USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Athol > Town annual report, town of Athol, Massachusetts 1931 > Part 3
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Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon, unto the Town Clerk, at the time and place of meeting as aforesaid.
Given under our hands, this seventh day of February, in the year one thousand nine hundred and thirty-one.
RALPH S. STONE, GEORGE W. GRANT, CHARLES H. COOKE, Selectmen of Athol.
RETURN OF CONSTABLE ELMON G. HATCH IN REGULAR FORM
PROCEEDINGS
Article 1. It was voted that the reports of the Town Officers, as printed, be accepted.
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Article 2. No officers to be elected under this article.
Article 3. Henrie C. Fay, Chairman of the Committee to look into form of Town Goverment, reported that the committee recommended no changes. The report was accepted and the committee discharged. Mr. Fay also reported for the committee on a Planning Board, saying that no action was necessary as such a Board is now re- quired by law. This report was accepted and the commit- tee discharged. Mr. Fay also reported for the committee in regard to a Purchasing Agent, saying that under the present conditions they were not in favor of a Purchasing Agent. This report was accepted and the committee dis- charged.
The report of the committee in regard to a new High School Building was given by James H. McIntosh and may be seen in the Records in the Town Clerk's office. This report was accepted and the committee discharged.
Article 4. The Selectmen were chosen as agents to prosecute and defend law suits, compromise and adjust same.
Article 5. It was voted to raise and appropriate the following sums for Town charges for the ensuing year: Advisory Committee
$ 50.00
Selectmen
1,400.00
Town Accountant
2,150.00
Town Hall and Offices
7,000.00
State Aid
1,000.00
Inspector of Animals
300.00
Street Lighting
14,700.00
Soldiers' Relief
7,000.00
Soldiers' Burial
120.00
Unclassified
1,500.00
Lyman Jennings Annuity
120.00
Sidewalk Repairs
1,500.00
Town Clerk
600.00
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Election and Registration
800.00
Cemetery Commissioners
13,000.00
School Department-Lyman Ward Fund of $53.05 and 159,796.95
School Travel outside of the State
150.00
Park Department
2,500.00
Police Department
14,750.00
Health Department
5,300.00
Library Trustees -- Dog Fund of $1,016.19 and
5,600.00
Tree Warden
1,800.00
Tax Collector
3,586.00
Assessors' Department
3,720.00
Highway Surveyor
40,000.00
Public Welfare
25,000.00
Old Age Pension
3,000.00
Fire Department
20,682.00
Fire Alarm
1,200.00
Forest Fires
800.00
Hydrant Rentals
3,950.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
700.00
Town Treasurer
1,100.00
Insurance
5,400.00
Interest on Temporary Loans
5,000.00
Interest on Permanent Loans
6,456.25
Town Debt
21,000.00
Reserve Fund
5,000.00
Dog Officer
50.00
School Physician
500.00
Moth Department 1,000.00
Article 6. It was voted that the Town authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of revenue of financial year beginning January 1, 1931, and to issue a note or notes therefor payable within one year; any debt or debts incurred under this vote to be paid from the revenue of said financial year.
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Article 7. It was voted that all property taxes for the current year be due September 1, and that proceedings may then be commenced for the collection of same. That all taxes under $200.00 unpaid October 1, bear interest from September 1, at the rate of 6% per annum; all taxes over $200.00 8% per annum; and that the Collector shall proceed to collect all taxes that remain unpaid October 15, 1931; and that he shall be paid for his services as Collector 5/8 of 1% of all money collected.
Article 8. It was voted that the Town raise and appro- priate $7,000.00 for oiling the streets during the current year, same to be expended under the supervision of the Highway Surveyor.
Article 9. It was voted to raise and appropriate $325.00 for the observance of Memorial Day, to be expended as follows: $125.00 to each G. A. R. Post, $25.00 to the American Legion, $25.00 to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and $25.00 to the Spanish War Veterans.
Article 10. It was voted to raise and appropriate $25.00 for the care of the clock on the Congregational Church, same to be expended by the Selectmen.
Article 11. It was voted to raise and appropriate $2500.00 for permanent roads for the ensuing year, same to be expended under the direction of the Advisory Committee.
Article 12. It was voted to raise and appropriate $50.00 for the care of Soldiers' graves during the current year, same to be expended under the supervision of the Selectmen.
Article 13. 1 was voted to raise and appropriate $2,000.00 for the collection of garbage during the current year, same to be expended by the Board of Health.
Article 14. It was voted to raise and appropriate $1,250.00 for expenses of Dental Clinic during the current year, same to be expended by the Board of Health.
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Article 15. It was voted to raise and appropriate $3,000.00 for new sidewalks during the current year, same to be expended under the supervision of the Advisory Committee.
Article 16. It was voted to pass this article.
Article 17. It was voted to pass this article.
Article 18. It was voted to raise and appropriate $19,000.00 for Water Debt, and $4,760.00 for interest on Water Debt to be appropriated from water revenue, and that the balance of the water revenue now on hand, to- gether with all receipts from water rates, construction of services, miscellaneous sales, and interest, be and hereby are appropriated for the operation of the Water Depart- ment, and for such extensions and replacements as the Water Commissioners may deem necessary.
Article 19. It was voted to raise and appropriate $750.00 for the collection of rubbish during the current year, same to be expended under the direction of the Board of Health.
Article 20. It was voted to raise and appropriate $2,500.00 for the employment of a District Nurse and maintaining an automobile for said nurse, same to be expended under the direction of the Board of Health.
Article 21. It was voted to elect a Recreation Com- mission consisting of Alexander Macmaster, Frank W. Wilson, Miss Janetta McGregor, Harold S. Bishop, and Dr. Francis A. Reynolds, to serve during the current year without pay.
Article 22. It was voted to raise and appropriate $2,500.00 to carry on the work of playgrounds, same to be expended under the supervision of the Recreation Commission.
Article 23. It was voted to pass this article.
Article 24. It was voted to raise and appropriate
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$700.00 to rebuild the Royalston Road in conformity with plans and recommendations of the Worcester County Commissioners, same to be expended under the direction of the Selectmen.
Article 25. It was voted to raise and appropriate $500.00 to pay Starrett's Band for concerts for the season of 1931, same to be expended under the supervision of the Park Commissioners.
Article 26. It was voted to raise and appropriate $2,500.00 to renew the heating apparatus of Lake Park School building, same to be expended under the super- vision of the School Committee.
Article 27. It was voted to appoint a committee of three to serve without pay, consisting of William G. Lord, Chairman, he to appoint the other two members, to review the names of all streets, avenues or public ways, of the Town, and report at a later meeting such changes as may be necessary. Mr. Lord appointed Clarence E. Deane and Arthur S. Bisbee as the other two members of this committee.
Article 28. It was voted to discontinue that part of the Pleasant Street drain now running through the prop- erty of Miss Jennie Lawton, and that drain be constructed to take care of surface water in some other manner by the Highway Surveyor.
Article 29. It was voted to pass this article.
Article 30. It was voted that the Town Treasurer be authorized to cancel $10,000.00 Town of Athol Sewer Bonds, also a note of $3,200.00 issued by the Town, now held by the Sinking Fund Commissioners.
Article 31. It was voted that the Town adopt the "National Electrical Code" as a standard for all electrical work.
Article 32. It was voted that the Selectmen be instruct-
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ed to appoint an Electric Inspector, holding an electri- cian's license from the State for at least five years, to have entire supervision over all outside and inside work (electrical), and for such services said Inspector shall receive a proper inspection fee, levied for said ser- vices.
Article 33. It was voted to pass this article.
Article 34. It was voted to raise and appropriate $600.00 for new hydrants, replacements, relocations and repairs, said sum to be expended under the direction of the Fire Engineers.
Article 36. It was voted to raise and appropriate $750.00 to extend the Sewer System, same to be expended under the supervision of the Sewer Commissioners.
Article 37. It was voted to raise and appropriate $300.00 to purchase a truck for the Tree Warden, same to be expended by the Tree Warden.
Article 38. It was voted to pass this article.
Article 39. It was voted to pass this article.
Article 40. It was voted that a committee of three be appointed to examine the conditions of layout and report at a future meeting. Henrie C. Fay, William H. Killay and Frederick H. Lee were appointed, by the Moderator.
Article 41. It was voted that the same committee as above look into this layout also.
Article 42. It was voted as above.
Article 43. It was voted to accept the grade and layout of Paige Street as established by the Selectmen.
Article 44. It was voted to accept the layout and grade of Franklin Street as established by the Selectmen. Article 45. It was voted to accept the layout and grade of Radcliffe Street as established by the Selectmen.
Article 46. It was voted to accept the layout and grade of Coolidge Street as established by the Selectmen.
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Article 47. It was voted to accept the widening of Wilson Avenue as established by the Selectmen.
Article 48. It was voted to have the same committee as served under Articles 40, 41, 42, examine this layout and report later.
Article 49. It was voted to pass this article.
Article 50. It was voted that the same committee be appointed to serve without pay as under Article 27, to investigate the proposed change of Orange Road to South Main Street, and report at a later meeting.
Article 51. It was voted that the Selectmen be instruct- ed to compromise or adjust the claim of the N. D. Cass Co. for the loss of water, amount not to exceed $783.00, if in their judgment the claim is just; raise and appropriate $783.00 to be expended under the supervision of the Selectmen for said purpose.
Article 52. It was voted that the Selectmen be instruct- ed to compromise or adjust the claim of the J. W. Moulton & Sons, Inc., for the loss of water, amount not to exceed $92.00 if in their judgment the claim is just; raise and appropriate $92.00 to be expended under the supervision of the Selectmen for said purpose.
Article 53. It was voted to raise and appropriate $1,774.35 in compliance with the provision of Chapter 212 of the Acts of 1925, same being the amount levied by the County Commissioners for the care of the Tubercu- losis patients in the County of Worcester.
Article 54. It was voted to raise and appropriate $201.30 to reimburse the City of Worcester for relief ex- tended needy citizens of Athol, same to be expended under the supervision of the Board of Public Welfare.
Article 55. It was voted to pass this article.
Article 56. It was voted to amend the article added to the Town By-Laws under Article 17 of the warrant adopt-
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ed February 18, 1924, by adding the following paragraph :
"The Memorial Hall Committee shall grant the Edward H. Phillips Post No. 102, American Legion, the use of Memorial Hall on Armistice Day, and the Roy L. Boyce Post, No. 650, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U. S., the use of Memorial Hall one night, each year without charge; and to each of said Posts also, the rent- able portions of Memorial Building on one other date each year without charge, provided said use shall not be for purposes of revenue or gain."
Article 57. It was voted that a committee of three be appointed to serve without pay to investigate the pur- chase of a gravel bank and report back at a later meeting. Committee to comprise of Ralph S. Stone, Chairman, James G. Cotton, Edwin A. Clare.
Article 58. It was voted to raise and appropriate $1,800.00 to erect a suitable wire fence around the oid Pleasant Street Cemetery, rear 69 Pleasant Street.
Article 59. It was voted that the Highway Surveyor be instructed to work Highland Street as called for in this article.
Article 60. It was voted that the Town establish a Planning Board in accordance with Section 70, Chapter 41, of the General Laws, and to elect at this meeting D. Bruce Findlay and William H. Killay to serve (without pay) for two years, and Frederick H. Lee for one year. As there were three candidates for the three-year term, a ballot was taken and as a result Ralph W. Drury and Henrie C. Fay were elected for the term of three years.
Article 61. No action was required under this article. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 P. M.
The Moderator appointed as members of the Advisory Committee for three years from April 1, 1931, Fred P.
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Bulman, Alfred N. Hamlet, John H. Horrigan, Philip S. Perley and James G. Sisson.
The organization of the Advisory Committee for the year 1931-1932 was effected as follows at their meeting March 31, 1931:
Chairman, Edwin A. Clare, Vice Chairman, John H. Horrigan, Clerk, Jett E. Stowell; Chairman of Road Committee, Aloysius J. McKenna; Chairman of Side- walk Committee, William F. Cass; other members, John J. MacKay, Marshall M. Day, John E. Murphy, John Cotton, Edgar A. Wood, Lyndon H. Noyes, Alfred N. Hamlet, James G. Sisson, Fred P. Bulman, Philip S. Perley.
A true copy.
Attest: DANIEL P. KIMBALL, Town Clerk.
Special Town Meeting, August 7, 1931 TOWN WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Worcester, ss.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Athol, in the County of Worcester, Greeting:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Athol, qualified to vote in elections and Town Affairs to
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meet at the Memorial Building in said Athol, on Friday, the seventh day of August, 1931, at eight o'clock in the evening, then and there to act on the following articles:
Article 1. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate any sum of money for the use of the Board of Public Welfare.
Article 2. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate any sum of money for old age assistance, same to be ex- pended by the Board of Public Welfare.
Article 3. To see if the Town will authorize the Wel- fare Department to appoint any member thereof, to any position under its direction, and fix salary of such officer.
Article 4. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate any sum of money for Soldiers' Relief.
Article 5. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate any sum of money for Military Aid.
Article 6: To see if the Town will raise and appropriate any sum of money for the use of the Tree Warden.
Article 7. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate any sum of money for use of the Moth Department.
Article 8. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate any sum of money for the use of the Highway Department.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to raise by bor- rowing or otherwise, for all such sums of money as may be needed for all and any of the purposes mentioned in the foregoing articles, provision for which has not been made.
The Advisory Committee will meet in the Advisory Committee Rooms, Memorial Building, Wednesday even- ing, August 5, 1931, at 7:30 p. m.
And you are hereby directed to serve this Warrant by posting up attested copies hereof, in each of the Post Offices of said Town, seven days at least before the time
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of holding said meeting, and by publishing a like copy in one or more of the newspapers published in said Town two days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of the Warrant with your doings thereon, unto the Town Clerk, at the time and place of meeting as aforesaid.
Given under our hands, this twenty-ninth day of July, in the year one thousand nine hundred and thirty-one.
RALPH S. STONE, GEORGE W. GRANT, CHARLES H. COOKE, Selectmen of Atho !.
RETURN OF CONSTABLE ELMON G. HATCH IN REGULAR FORM
PROCEEDINGS
Article 1. It was voted to raise and appropriate $15,000.00 for the use of the Board of Public Welfare.
Article 2. It was voted to raise and appropriate $3,000.00 for old age assistance, same to be expended by the Board of Public Welfare.
Article 3. It was voted to pass this article.
Article 4. It was voted to raise and appropriate $2,500.00 for Soldiers' relief.
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Article 5. It was voted t raise and appropriate $200.00 for Military Aid.
Article 6. It was voted to raise and appropriate $500.00 for the use of the Tree Warden.
Article 7. It was voted to raise and appropriate $200.00 for the use of the Moth Department.
Article 8. It was voted to raise and appropriate $4,523.54 for the use of the Highway Department.
Article 9. It was voted to pass this article.
A true copy.
Attest: DANIEL P. KIMBALL, Town Clerk.
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Summary of State Audit
In the following pages is given a summary of the examination of the accounts of the different departments of the Town of Athol and is published here as required by Chapter 44 of the General Laws.
If any wish to see a detailed report they will find it in the office of the Town Clerk.
September 16, 1931.
To the Board of Selectmen,
Mr. Ralph S. Stone, Chairman, Athol, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the accounts of the Town of Athol for the period from March 28, 1929, the date of the previous audit, to June 9, 1931, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This report is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Edward H. Fenton, Chief Accountant of this Division.
Very truly yours, THEODORE N. WADDELL, Director of Accounts.
.
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Mr. Theodore N. Waddell, Director of Accounts, Department of Corporations and Taxation, State House, Boston.
Sir:
As directed by you I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the Town of Athol for the period from March 28, 1929, the date of the previous audit, to June 9, 1931, and submit the following report thereon:
The financial transactions as recorded on the books of the several departments receiving or disbursing money for the town, or committing bills for collection, were examined, checked and verified by a comparison with the books and records in the offices of the Treasurer and the Town Accountant.
Selectmen's Department .- The recorded receipts for licenses were compared with the record of licenses issued and the payments to the Treasurer were verified.
Town Accountant .- The books and accounts in the Accountant's office were examined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts were checked with the books of the Town Treasurer and with the records in the departments collecting money for the Town or committing bills for collection. The records of disbursements were checked with the Treasury warrants and with the payments as shown by the Town Treasurer's books. Approved vouch- ers and payrolls were examined and were checked with the appropriation accounts, and the appropriations and transfers as recorded on the ledger were compared with the Town Meeting records of the Town Clerk and with the records of the finance committee. The ledger accounts were footed, analyzed, and adjusted, a trial balance was taken. off, and a balance sheet, which is appended to this
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report, was prepared showing the financial condition of the town on June 9, 1931.
Treasurer's Department .- The books and accounts of the Town Treasurer were examined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts were analyzed and compared with the records in the departments in which the charges or- iginated or in which money was collected for the Town, and with the other sources from which money was paid into the town treasury. The disbursements were checked with the warrants authorizing the Treasurer to pay out town funds and with the Accountant's books. The cash book was footed and the cash balance was verified by reconciling the bank accounts with statements received from the banks of deposit.
The payments on account of debt and interest were proved with the amounts falling due during the period audited and compared with the cancelled coupons and securities on file.
The securities including savings bank books represent- ing the several trust funds in the custody of the Town Treasurer were personally examined and listed and were found to be in agreement with the records of the Treasurer and Accountant.
Appended to this report are summary tables showing a reconciliation of the Treasurer's cash and tables showing the transactions and condition of the trust funds.
Tax Collector .- The books and accounts of the Tax Collector were examined and checked in detail. The com- mitments of taxes and sewer rentals were added and verified by a comparison with the warrants of the Assessors and the Sewer Commissioners for their collection. 'The recorded collections were checked with the commitment books and with the Accountant's ledger, the reports of collections being proved with the Treasurer's cash book and with the Accountant records.
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The recorded abatements were checked with the records of abatements granted by the Assessors and the Sewer Commissioners, and the outstanding accounts as shown on the commitment books were listed and proved with the Accountant's ledger.
The outstanding accounts were further verified by mail- ing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, the replies received thereto, indicating that the accounts, as listed, are correct.
Summary tables of the Collector's accounts are append- ed to this report.
Town Clerk's Department .- The financial records of the Town Clerk were examined and checked in detail. The records of licenses granted were compared with the records of licenses issued and the payments to the Town Treasurer were verified by a comparison with the Treasurer's and the Accountant's books.
The records of dog licenses issued on behalf of the County and of sporting licenses, the receipts of which are paid to the Division of Fisheries and Game, were ex- amined, checked and compared with the amounts due and paid to the County and State, respectively.
The cash balance was verified by reconciling the Clerk's bank account, and by a personal account of the cash on hand. ,
The Town Clerk's records of appropriations were listed from the records of town meetings and checked to che Accountant's records. Several differences were found to exist between the lists certified to the Assessors and to the Town Accountant, with reference to the source of certain of the appropriations. As the Assessors are guided by the certificate of the Town Clerk in the matter of providing for the appropriations voted by the town, it is
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very important that the amount of the appropriation and the provision made for meeting it be accurately stated.
Town Hall .- The receipts 'for rent of the Town Hall were checked with the records of the custodian and the payments to the Treasurer were verified by a comparison of the Treasurer's receipts and with the Accountant's records.
Sealer of Weights and Measures .- The receipts for sealing and adjusting weights and measures were checked with the records of work done and the payments to the Treasurer were proved by comparison with the Treasurer's and Accountant's books. The cash on hand was verified on June 24 by actual count.
Fire Department .- The collections for licenses issued by the Fire Department were checked with the records of licenses issued, and the amounts paid to the Treasurer were verified and checked with the reports to the Accountant. The cash on hand on June 9 was verified by an actual count.
Health Department .- The accounts of this department were examined. The collections for licenses were checked with the records of licenses issued, the payments to the Treasurer were verified by a comparison with the records of the Treasurer and with the Accountant's books, and the cash on hand was verified by a personal count on June 9, 1931. The fees collected by the District Nurse and the Dental Clinic were checked, the payments to the Treasurer were verified, and the cash on hand was proved by an actual count on June 25, 1931.
Public Welfare Department .- The commitments of charges on account of aid rendered and the amounts due
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as reimbursements were examined and checked. The commitments were compared with the departmental rec- ords of charges, the payments to the Treasurer were checked with the Treasurer's and Accountant's books, the disallowances were verified, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved with the Accountant's ledger.
The recorded charges and collections at the city infirm- ary were checked and the collections were compared with the payments to the Treasurer and verified by comparison with the Accountant's records.
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