USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > West Bridgewater > Town annual reports of the selectmen, overseers of the poor, town clerk, and school committee of West Bridgewater for the year ending 1945-1949 > Part 13
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The treasurer's cash balance on January 11, 1947 was proved by reconciliation of the bank balances with statements furnished by the banks of deposit and by verification of the cash in the office.
The payments on account of maturing debt and interest were verified by comparison with the amounts falling due and with the cancelled securities on file.
The savings bank books and securities representing the in- vestment of the trust and investment funds in the custody of the town treasurer were examined and listed, the income and with- drawals being verified.
The tax titles and tax possessions on hand were examined and listed, the amounts transferred to the tax title account were
90
compared with the collector's books, the redemptions and sales were verified, and the outstanding tax titles and tax possessions were reconciled with the accountant's ledger.
The books and accounts of the collector were examined and checked in detail. The tax and water accounts outstanding at the time of the previous examination and all subsequent commitment lists were audited and reconciled with the warrants issued for their collection. The collector's cash books were footed, the pay- ments to the treasurer by the collector were checked to the treas- urer's and the accountant's books, the abatements were compared with the assessors' and the water commissioners' records of abate- ments granted, and the outstanding accounts were listed and re- conciled with the accountant's ledger accounts.
The departmental accounts receivable outstanding according to the previous examination were audited, and all subsequent charges were proved. The payments to the treasurer were checked with the treasurer's recorded receipts, and the outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled with the accountant's ledger accounts.
Verification of the outstanding tax, departmental, and water accounts was obtained by mailing 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.
The records of licenses and permits issued by the selectmen and the town clerk were examined and checked, and the payments to the State and to the town were verified.
The surety bonds of the town officials required to furnish them for the faithful performance of their duties were examined and found to be in proper form.
In addition to the departments mentioned, the books and accounts of the sealer of weights and measures and the library
91
department were examined and checked and the payments to the treasurer were verified.
The town treasurer, collector, and town accountant are to be commended for the efficient and accurate manner in which their work has been performed.
Appended to this report, in addition to the balance sheet, are tables showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's and the col- lector's cash, summaries of the tax, tax title, departmental, and water accounts, as well as tables showing the transactions and condition of the trust and investment funds.
While engaged in making the audit, co-operation was received from the town officials, for which, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, I wish to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
HBD: IN
HERMAN B. DINE, Assistant Director of Accounts
92
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
During the year 1946 there were 117 reportable diseases sent in to the Board of Health as follows:
1946
1945
Chicken Pox
20
2
Dog Bite
8
2
German measles
5
1
Lobar pneumonia
2
0
Malaria
1
2
Measles
70
2
Scarlet fever
4
22
Tuberculosis
3
0
Whooping cough
4
2
Total
117
33
The facts of 1946 as compared with those of 1945 do not nec- essarily mean that we had a bad run of communicable diseases in 1946; we hope it shows that our people are showing more interest in complying with the Law by reporting these cases as they occur.
We have had quite a few complaints in regards to toilet and sewerage unsanitary conditions. All these conditions have been inspected and found to be in accord with the requirements of the Board of Health.
The Diphtheria Clinic was held at the Town Hall in May and June of this year, under the direction and cooperation of the Board of Health, and assisted by Mrs. Lillian Hewitt, I gave three inocu- lations three weeks apart, of Diphtheria Toxin-Antitoxin, to thirty-seven children; the results were very satisfactory.
93
With the spread of diphtheria reported throughout the State, an appeal is made by local health authorities to parents of children to see that their children are immunized. Records and statistics re- veal that not a single death from the disease has occurred when the child has been inoculated.
The Board of Health has requested several physical-X-ray examinations be made at the Plymouth County Hospital in South Hanson. There were three new cases of tuberculosis reported, two cases were entered and two cases were discharged from the Hospi- tal. There are three cases now under the supervision of the Board of Health.
A. O. BELMORE, M. D.,
Health Officer
WELL CHILD CONFERENCE
A total of 53 children were examined at the Well Child Con- ference conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Eight had no defects. Enurisis, poor eating habits and dental caries predominated in defects found. Follow-up calls were made on the urgent cases, some of which needed hospitalization. Twelve follow-up cases were chest X-Rayed at the County Hospital.
LILLIAN N. HEWITT, R. N.
WILLIAM W. NOYES FRED A. CHISHOLM RALPH S. FRELLICK Board of Health
94
CHILD WELFARE SERVICES
To the members of the Board of Public Welfare:
During the past year, the local unit of Child Welfare Services has continued on the same basis as formerly. It is still financed by the funds made available through the United States Children's Bureau to the State of Massachusetts. Child Welfare Services is maintained for the purpose of helping children to become useful citizens. This particular unit works almost entirely with school children although any child, regardless of race, creed or economic status, up to twenty-one years of age can be given casework service.
In 1946 there were 20 families with a total of 34 children re- ferred for service in West Bridgewater. 42 familes with a total of 56 children were referred in the following towns: Raynham, Kings- ton, Hingham, Bridgewater, Hanson, Pembroke, Rockland, Hali- fax, Plympton, Hull and North Easton.
Some of the reasons given for the West Bridgewater referrals were:
Investigation of home conditions of High School students under 16 who wanted home permits.
Worker's advice was sought in helping elementary school students to make a better adjustment.
Parent of five-year old child wanted a psychometric test to determine whether child can be expected to do first grade work in September.
95
Transportation to and from clinic requested with future casework service for family in mind.
Parent asked worker's interpretation of child's troublesome behavior at home and in the community.
Reading help requested for child of good intelligence.
Child asked for help in arranging for admis- sion to trade school.
Parent requested advice about child who did not seem to be developing as he should.
Crippled adolescent requested that worker intercede for more thorough physical examina- tions and possible surgery.
Reasons for referrals from the other towns served include the following:
Help requested in securing a camp place- ment for child living in a foster home who was in need of good group experience.
School asked advice and recommendations for handling child with very infantile reactions.
Family, a newcomer to community, need interpretation of resources available for a crip- pled child.
Psychotherapy requested for a child who has been receiving speech therapy at a clinic which does not have a psychiatrist.
Worker's advice in regard to admission to Wrentham for mentally deficient child requested.
96
Help needed for boy with speech defect and obvious emotional conflicts.
Although most of the referrals came from the schools, parents themselves have called the worker for advice concerning their children. There were 38 families carried over from 1945 with a total of 74 children under care. Of these, 42 children were in West Bridgewater families. The service was terminated for 49 families during 1946, 25 being in West Bridgewater. The total number of children under care as of December 31, 1946 was 89, 41 of whom were West Bridgewater children.
In the spring of 1946 a second floor office was made available and has proved very satisfactory. Its informal atmosphere, high- lighted by a stuffed toy, pictures and plants, makes the office charming as well as serviceable. Many books about child care, both physical and emotional, can be obtained for home reading through this local office.
Last summer, the Child Welfare Services worker helped to arrange and finance through contributions camp placements for eight boys who, for various reasons, seeemd to need a vacation of this kind. At Christmastime, several clubs and interested indi- viduals contributed clothing, toys and money so that the holiday season was considerably brightened for some families whose in- comes are barely sufficient for everyday expenses.
All through 1946, the continued cooperation and helpfulness of those with whom Child Welfare Services has come in contact has been noticeable and greatly appreciated.
Sincerely yours, CLARA M. SHERMAN
97
REPORT OF THE WATER DEPARTMENT
During the year 1946 the work of the Water Department consisted mostly of new services for new house construction, and also a few renewed services on old pipe lines.
There is a great amount of old service pipes to be renewed in the next few years as most of the old services are of galvanized pipes and are partly clogged with rust.
All new services and replacements into houses are made with copper tubing which makes a much more permanent and satis- factory job giving a free flowage at all times, and unless broken will last a great number of years.
Labor and much vital material have both been very scarce this year. It is hoped that in 1947 we shall be able to obtain more labor and material as there are prospects of a great deal of new construction of houses in Town.
ยท During the year the department has installed twenty-three new service pipes, and has also renewed seventeen old service pipes.
The usual work of repairing leaks on hydrants, mains, and service pipe, and maintaining of old lines was carried on.
The equipment of the department remains in fair condition at the close of the year and there is a small supply of materials and tools on hand.
Respectfully submitted,
ANTONE SOUSA,
Superintendent
98
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
Examination of the 1945 report will show that the expendi- tures for the year were about 5 per cent above the average of the three years previous. You will also notice that particular attention was called to the very poor condition of many of our roads.
In 1946, $15,000 was appropriated at the annual town meet- ing, but due to the large amount of work which had to be done, an additional amount of $5,000 was appropriated at a special meeting later in the year.
The early part of the year we followed the same plan for patching the black top roads as had been in effect for many years. We bought crushed stone and asphalt and mixed it by hand. As the work developed throughout the summer, road surfaces that had not been coated for years literally went to pieces. The prob- lem of patching became a more and more difficult one, and the purchasing of ready mixed patching material became necessary.
During the season, we bought approximately 250 tons of the ready mixed patch and in addition mixed about the same amount ourselves. Approximately 50,000 gallons of asphalt and tar were used in surfacing the 13 to 14 miles of road which were repaired during the past year.
Sand Street was rebuilt for a distance of 1100 feet. A part of Spring Street and parts of Manley Street were scarified, and a heavy application of gravel was laid in preparation to resurface these roads in 1947.
99
The roads resurfaced, patched, or gravelled include the follow- ing: Thayer Avenue 1100 feet, Union Street 1600 feet, East Street 4500 feet, South Street 7500 feet, River Street 1500 feet, Charles Street 1100 feet, Ellis Avenue 700 feet, So. Elm Street 5800 feet, Scotland Street 4000 feet, Lincoln Street 3600 feet, Prospect Street 2300 feet, Crescent Street 2600 feet, Ash Street 1000 feet, Bryant Street 2600 feet, Cross Street 1000 feet, Forest Street 1500 feet, Arch Street 500 feet, Howard Street 3000 feet, Cyr Street 500 feet, Vital Avenue 600 feet, Samuel Avenue 600 feet, Grant Avenue 1100 feet, Spring (E-W) 3100 feet, Brooks Place 3100 feet, Manley Street (N) 3400 feet, Sinnott Street 600 feet, Sunset Avenue 1000 feet, West Street 4500 feet, West Center 6000 feet, Sand Street 2500 feet.
There is still much work to be done on road surfaces, in addition to ditches to be cleared, brush to be cut, and considerable amount of fence repair for 1947. Scotland Street over Town River has been inspected by a State Engineer. He reports that the abut- ments are in poor condition, and that the bridge needs new planking.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL A. PENPRAESE, Superintendent of Streets
100
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN AND SUPERINTENDENT OF GYPSY MOTH SUPPRESSION
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit this report for the year 1946.
In June, 1946, we had a severe wind storm that blew down and damaged many big trees throughout the town, which made unforeseen extra work for this Department.
Much headway was made in the spraying and moth suppres- sion, and this work should be increased in the coming year.
Respectfully submitted,
ELMER W. HUNT, Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent
101
REPORT OF ASSESSORS
Total Appropriations at Annual Town Meeting March 11, 1946
$206,902.76
Appropriations at special Town Meetings since 1945 Rate was fixed 6,475.00
Total Appropriations made since 1945 Rate was fixed
212,567.76
State Tax 1946
2,900.00
State Parks and Reservations Tax
137.05
State Audit of Municipal Accounts
48.23
County Tax 1946
8,191.39
County Tax - Underestimate for 1945
484.11
Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment
3,946.35
Overlay
3,516.77
Total Amount to be raised
231,791.66
Less Total Estimated Receipts
62,714.42
169,077.24
Less Overestimate Parks & Reservations Tax 1945
33.69
169,043.55
Less Amounts Taken from Available Funds
36,985.00
132,058.55
Less Poll Taxes (1197 at $2.00)
2,394.00
NET AMOUNT TO BE RAISED BY TAXES ON PROPERTY 129,664.55
Poll Taxes assessed subsequently
32.00
.
102
TABLE OF AGGREGATES
Number of Persons, Partnerships, Corporations, etc., assessed
On Personal Estate only
128
On Real Estate only
1,025
On both Personal and Real Estate
71
Total number assessed
1,224
Number of Polls assessed
1,197
Value of Assessed Personal Estate:
Stock in trade
20,875.00
Machinery
303,611.00
Live Stock
110,745.00
All other tangible Personal Property
29,800.00
Total value of Assessed Personal Estate
465,031.00
Value of Assessed Real Estate
Land
674,586.00
Buildings
2,565,015.00
Total value of Assessed Real Estate
3,239,601.00
TOTAL VALUE OF ALL ASSESSED PROPERTY
3,704,632.00
Tax Rate per $1000
35.00
Tax for all purposes spread as follows:
On Polls
2,394.00
On Personal Estate
16,276.33
On Real Estate
113,388.22
TOTAL TAXES ASSESSED
132,058.55
Number of Horses assessed
70
Number of Cows assessed 789
Number of Yearlings, Bulls and Heifers assessed 127
103
Number of Swine assessed
48
Number of Sheep assessed
19
Number of Fowl assessed
27,965
Number of Goats assessed
25
Number of Acres of land assessed
8,977
Number of Dwellings assessed
918
EXEMPTED PROPERTY
REAL ESTATE
Trustees of the Howard Funds in West Bridgewater
107,250.00
Old Bridgewater Historical Society
15,500.00
Baptist Society
6,700.00
Methodist Episcopal
8,325.00
Roman Catholic Archbishop of Boston
24,100.00
Sunset Avenue Congregational Society
4,700.00
Unitarian Society
13,500.00
Cemeteries (Privately owned )
4,540.00
Town Hall and Lot
15,500.00
Fire Station
2,000.00
Highway Building and Lot
9,500.00
Library
3,400.00
School Dept. (Land & Buildings )
66,100.00
Parks
8,800.00
Cemeteries (Town owned )
600.00
Various lots owned by Town
5,640.00
Property of the Commonwealth
2,523.00
Total value of Exempted Real Estate
298,678.00
PERSONAL PROPERTY
Old Bridgewater Historical Society
8,000.00
Trustees of the Howard Funds in West Bridgewater
7,000.00
Town of West Bridgewater:
Water Department 152,000.00
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Fire Department
15,000.00
Library
8,000.00
School Department
7,000.00
Highway Department
4,000.00
Town Hall and Offices
3,000.00
Moth Department
2,000.00
Police Department
500.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
250.00
Tree Warden
100.00
Total value Exempted Personal Property
206,850.00
Total value all Exempted Property
505,528.00
MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE
NO. OF CARS
VALUE
EXCISE
1st Commitment, Mar. 18, 1946
131
10,770.
385.71
2nd Commitment, Mar. 21, 1946
275
23,910.
854.84
3rd Commitment, Apr. 11, 1946
256
21,820.
788.55
4th Commitment, July 9, 1946
458
65,640.
2,267.66
5th Commitment, Oct. 28, 1946
172
58,370.
1,383.16
6th Commitment, Dec. 13, 1946
60
29,190.
428.00
7th Commitment, Dec. 19,
1946
11
810.
22.00
8th Commitment, Jan.
3, 1947
33
14,230.
122.40
9th Commitment, Jan. 29, 1947
16
13,550.
74.99
1412
238,290.
6,327.31
168.76
Average Value assessed per Car Average Excise per Car 4.48
Local property taxes, and especially the tax on Real Estate, are a topic of discussion at this time. This is true largely because of the fact that under the present tax system, any increase in ex- penditures in a community results directly in an increased burden
105
on the real estate and personal property subject to taxation in that community. This is true not only in West Bridgewater, but in all cities and towns throughout Massachusetts.
Because of this situation, it seems timely that certain facts be brought to the attention of the tax payer.
At the start, it should be realized that the amount of ap- propriations at the annual Town Meeting, is the chief factor in determining the amount of taxes to be raised. This is something which is controlled entirely by the vote of the people at the Town Meeting.
Valuations affect the tax rate, but have no effect on the total amount of taxes to be raised. In the years 1945 and 1946, the assessment on buildings throughout the town was quite generally increased. This is being continued in 1947, bringing the assess- ment on real estate more nearly in line with present day prices. However, the assessments are still considerably below current selling prices, or the cost of reproduction.
There is also some increase in the valuation of real estate, brought about by new building. This increase, while it is consider- able, has not been great enough to prevent an increase in the tax rate during the past two years, and this will probably be true in 1947. Already a considerable amount has been spent at special Town Meetings during 1946. These amount will have to be taken from surplus funds in 1947. This may make it impossible to take from surplus funds for the purpose of reducing the tax rate, as large an amount as we have in previous years.
This, together with the fact that increased appropriations seem inevitable, would make it appear that a still higher tax rate is in prospect for 1947.
WILLIAM W. PHILLIPS ROBERT G. DEAN ALBERT A. HOWARD Board of Assessors
106
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
-
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my Annual Report of the West Bridgewater Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1946.
VALUE LOSSES AND INSURANCE PAID
Assessors' value of buildings
$51,100.00
Insurance on buildings
54,000.00
Estimated loss on buildings
8,805.00
Insurance paid on buildings
8,923.35
Estimated value contents
22,700.00
Insurance on contents
28,300.00
Estimated loss on contents
4,300.00
Insurance paid on contents
1,823.95
CALLS ANSWERED
Frame buildings
30
Grassland (8 acres)
28
Brush and woodland (101/2 acres)
18
Automobiles
4
Dump
6
Rubbish
61
Aid Calls
2
False
2
Lost Person
1
Total Calls Answered
152
107
APPARATUS
One 500 gallon triple combination Buffalo Equipment on Di- amond T chassis, purchased in 1937.
One Chevrolet combination with 320 gallon water tank and portable pump, purchased in 1945.
One triple combination Maxim purchased in 1924.
One 12-foot boat presented to the Town by the American Legion for emergencies.
PERMITS
Oil Burner and Oil Storage 51
Gas Storage
1
Open Air Fires 336
The Department has traveled 7871/2 miles, pumped 481/2 hours, laid 23,200 ft. booster hose, 3,150 ft. 11/2 inch hose, 2,800 ft. 21/2 inch hose, raised 375 ft. ladders.
FIRE ALARM AND EMERGENCY SIGNAL Tested daily except Sundays
FIRE DEPARTMENT TELEPHONE
CHIEF 4137 STATION 4137
PERSONNEL
One Chief, one Deputy Chief, four Captains, Fifteen Privates
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Sec. 4, Chap. 148. No fuel oil burner shall be installed and no fuel oil in excess of ten (10) gallons shall be kept or stored in any building or other structure without a permit having been
108
obtained therefor from the Marshall, providing that if building is used for habitation, such permit must be obtained from the Head of the Fire Department.
To help keep your fire losses small, CALL YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY on discovering a fire either in a building, grassland or woodland.
I wish to thank the Selectmen and all others who have in any way helped the Department.
INVITATION
To the citizens of the Town, I again extend a cordial invita- tion to visit the Fire Station any Monday evening and get ac- quainted with your Fire Department.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD L. BOURNE, Chief of Fire Department
109
REPORT OF SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
By vote of the Town at the March 1945 meeting, this com- mittee was appointed by the Moderator and "authorized to deter- mine a building site; to retain an architect; to obtain estimates; to consult experts if necessary; and to have plans drawn for a 6 year Senior-Junior High School Building."
The Committee has retained Doctor Herbert Blair as consult- ant and published in pamphlet form the results of his survey. It has selected a building site after thorough investigation, namely the land adjoining the Center School owned by Mr. Henry Howard. This location is central; contains 20 acres - the minimum size recommended by the State Board of Education -; fits in with long-range planning for a central school unit; provides a good building site and a natural athletic field.
Your Committee voted to request the Selectmen to enter an article in the warrant for the March 1946 Town Meeting calling for the appropriation of not more than $7,000 (the sum requested by Mr. Howard) for the purchase of this land. However, as the article appeared in the warrant, no mention was made of any par- ticular land for the school site.
In December 1946, the Building Committee met with the Selectmen to ascertain what action was being taken toward pur- chasing land and was shown a letter dated May 28, 1946, from Town Counsel to the Selectmen advising that no legal appropria- tion had been made for the purchase of land because the article in the warrant failed to designate what land was to be bought.
110
The Building Committee has requested the Selectmen to have Town Counsel draw the article for this year's warrant in such a way that the site determined on last year can be bought without further delay.
As soon as the land has been acquired, your Committee will be in a position to carry out the rest of its assignment-namely, to retain an architect, prepare preliminary plans for a building, and obtain estimates for further action by the town.
We are informed it is impossible to build at this time because of material shortages. However, the Committee plans to have all information available for presentation to the town as soon as it is possible to go ahead.
By the Committee:
Mrs. Raleigh Holden
George Maxium
Mrs. Ralph Fish
Miss Grace Keenan
A. Scudder Moore Sherman Perkins
Fred Bisbee Samuel Read Clifford Carlson Arthur Ryder
Rev. Thomas Devlin
Harvey Scranton
Allen Foye Warren Snell
Ralph S. Frellick Leon Lothrop
111
REPORT OF COLLECTOR OF TAXES
As of December 31, 1946, the outstanding Taxes and Water Rates were as follows:
1946
Poll Taxes $ 68.00
Water Rates $2,019.83
Real Estate
11,627.59
Personal
1,798.71
Motor Vehicle 1,224.02
$14,718.32
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER C. DUNBAR,
Collector
112
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I hereby submit my report for the year 1946.
Court Fines returned to the Town
93.50
Stolen property recovered
55.60
Complaints and Investigations
203
Auto Violations
308
Auto Violations turned over to Registry
140
Auto Violations on file
168
The following cases were disposed of according to
the nature of the case:
Murder
1
Operating under the influence of liquor
10
Operating so as to endanger
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