002.58 in 1953 $331.23
January 1953
$14,029,350.00 $14,377,080.00 None
On 1953 Levy Tax rate $53.00
in 1953 $17,353.77
$14,377,080.00
in 1954 $201.40
January 1954
$14,621,930.00
Supplemental
1,760.00
On 1954 Levy Tax rate $60.00
in 1954 Levy $22,114.80
$14,623,690.00
in 1954 184.50
Supplemental
75
Motor Vehicle Excise-Abatements
1952 Total Rate $48.25
On 1952 levy
Valuation
$1,586,570.00
in 1952
Levy
69,372.26
in 1953
$6,696.24 2,098.92
1953 Total Rate $50.42
in 1954
None
Levy
72,728.00
in 1953
$3,730.99
Jan. 1 - Dec. 31
$2,127,160.00
On 1954 levy
Levy
91,625.66
in 1954
$8,455.33
Vessel Excise
Valuation
Tax Abatments
1952 Levy
$1,800.51
On 1952 Levy in 1952
$240.01
1953
$1,692.01
in 1953
None
1954
$1,313.92
in 1954
None
On 1953 Levy in 1953
$63.04
On 1954 Levy in 1954
None
This is to ceritfy that the information contained on this blank is complete and correct to the best of our knowledge and belief.
Dept of Corp. & Tax Bureau of Accounts, Rm 251, State House
CLARENCE A. TERRY
SUSAN B. VINCENS
CHRISTOPHER J. BIRTWISTLE
EXEMPTION CLAUSE #22, SECTION 5 OF CHAPTER 59
To Edward C. Wilson, Associate Commissioner
Total number of
persons exempted 190
Total valuation Exempted $303,843.00
Total amount of
Tax abated
$19,650.60
76
Valuation
$1,577,010.00
On 1953 levy
1954 Total Rate $51.86
in 1954
249.34
Valuation
Recapitulation of Motor Vehicles and Trailer Excise
Committment
Date
Number
Value
Excise
First
April 1st., 1954
246
$ 91,580.00
$ 5,391.30
Second
May 19th., 1954
582
201,870.00
10,165.65
Third
Oct. 26th., 1954
1531
686,370.00
31,188.93
Fourth
Nov. 5th., 1954
380
180,260.00
5,562.00
Fifth
Dec. 18th., 1954
1546
622,880.00
26,301.52
Sixth
Dec. 18th., 1954
1012
344,200.00
13,016.52
Total for 1954
5297
$2,127,160.00
$91,625.65
This is to certify that the above statements as reported are correct and complete to the best of our knowledge and belief.
CLARENCE A. TERRY
CHRISTOPHER J. BIRTWISTLE
SUSAN B. VINCENS
Fairhaven Board of Assessors
77
Report of Board of Registrars of Voters ELECTION AND REGISTRATION
Tabulation of information gathered in our annual can- vass shows that there were 9,108 persons, male and female, 20 years of age or over residing in the town January 1, 1954 and by the use of a formula in general use for estimating the total population, it is found to be 13,205 which it must be understood is an estimate and not an actual count, bro- ken down by precincts is as follows:
PERSONS 20 YEARS AND OVER
Precincts
1
2
3
4
5 Total
Males
669
793
930
832 S.N. 653
E.F. 429 4306
Females
886
852
1017
884 S.N. 696
E.F. 467
4802
1555
1645
1947
1716
2245
9108
PERSONS UNDER 20 YEARS OF AGE
700
740
876
772 S.N. 523 E.F. 486
4097
2255
2385
2823
2488
3254 13205
The Voting List at the time of the Town Election, Feb- ruary 1, 1954 contained the names of 7,281 persons which broken down by Precincts and Party Enrollment was as follows :
Precincts
Republicans Democrats Unenrolled
Total
1.
728
125
474
1327
2.
708
158
541
1407
3.
227
375
802
1454
4.
482
211
669
1362
5. Scon. Nk.
250
200
587
1037
E. Fhvn.
181
134
379
694
2626
1203
3452
7281
78
After revising the Voting List above, and removing 483 names, voters whom were deceased and others that had moved from the town, the results were :
Precincts
Republicans Democrats Unenrolled
Total
1.
691
115
440
1246
2.
649
145
500
1294
3.
258
366
735
1359
4.
443
196
609
1248
5. E. Fhvn
168
129
363
660
Scon. Nk.
252
187
552
991
2461
1138
3199
6798
THE FOLLOWING IS THE VOTING LIST FOR THE STATE PRIMARY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1954
Precincts
Republicans Democrats Unenrolled
Total
1.
721
121
458
1300
2.
678
171
494
1343
3.
276
459
669
1403
4.
459
236
612
1307
5. Scon. Nk.
282
275
487
1044
E. Fhvn.
178
153
347
678
2594
1415
3067
7076
VOTING LIST FOR THE STATE ELECTION, NOVEMBER 2, 1954
Precincts
Republicans Democrats Unenrolled
Total
1.
721
121
472
1314
2.
678
171
515
1364
3.
276
459
689
1424
4.
459
236
626
1321
5. Scon. Nk.
282
275
500
1057
E. Fhvn.
178
153
363
694
2594
1415
3165
7174
It is expected that at the 1955 Annual Town Meeting the committee appointed to study the revision of the legis- lative act establishing Limited Town Meetings in Fairha- ven, will submit a report and recommend amendments to bring this act up to date to meet the present needs of the town.
The action of the town meeting members will de-
79
termine to some extent just how the town will be redistrict- ed in 1955.
As a result of this redistricting it will be necessary in 1956 for all town meeting members to be elected. This is in compliance with Section 2 of the Act, which states: "Up- on every revision of the precincts where the number of pre- cincts is changed, the terms of office of all Town Meeting Members from every precinct shall cease upon the election of their successors."
Just a few words to the 85% of the voters who failed to vote in the September Primaries. Voting only in presi- dential elections will not make you a top-notch citizen. Your voice is needed in every election.
Under our American System, various persons, like yourself, with similar ideas gather in groups to decide upon a common policy and to find those best fitted to apply these policies to the running of our government. These groups are our political parties. They are the chief instrument of our democratic government. Whatever defects they may have, no better formula has been found, and should our present political system collapse, our form of government might be seriously crippled, even disappear! Despite the many critical remarks that people make about political par- ties, they are the most practical means yet found to dis- cover, nominate, and elect individuals who will serve us in public office. Both parties can point with pride to their membership and accomplishments. Theirs is a noble pur- pose.
If everyone was an indifferent (or "Independent") voter and did not vote in the primaries because he was ashamed of being enrolled as a Reublican or Democrat - who would choose our candidates for us?
Our sole purpose is to urge you to vote in every elec- tion for the candidates of your choice in whichever party you prefer. How often we talk about good citizenship - here is your opportunity to do something about it.
DOROTHY S. KEARNS, Chairman MICHAEL J. O'LEARY, Clerk JAMES F. MURRAY GEORGE A. SELLEY Board of Registrars of Voters
80
Public Assistance
Your Board of Public Welfare, in administering the laws governing Old Age Assistance, Aid to Dependent Chil- dren, Disability Assistance and General Relief, the first three categories under the supervision of the Masachusetts Department of Public Welfare, rendered assistance to cases as indicated by the following composite of case loads for the year.
1954
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
OAA
281
278
274
275
273
277
269
269
265
261 257
ADC
25
25
27
29
28
29
29
271 27
26
27
27 27
DA
26
26
26
24
25
25
25
25
24
24
24
24
GR
32
36
34
33
36
32
30
31
31
35
30
28
These programs of assistance represent the total ex- penditure of $337,786.59 distributed to residents of this town for their use in living on a minimum standard of sub- sistence :
OAA $249,534.84
ADC $40,370.58
DA
GR
$20,464.96
$27.416.21
Old Age Assistance showed a steady decline in case load and cost. The average monthly grant of $74.23 covered all needs, including medical care.
Aid to Dependent Children's case load increased on an average of 4 families and an increased monthly grant. Average grant per family was $124.32 per month for all needs including medical.
Disability Assistance case load was increased on an average of two persons per month but the per capita cost was less than the previous year. Average grant was $67.05 per month. Persons eighteen years of age and over, whose eligibility by reason of disability and need was determined by the State Medical Review Team and the local board, received aid under this Federally inspired program, on which reimbursement amounts to 75% of the cost.
General Relief decreased in cost, continuing the steady decline noted for several years, as applicants for relief are eligible for other categories of assistance including Veterans Benefits.
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The new Medical Care Plan of the State Department for public assistance recipients became effective July 1, 1954 as the standard for local boards of public welfare in providing, approving and paying for all items of medical care, except druggist's bills, for public assistance recipients.
This plan was designed to control expenditure of public funds for medical care. The system under which it operates is detailed and cumbersome, required much time to carry out the regulations and considerable incoven- ience to members of the medical profession. However, it is hoped that as time goes on there may be changes in the administration which will facilitate its operation.
The town has recovered the sum of $5330.20 on liens this past year which were placed upon property of Old Age Assistance recipients. The lien law also applies in Disability Assistance. Reimbursements from the State and cities and towns totalling $130,905.78 was credited to the General Fund for the reduction of the tax levy.
CHARLES W. KNOWLTON WALTER SILVEIRA ALBERT E. STANTON Board of Public Welfare
82
SOURCE.OF.THE.PUBLIC.ASSISTANCE.DOLLAR: 1954
FROM THE LOCAL TAXPAYER 28.79 % $ 115,854.34
STATE REIMBURSEMENTS 32.69% $ 131,645.39
OTHER CITIES & TOWNS
FEDERAL REIMBURSEMENTS 2.97%
$11,992.26
34.23% $ 137,834.01
RECOVERIES FROM INDIVIDUALS 1.32%-$ 5,330.20
EXPENDITURES·FOR:PUBLIC.ASSISTANCE. 1954
OLD-AGE.ASSISTANCE
61.97%
$ 249.534.84
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN $ 40.370.58 10.03%
VETERANS BENEFITS $ 35,725.97 8.87%
GENERAL RELIEF
ADMINISTRATION $ 20,862.77
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
+ 27,416.21 6.81%
$ 20,464.96
5.08%
5.18 %
INFIRMARY 2.06% $8,200.87
The Planning Board
The business of the Planning Board during 1954 has been routine, with neither new nor special problems with the exception of the hurricane, having been presented for advice or action.
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