USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1936-1940 > Part 37
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Article 6. To see what sum of money the town will vote to raise and appropriate for the maintenance of the fire depart- ment, or vote anything thereon.
Article 7. To see if the town will pay for fighting brush fires and fix a price thereon.
Article 8. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money to insure the employees of the town or act anything thereon.
Article 9. To see what amount of money the town will vote to raise and appropriate for the payment of premiums on all town officers' bonds, or act anything thereon.
Article 10. To see if the town will vote to authorize the town treasurer with the approval of the selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1941, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
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Article 11. To see if the town will vote to employ a public health nurse, and raise and appropriate a sum of money for the maintenance of same.
Article 12. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money for the Work Relief Fund, or act any- thing thereon.
Article 13. To see if the town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $800.00 or any other sum to purchase new fire hose.
Article 14. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money to purchase new forest fire hose or act anything thereon.
Article 15. To see if the town will vote to appropriate a sum sufficient to pay the County of Middlesex, as required by law, the town's share of the net cost of the care, maintenance, and repair of the Middlesex County Tuberculosis Hospital, as assessed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 111 of the General Laws and Acts in amendment thereof and in addi- tion thereto and including Chapter 400, Section 25 G (6) (a) of the Acts of 1936, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 16. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $300.00 for the maintenance of Jones Com- munity Field, South Acton, or act anything thereon.
Article 17. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $1,200 or any other sum for the suppression of brown-tail and gypsy moths or act anything thereon.
Article 18. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money for the care of shade trees or act any- thing thereon.
Article 19. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of two hundred ($200) dollars or any other sum to be used by the Town Forest Committee for the purpose of purchasing additional forest land or act anything thereon.
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Article 20. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of one hundred dollars ($100) for the redemp- tion of tax titles held by the town.
Article 21. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money to pay the following unpaid bills for 1940, or do or act anything thereon.
General Government $46.00
Board of Health 26.25
Fire Department 6.43
$78.68
Also 1939 unpaid bills-General Government $20.00
Article 22. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $230.00 for the use of the treasurer, to pay the expenses of the local dog officer. The town will be reim- bursed for the amount spent by the County of Middlesex, or act any thing thereon.
Article 23. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money to paint the Town Hall or act anything thereon.
Article 24. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money to purchase settees for the Town Hall or act anything thereon.
Article 25. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money to purchase a plot of, land and erect a building thereon for the use of the highway department or act anything thereon.
Article 26. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money to purchase a new power road grader or act anything thereon.
Article 27. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to appoint an additional full time police officer or act anything thereon.
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Article 28. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money to continue the improvement of Main Street, from the Carlisle line to the State Road in East Acton; said money to be used in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by the State or County, of both, for this pur- pose; or take any other action in relation thereto:
Article 29. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money to repair and widen Main Street from Route No. 2 to the Maynard line; said money to be used in con- junction with any money which may be allotted by the State or County, or both, for this purpose; or take any other action in relation thereto.
Article 30. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money for the specific repairs and widenings of School Street, South Acton, said money to be used in con- junction with any money which may be allotted by the State or County, or both, for this purpose; or take any other action in relation thereto.
Article 31. To see if the town will vote to transfer $1,000 from the Machinery Fund to the Machinery Account, or act anything thereon.
Article 32. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $2,205 to complete the fire alarm system or act anything thereon.
Article 33. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money to purchase and install directional and street signs or act anything thereon.
Article 34. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of three hundred ($300) dollars or any other sum to be used for pruning damaged trees in the cemeteries of the town or act anything thereon.
Article 35. To see what action the town will take in re- gard to changing the name of School Street, West Acton, to Gates Road or any other suitable name, or act anything thereon.
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Article 36. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate $19,500 for the building of two wings at the rear of the present high school, in order to provide locker and shower rooms, drawing room, new typewriting room, new nurse's room, and all necessary original equipment, and to make neces- sary alterations in the present building to provide for a larger mechanics arts department, and to meet said appropriation the sum of $3,500 shall be raised in the tax levy of the current year, $2,500 of said amount being for remodeling or changing the present building, and the treasurer with the selectmen be and hereby is authorized to borrow $16,000 and issue bonds or notes of the town therefor according to the provisons of Chap- ter 44, General Laws. Said bonds or notes shall be due and payable in not more than sixteen years. The amount appro- priated shall be expended under the direction of the Special Committee appointed by the moderator in 1940 and School Committee; pass any votes or take any action relative thereto.
Article 37. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money for the erection of guide posts and boards at intersections of School and River Streets; School Street and Laws Brook Road; and School Street and Route No. 111 or take any action thereon.
Article 38. To see if the town will rescind the vote passed at their meeting, March 30, 1914, whereby they voted to accept the provisions of Section 364, Chapter 560, of the Acts of 1907 relative to the election of a highway surveyor, or act anything thereon.
Article 39. To see if the town will vote to hereafter elect a highway surveyor by ballot, as provided for in Chapter 41, Section 1, of the General Laws of 1921.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting attested copies thereof seven days at least before the time of said meeting as directed by vote of the town.
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Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon to the town clerk at or before the time of meeting as aforesaid.
Given under our hands at Acton this fifth day of February, 1941.
RALPH W. PIPER
W. BURTON HARVEY
JAMES E. KINSLEY
Selectmen of Acton
A true copy.
Attest:
MICHAEL FOLEY
Constable of Acton
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Report of Finance Committee
Your committee on Finance respectfully submits the fol- lowing recommendations for the ensuing year.
General Government
$7,000.00
Bonds Article No. 9
251.50
Building and Grounds
1,500.00
Police Dept.
4,200.00
If Article No. 27 Accepted, otherwise $2,500.00
Fire Dept., Article No. 6
2,800.00
Forest Fire, Article No. 7
500.00
Fire Alarm System, Article No. 32
2,205.00
Hydrant Service
3,428.00
Moth Department, Article No. 17
1,200.00
Tree Warden, Article No. 18
1,000.00
Health Dept.
1,200.00
Town Nurse, Article No. 11-Salary
2,000.00
Town Nurse, Article No. 11-Expenses
200.00
Highway Village
1,450.00
Highway Chap. 81
17,100.00
Highway Chap. 90
6,000.00
Snow Removal, Estimated
6,000.00
Street Lighting
3,950.00
Public Welfare
7,500.00
State Aid
240.00
Military Aid
600.00
Soldiers' Relief
1,600.00
Aid Dependent Children
2,300.00
Old Age Assistance
15,500.00
Dept. of Education
47,000.00
Library Maintenance
1,500.00
Library, Books
200.00
Cemetery
2,500.00
Liability Insurance, Article No. 8
800.00
Memorial Day, Article No. 5
250.00
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Dog Officer, Article No. 22
200.00
Work Relief, Article No. 12
500.00
Redemption of Tax Titles, Article No. 20
100.00
Jones Field, Athletic, Article No. 16
300.00
Unclassified
400.00
Interest on Notes and Bonds
200.00
Interest on Revenue Loans
150.00
Notes and Bonds
1,000.00
Middlesex County Hospital Maintenance, Article No. 15
944.26
Fire Dept., New Fire Hose, Article No. 13
800.00
Fire Dept., New Forest Fire Hose, Article No. 14
400.00
Unpaid Bills, Article No. 21
98.68
Total $147,067.44
Recommend the sum of $2,000.00 be appropriated from the Overlay Surplus account for the Reserve Fund.
Article No. 18. Recommend appropriating the sum of $1,000 .- 00. $800.00 for shade trees and $200.00 for feeding trees and setting out new trees.
Article No. 19. Recommend no action.
Article No. 23. Recommend appropriating the sum of $600.00 for painting the Town Hall.
Article No. 24. Recommend appropriating the sum of $500.00 for purchasing new seats for Town Hall.
Article No. 25. Recommend a committee be appointed by the Moderator to ascertain the feasibility of such a building, location, cost, etc., and report at next Town meeting.
Article No. 26. Recommend no action at present.
Article No. 28. Recommend appropriating the sum of $9,000.00 the town share of which will be $2,250.00.
Article No. 30. Recommend appropriating the sum of $4,000.00 the town share of which will be $1,000.00.
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Article No. 29. Recommend passing over.
Articles No. 33-37. Recommend appropriating $400.00.
Article No. 34. Recommend appropriating $300.00.
Article No. 36. Financing called for under this Article will not present an excessive tax burden.
Precinct 1. Murray Brown, Alden C. Flagg
Precinct 2. Howard J. Billings, William T. Merriam
Precinct 3. Webster S. Blanchard, Alfred W. Davis
Finance Committee
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Town Officers
Moderator Albert P. Durkee
Selectmen
Ralph W. Piper
Term expires 1941
James E. Kinsley
Term expires 1942
W. Burton Harvey
Tomm expires 1943
Town Clerk Horace F. Tuttle
Town Treasurer William Henry Soar
Assessors
Albert P. Durkee
Term expires 1941
Henry L. Haynes
Term expires 1942
Carl C. Flint
Term expires 1943
Collector of Taxes Carrie M. Durkee
Tree Warden James J. Knight
Board of Public Welfare
Raymond L. Hatch
Carl E. Backman
Mary M. Laffin
Term expires 1943
Constables
George A. Braman
Michael Foley
Robert G. Willett Norman L. Perkins
Cemetery Commissioners
Term expires 1941
Harry E. Holt Wendell F. Davis Term expires 1942 Horace F. Tuttle Term expires 1943
Term expires 1941 Term expires 1942
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School Committee
Evelyn K. Reed
Term expires 1941
Samuel E. Knowlton
Term expires 1941
Avis Howe
Term expires 1942
Richard A. Lowden
Term expires 1942
Fannie E. Davis
Term expires 1943
Everett N. Montague
Term expires 1943
Trustees of Memorial Library
J. Sidney White
Term expires 1941
Frank A. Merriam
Term expires 1942
Horace F. Tuttle
Term expires 1943
Board of Health
Lillian E. Taylor
Term expires 1941
Lowell H. Cram
Term expires 1942
O. Lawrence Clark
Term expires 1943
Agent of Board of Health Ernest E. Allsopp
Trustees of Elizabeth White Fund
Clara L. Sawyer
Term expires 1941
Waldo E. Whitcomb
Term expires 1942
Charlotte Conant Term expires 1943
Trustees of West Acton Firemen's Relief Fund
Arnold H. Perkins
Term expires 1941
H. Stuart MacGregor
Term expires 1942
James B. Wilson Term expires 1943
Trustees of Acton Firemen's Relief Fund
Frederick T. Kennedy Term expires 1941
Clarence Frost Term expires 1942
Herbert Merriam Term expires 1943
Trustees of Goodnow Fund
Charles E. Smith
Term expires 1941
Charlotte Conant Term expires 1942
Horace F. Tuttle Term expires 1943
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Appointments Made By Selectmen-1940
Executive Clerk Virginia Milbery
Office: Town Hall.
Hours : 8 A. M. to 4 P. M.
Meetings: Board of Selectmen, Wednesday evenings at 7:30; Board of Public Welfare, Monday evenings at 7:00.
Finance Committee
Murray Brown
William T. Merriam
Alfred W. Davis
Alden C. Flagg
Webster S. Blanchard Howard J. Billings
Superintendent of Streets William C. Kazokas
Town Accountant
Howard L. Jones Term expires 1941
Registrars of Voters
Arthur Lee
Term expires 1941
William B. Feely
Term expires 1942
Walter L. O'Neil
Term expires 1943
Horace F. Tuttle
Ex-Officio
Election Officers
Precinct I Warden-James W. Coughlin
Clerk-James A. Wayne
Inspector-Samuel E. Knowlton Inspector-Paul A. Coughlin Deputy Warden-George E. Murphy Deputy Clerk-Spencer H. Taylor
Deputy Inspector-Ralph L. Rogers Deputy Inspector-Leo T. McCarthy Teller-Louisa N. Wood Teller-Alice M. Duren
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Precinct II
Warden-Clarence Robbins Clerk-Grace J. Cullinane
Inspector-Merle M. Hayward Inspector-Sophia Walsh Deputy Warden-David Clayton Deputy Clerk-Thomas M. Murray Deputy Inspector -- Henry L. Capelle Deputy Inspector-Joseph H. Lemoine Teller-Pauline Bursaw
Teller-John J. Bradley
Precinct III
Warden-Fannie E. Davis
Clerk-Peter J. Duggan Inspector-Havelock J. Schnair
Inspector-Katherine M. Kinsley Deputy Warden-Bertram D. Hall Deputy Clerk-Walter E. Byron Deputy Inspector-Harry E. Holt Deputy Inspector-Mary Laffin Teller-Margaret F. Leveroni Teller-Ida M. Costello
Fire Engineers
H. Stuart MacGregor, Chief Engineer Clarence Frost, Asst. Engineer-Precinct I David Clayton, Asst. Engineer-Precinct II Arno H. Perkins, Asst. Engineer-Precinct III
Cattle Inspector Ernest E. Allsopp
Forest Warden H. Stuart MacGregor
Dog Officer Arthur Fraser
Sealer of Weights and Measures Clare A. Milbery
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Town Forest Committee
Clarence Frost
James J. Knight
Albert R. Jenks
Term expires 1941 Term expires 1942
Term expires 1943
Surveyors of Wood and Lumber
Bertram D. Hall George H. Reed Charles E. Smith
Field Drivers
Norman E. Livermore Norman L. Perkins
George A. Braman
Robert G. Willett
Superintendent of Moth Work James J. Knight
Police Officers *Michael Foley, Chief
George A. Braman Robert G. Willett Norman L. Perkins *Civil Service-Permanent
Burial Agent Waldo. J. Flint
Soldiers' Relief Agent Waldo J. Flint
Superintendent of Jones Memorial Field Eden Cahill
Workmen's Compensation Agent Howard L. Jones
Public Weighers
George H. Reed 9 William Braman
Alfred Davis, Jr.
G. Howard Reed
A. W. Davis
W. H. Francis Davis
M. B. Ferber
Thomas Hearon
Philip Newell Willard Houghton W. H. Soar
Fred Burke Fred Stone Albert S. Braman
Peter Olsen, Jr.
Clarence E. Braman
Gerald Davis Charles Clark
Harold Whitney
William Kane
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Selectmen's Report
We submit, herewith, the reports of the various departments of the town for the year ending December 31, 1940. Also, all of the action under the different articles voted at the last an- nual Town Meeting and the Special Town Meeting.
Chapter 90 Roads
During the past two years funds have not been made available by the State Legislature to assist towns and cities in the new construction of highways. We have been informed that the legislature will undoubtedly make allotments for such construction during the coming year. We believe it is good business for the town to join the State and County in building Chapter 90 roads, and for this reason we recommend the continuing of the reconstruction of North Main Street.
We also recommend the widening and repair of the ravelled edges of Main Street from Route No. 2 to the Maynard line.
A meeting was held at Cambridge, Mass., in July of 1940, at which we presented the following program to the Commis- sioners of Public Works and to the County Commissioners:
North Main Street
State $9,000.00
County $4,500.00
Town $4,500.00
Main Street from Route No. 2
to Maynard line
3,000.00
1,500.00
1,500.00
School Street, So. Acton
2,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
Chapter 90 Maintenance
3,000.00
3,000.00
3,000.00
Since then we have been informed of their tentative pro- gram pending the action of the State Legislature.
North Main Street
State $4,500.00
County $2,250.00
Town $2,250.00
School Street, So. Acton
2,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
Chapter 90 Maintenance
2,000.00
2,000.00
2,000.00
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Undoubtedly one reason for the cut in our requests is be- cause cities that have not previously asked, or that have had small allotments, are now making large requests.
W. P. A.
The state administrator ordered all projects within the town closed on May 7, 1940 because of the lack of federal and state funds. Up to this time there were seventeen men engaged in preparing Nagog Hill Road for reconstruction. In October we were authorized to reopen the project. At this time only seven men reported for work. Inasmuch as it is necessary for a town to have at least fifteen men on a project and only seven reported, we had to close the project again. The men desiring W. P. A. work were transferred to projects in the town of Maynard.
Police Department
The board recommends that an additional regular police officer should be employed by the town. Since the federal government started its defense program, the traffic through town has greatly increased. It has been necessary to employ a part time officer to assist in directing traffic. Fort Devens is considered by army men to be the most important army base in this section of the country. It serves New England and New York State. In the early part of January some 25,000 men were stationed there and accommodations for as many more were under construction. Because this is the major army . fort in this vicinity we can expect increased traffic conditions for some time to come. Many secondary roads near the fort will be used for military maneuvers.
Street Lighting
Twenty-four street lights were installed in different parts of the town during the year.
Speed Warning Signs
Speed warning signs were placed along the main thorough- fares in an effort to decrease speed through the thickly settled areas.
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Traffic Rules and Orders
We voted to amend the Traffic Rules and Orders by adding the following new section to Article V.
Section 6. No All Night Parking. It shall be unlawful for the driver of any vehicle, other than one acting in an emergency, to park said vehicle on any street for a period of time longer than thirty (30) minutes between the hours of one a.m. and six a.m. of any day from November 1 to April 1.
We also voted to amend Article VIII, Section 10 by add- ing the following new location of an isolated stop sign:
Intersection of Concord Road at Main Street so as to face westbound drivers on Concord Road at Main Street.
Unpaid Bills
We wish to call to the attention of all Town Officials, that it is obligatory to have all of the current year's bills presented for payment not later than December 31 of that year.
In the annual report for the year 1937, the State Auditors made the recommendation that the practice of paying bills of prior years from appropriations provided for current year's expenses should be discontinued, and specific appropriations voted for unpaid bills of a prior year. This is the reason for Article 21 on the warrant.
At the close of the year, we find the town in good financial standing. We wish to thank the different officers and com- mittees of the town for doing their part in keeping within their appropriations in carrying out their work in the different de- partments of the town.
RALPH W. PIPER W. BURTON HARVEY JAMES E. KINSLEY Selectmen of Acton
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TOWN MEETINGS
Abstract of the Proceedings of the Annual Town Meeting, March 11, 1940
Art. 1. To choose all necessary town officers and com- mittees and fix salaries of all town officers.
Chose Charlotte Conant trustee of the Elizabeth White Fund for three years.
Chose Horace F. Tuttle trustee of the Goodnow Fund for three years.
Chose Herbert W. Merriam trustee of the Acton Firemen's Relief Fund for three years.
Chose James B. Wilson trustee of the West Acton Fire- men's Relief Fund for three years.
Voted: That the salary of the Tax Collector be one thou- sand dollars per annum.
Voted: That the salary of the chairman of the Selectmen be three hundred dollars per annum and the other members two hundred dollars each per annum.
Voted: That the salaries of the Assessors be nine hundred dollars in the aggregate per annum to be apportioned as they may determine.
ยท Voted: That the salary of the chairman of the Board of Public Welfare be one hundred and twenty-five dollars per annum and of the other members seventy-five dollars each per annum and that a member of the Board of Public Welfare shall serve as Supervisor of Old Age Assistance and that the expense of administering this assistance such as necessary supplies, salary and traveling expense of said supervisor shall not exceed the amount provided for this purpose by the Fed- eral Government.
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Voted: That the salary of the chairman of the Board of Health be twenty-five dollars per annum, the clerk fifteen dollars and the other member ten dollars per annum.
Voted: That the salary of the Moderator be fifteen dollars for the annual meeting and ten dollars for special meetings.
Voted: That the salary of the Town Clerk be two hun- dred dollars per annum.
Voted: That the salary of the Town Treasurer be five hundred dollars per annum.
Voted: That the salary of the Town Accountant be four hundred dollars per annum.
Voted: That the Selectmen be authorized to fix the salaries of all other town officers.
Art. 2. To see if the town will vote to accept the several reports of the town officers.
Mr. A. W. Davis requested the following correction of an error on page 166 of the report of the school committee: under transportation the report should read $3,300 paid to A. W. Davis in place of A. W. Davis Co.
Voted: To accept the several reports of town officers.
A motion "That the Chief of Police be censured for using the Annual Town Report for propaganda in his own personal interest at the extra cost of $10.15 to the town, and be he also censured for the implied intimidation of those citizens that criticize his personal conduct as a public employee", did not prevail.
Art. 3. To hear and act upon the reports of any com- mittees chosen at any previous meeting that have not already reported.
No action taken under this article.
Art. 4. To see what sum of money the town will appro- priate to defray the necessary and usual expenses of the sev-
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eral departments of the town and determine how the same shall be raised.
Under this article and other articles in the warrant it was voted to appropriate and raise by taxation for :
Highways, General Maintenance:
Villages
$1,450.00
Chapter 81
8,550.00
Chapter 90
2,000.00
Education
47,000.00
Street Lighting
3,750.00
Memorial Library, Current Expenses and Branch Service
1,300.00
Memorial Library, Books
200.00
Hydrant Service
3,403.00
General Government
7,200.00
Buildings and Grounds
1,500.00
Cemeteries, $1,600 to be raised by taxation and $300 transferred from Cemetery Land Fund.
1,900.00
Military Aid
800.00
State Aid
240.00
Soldiers' Relief
2,000.00
Police Department
2,500.00
Board of Health
1,200.00
Public Health Nurse, Salary
2,000.00
Public Health Nurse, Expenses
200.00
Welfare, Temporary Aid
7,500.00
Aid to Dependent Children
2,200.00
Snow Removal
6,500.00
Old Age Age Assistance
15,500.00
Tree Warden, care of trees
700.00
Unclassified
400.00
Notes and Bonds
5,500.00
Interest on Bonds and Notes
300.00
Interest on Revenue Loans
200.00
Memorial Day
275.00
Fire Department
2,800.00
Forest Fires
500.00
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Gypsy Moth Work
1,200.00
Liability Insurance
1,000.00
Treasurer's, Collector's and Clerk's Bond
300.00
County Hospital, Maintenance
1,085.00
Redemption of Tax Titles
100.00
Expense of Dog Officer
230.00
Jones Athletic Field
300.00
Mt. Hope Cemetery, Art. 16
500.00
Work Relief Fund, Voted to transfer $1,200 from Art. 21 to the Work Relief Fund; raise by tax- ation $3,800.
5,000.00
South Acton Fire Alarm System
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