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 1955-1959 > Part 9
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Very truly yours,
HBD:EDK
HERMAN B. DINE Director of Accounts
Mr. Herman B. Dine 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 West Bridgewater for the year ending December 31, 1955, and report thereon as follows:
The financial transactions as recorded on the books of the departments receiving or disbursing money for the town or sending out bills for collection were examined, checked, and verified.
The books and accounts in the office of the town accountant were examined and checked. The receipts, as recorded, were checked with the records of the departments making payments to the treasurer and with the treasurer's books, while the payments were checked with the treasury warrants signed by the selectmen and with the treasurer's cash book. The appropriations and trans- fers, as entered, were checked with the town clerk's records of town meetings and with the authorizations of the finance committee.
The general and appropriation ledgers were analyzed, and a
148
balance sheet, which is appended to this report, was prepared show- ing the financial condition of the town on December 31, 1955.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked. The receipts were analyzed and compared with the records of the several departments collecting money for the town and with other sources from which money was paid into the town treasury, while the payments were checked with the selectmen's warrants authorizing the disbursement of town funds. The cash balance on January 19, 1956 was proved by reconciliation of the bank balances with statements furnished by the banks of deposit and by actual count of the cash in the office.
The payments of maturing debt and interest were proved with the amounts falling due and with the cancelled securities on file.
The records of employees' payroll deductions for Federal taxes and for county retirement system membership were examined and reconciled with the controlling ledger accounts.
The securities, including savings bank books, representing the investments of the trust and investment funds in the custody of the town treasurer were examined and listed. The income was proved and the amounts transferred to the town were verified by compari- son with the treasurer's record of receipts.
The records of tax titles and tax possessions held by the town were examined and checked. The taxes transferred to the tax title account were checked with the collector's records, the redemptions of tax titles were compared with the treasurer's recorded receipts, the foreclosures were verified, and the tax titles and tax possessions on hand were listed and reconciled with the town accountant's ledger.
The books and accounts of the collector of taxes were exam- ined and checked. The taxes, motor vehicle and trailer excise, and water liens added to taxes, outstanding at the time of the previous examination, as well as all subsequent commitments, were audited and compared with the assessors' warrants issued for their collec- tion. The payments to the treasurer were verified, the recorded abatements were checked with the assessors' records, and the out- standing accounts were listed and proved.
The departmental and water accounts receivable outstanding according to the previous examination, as well as all subsequent commitments, were audited and proved. The payments to the
149
treasurer were checked with the treasurer's recorded receipts, the abatements were verified, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved.
The outstanding accounts were verified by sending notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, and from the replies received thereto it appears that the accounts, as listed, are correct.
The records of dog and sporting licenses issued by the town clerk, as well as of miscellaneous receipts, were examined and checked, the recorded payments to the treasurer and the State being verified by comparison with the treasurer's cash book and with the receipts on file.
The records of cash collections by the board of selectmen, as well as by the police, school, and library departments, were ex- amined and checked, and the payments to the treasurer were com- pared with the treasurer's recorded receipts.
The surety bonds furnished by the town officials required by law to furnish such surety were examined and found to be in proper form.
In addition to the balance sheet, there are appended to this report tables showing reconciliations of the several cash accounts, summaries of the tax, motor vehicle and trailer excise, tax title, tax possession, departmental, and water accounts, as well as schedules showing the condition and transactions of the trust and investment funds.
While engaged in making the audit cooperation was received from all officials of the town, for which, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, I wish to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
WS:EDK
WILLIAM SCHWARTZ Assistant Director of Accounts
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
OF THE TOWN OF
WEST BRIDGEWATER
FOR THE YEAR 1956
ER
BF
MASS.
1656
CO
22
PULPIT ROCK
FEB. 16. 18
PORATED
DORR'S PRINT SHOP BRIDGEWATER, MASSACHUSETTS
152
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Finance Committee has met regularly each month during the past year and held seven special meetings.
We have called in to our regular meetings heads of depart- ments and reviewed their accounts and discussed their problems. Their co-operation has been gratifying and a help to our better understanding of the town's needs.
A special Sunday meeting was held in order to become better acquainted with the various town departments and their needs. We visited the Highway Department garage and the Town For- ester's quarters in the rear of the Town Hall, the Town Tree Nur- sery, the Police and Fire Station, and the Well Field and Pumping Station on Cyr St. The personnel are to be complimented on the efficient manner in which these departments are operated.
We have attended two meetings of the Massachusetts Associ- ation of Town Finance Committees where laws and problems per- taining to towns are discussed and explained by state officials and through open discussion.
As required by Chapter 70 of the General Laws, the following report is submitted:
Total School Appropriation recommended by the Finance Committee $275,006.00
Deduct: Estimated School Aid and Reimburse-
ment 83,440.52
Estimated amounts to be raised from local taxation $191,565.48
The members of the Finance Committee are taxpayers like yourselves and we ask that each one of you give serious thought to our recommendations in order that our funds may be spent wisely.
153
Our recommendations relative to the Budget and Special Arti- cles have been based on an honest effort to hold the tax rate at a reasonable level in the face of rising costs. The tax rate for 1956 should be $62.00.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE V. HOLLERTZ, JR., Chairman MALCOLM H. HASKINS CHARLES A. FREEMAN
FRANK S. MILLER EDWARD D. CROSS
RONALD F. BRODRICK
EMIL H. OHMAN, Secretary
WARRANT FOR ANNUAL MEETING March 12, 1956
Article 1. To choose Town Officers for the ensuing year not elected on the Official Ballot.
Article 2. To hear the reports of all Town Officers and Com- mittees and act thereon.
Article 3. 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, 1956, and to issue a note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accord- ance with section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to appoint one of their members to the office of Agent of Veterans' Services.
Article 5. To raise such sums of money as may be necessary to defray the Town charges for the ensuing year, and to make ap- propriations for the same.
154
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate, or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 90 Maintenance, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 6. Recommended.
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 90 New Construction, or take any action rela- tive thereto.
Article 7. Recommended.
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate, or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, the sum of $100.00 for the use of Plymouth County Trustees for County Aid to Agriculture (Plymouth County Extension Service) and choose a Town Director as provided in Sections 41 and 42 of Revised Chapter 128 of the General Laws, and act thereon.
Article 8. Recommended.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money to be expended by the Selectmen for the purchase of a new Police Cruiser for the Police Department, with a new radio and siren, and will authorize and empower the Select- men to trade in the old Police Cruiser and to apply the trade-in value of such old Police Cruiser toward the payment of the price for such new Police Cruiser; or take any action relative thereto.
Article 9. Recommended.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money for Contributory Retirement.
Article 10. Recommended.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, the sum of $3,500.00 for physical training, athletics, sports and equipment, etc.
Article 11. Recommended.
155
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money for a Dental Clinic.
Article 12. Recommended.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, the sum of $114,412.00 to pay Bonds and Interest on the School Construction Loan, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 13. Recommended.
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, the sum to be used for the payment of Water Bonds and Interest, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 14. Recommended.
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, the sum of $2,740.00 to cover the cost of pruning and destroying all existing dead wood in the Town Elms.
Article 15. Recommended.
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, the sum of $2,588.00 for Moth Suppression.
Article 16. Recommended.
Article 17. To see whether the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to sell to the Cochesset Methodist Church, for the sum of ten ($10) dollars, a certain parcel of land on the Easterly side of Beacon Street lying north of the walled in portion of the old cemetery, bounded and described as follows: Beginning at the northwest corner of the granite retaining wall in the east line of Beacon Street; thence running North 6° 38' 45" West 54.30 feet to land of Jeremiah J. McCarthy; thence turning and running North 87° 38' 10" East 123.77 feet by land of said Jeremiah J. McCarthy to land of the First Methodist Episcopal Society; thence turning and running South 5° 22' 10" East 47.00 feet by land of the First Methodist Episcopal Society to the northeast corner of the retaining
156
wall and land of the Town of West Bridgewater; thence turning and running South 84° 14' 50" West 122.40 feet by the north face of a retaining wall and land of the Town of West Bridgewater to the point of beginning, containing in all about 6,200 square feet; or take any action relative thereto.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money to install new Street Lights, relocate and increase size of present lights, as recommended by the Street Lighting Committee.
Article 18. Recommended.
Article 19. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money to purchase a flag pole to replace the pole destroyed by a hurricane, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 19. Not Recommended.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury a sum of money to be expended by the Tree Warden for the purchase of a new truck for the Tree Warden's Department, and will authorize and empower the Tree Warden to trade in the old truck and to apply the trade-in value of such truck toward the payment of the price for such new truck, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 20. Recommended.
Article 21. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money to purchase a 1350-watt gasoline generator with heavy duty reversible drill, portable lights and earth feeding bar for the Tree Warden's Department.
Article 21. Not Recommended.
Article 22. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, the sum of $100.00 for expenses for the Junior-Senior High School Building Committee.
Article 22. Recommended.
157
Article 23. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, the sum of $3,000.00 to be used for drainage work under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen.
Article 23. Recommended.
Article 24. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury a sum of money to be expended by the Selectmen for the purchase of a new truck for the Highway Department, and will authorize and em- power the Selectmen to trade in the old truck and to apply the trade-in value of such old truck toward the payment of the price for such new truck; or take any action relative thereto.
Article 24. Recommended.
Article 25. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, the sum of $2,500.00 for an aerial mosquito control program. This program to consist of three sprays throughout the spring and summer months, covering swamps and dwelling areas as required for best results.
Article 25. Not Recommended.
Article 26. To see if the Town will vote to accept the pro- visions of Section 8A of Chapter 40 of the General Laws, as estab- lished by Chapter 297 of the Acts of 1954, and amended by Chap- ter 102 of the Acts of 1955, and to establish a development and industrial commission of five (5) members with all the powers and duties thereof as provided in said Section 8A, Chapter 40 of the General Laws.
Article 26. Refer to Voters.
Article 27. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a develop- ment and industrial commission as provided by Section 8A of Chapter 40 of the General Laws.
Article 27. Not Recommended.
Article 28. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, the sum of
158
$2,367.00 to pay the salary of Sarah B. Shukis, a teacher on leave of absence from the schools, from January 1, 1956 to August 31, 1956, inclusive, as provided in Section 537, Chapter 71 of the General Laws.
Article 28. Recommended.
Article 29. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, the sum of $7,500.00 to construct a side-walk on Spring Street from Howard Street to North Elm Street, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 29. Not Recommended.
Article 30. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, the sum of $700.00 to purchase a boat, outboard motor and trailer for the Fire Department.
Article 30. Not Recommended.
Article 31. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, the sum of $6,000.00 to purchase a Forest Fire Truck for the Fire Department.
Article 31. Not Recommended.
Article 32. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of seven thousand ($7,000) dollars to be expended for the purpose of laying a water main of not less than six (6) and of not more than sixteen (16) inches in diameter from the last existing hydrants on Linwood Street in Brockton to and along Walnut Street, in the Town of West Bridgewater, and determine whether or not the money shall be provided for by borrowing under the authority of Chapter 44 of the General Laws or otherwise; or take any action relative thereto.
Article 32. Recommended.
Article 33. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of twenty-eight thousand ($28,000) dollars to be ex- pended for the purpose of laying a water main of not less than six (6) and not more than sixteen (16) inches in diameter from the Pumping Station to a point in the general vicinity of the inter- section of North Main and Copeland Streets and determine
159
whether or not the money shall be provided for by borrowing under the authority of Chapter 44 of the General Laws or otherwise; or take any action relative thereto.
Article 33. Recommended.
Article 34. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, the sum of $4,000.00 to be used to paint the so-called standpipe of the Water Department, or take any action relative thereo.
Article 34. Recommended.
Article 35. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money to pay a claim of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for a portion of the cost of laying eight-inch water mains in the vicinity of the intersection of West Center Street and the Fall River Expressway in a previous year; or take any action relative thereto.
Article 35. Recommended.
Article 36. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, the sum of $2,000.00 to be used for the Tercentenary Celebration of Old Bridgewater.
Article 36. Recommended.
Article 37. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money for an Adult Educational Program, to be held at the West Bridgewater High School, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 37. Not Recommended.
Article 38. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, the sum of $3,000.00 to employ the services of a part time Sanitarian or take any action relative thereto.
Article 38. Not Recommended.
Article 39. To see if the Town of West Bridgewater will
160
vote to adopt the following by-law, to wit:
By-Law Regulating the Size and Uses of Building Lots in the Town of West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, 1956
PURPOSE OF BY-LAW
Section I. This by-law is for the purpose of promoting the health, safety, convenience, and welfare of the inhabitants of the Town of West Bridgewater, by regulating the use, construction, and alteration of buildings and the use of premises within the town, with a view to conserving the value of buildings and encouraging the most appropriate use of land in the town, in accordance with Chapter 40A, General Laws.
AREA REGULATIONS
Section II. No dwelling or similar structure, shall be erected upon a lot having an area of less than fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet and one hundred (100) foot frontage, except as herein otherwise provided.
SETBACK REGULATIONS
Section III. No dwelling or similar structure, shall be erected or placed within thirty-five (35) feet of a street line, except as herein otherwise provided.
SIDE AND REAR LOT LINES
Section IV. No dwelling, garage, or accessory building shall be erected or placed within fifteen (15) feet of a side lot line, or within thirty-five (35) feet of a rear lot line, except as herein otherwise provided.
EXCEPTIONS TO AREA REGULATIONS
Section V. (a) If an area has been divided into lots with less than the minimum requirements, and if the plan of such subdivision has been approved as required by law and recorded in the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds, prior to the date of the adoption of this by-law, dwellings with customary accessory structures may be erected on such lots. The provisions of sections III and IV of this by-law shall apply to these lots, except that dwellings con- structed prior to the adoption of this by-law, the original approved plans and specifications for which provided for the future construction of breeze-way and/or garage, may be completed in accordance with such plans and specifica- tions, provided such plans and specifications conform to the building by-law of the town.
(b) One building and its accessory buildings may be crected on any single lot existing at the time this by-law is adopted which cannot be made to conform to the area requirements of section II. The provisions of sections III and IV of this by-law shall apply to these lots.
APPEALS TO BOARD OF APPEALS
Section VI. An appeal to the Board of Appcals established under the provisions of Section 14 of Chapter 40A of the General Laws may be taken by any person aggrieved by reason of his inability to obtain a permit from any administrative official under the provisions of said Chapter 40A or this by-law. Appeals may be taken to the Board of Appeals by any officer or board of the
161
town, or by any person aggrieved by any order or decision of the inspector of buildings or other administrative official in violation of any provisions of said Chapter 40A or this by-law. An appeal from any such order or decision shall be taken within ten (10) days from the date of the receipt of written notice of such order or decision and not otherwise.
Article 39. Referred to Voters.
Article 40. To transact any other business that may legally come before the meeting.
Article 41. To elect the following Town Officers by Official Ballot: one Moderator for one year, one Assessor for three years, one Selectman and member of the Board of Public Welfare for three years, one Treasurer for one year, one Water Commissioner for three years, two School Committee members for three years, one Tree Warden for three years, two Trustees of the Public Library for three years, two Constables for one year and one member of the Planning Board for five years.
162
BUDGET REPORT
GENERAL GOVERNMENT - 5.6%
1. Moderator
1952-1954 Average $ 25.00
Expended 1955
Requested 1956
Recommend 1956
2. Finance Committee Selectmen:
18.78
$ 25.00 53.42
$ 25.00 100.00
100.00
3. Salaries
1,500.00
1,600.00
1,600.00
1,600.00
4. Expenses
473.39
467.14
700.00
700.00
5. Equipment
19.73
1,993.12
2,067.14
2,300.00
2,300.00
Town Accountant:
6.
Salaries
1,250.00
1,250.00
1,450.00
1,450.00
7. Expenses
478.32
568.69
535.00
535.00
8. Equipment
37.27
357.00
65.00
65.00
1,765.59
2,175.69
2,050.00
2,050.00
Treasurer:
9. Salaries
1,600.00
1,800.00
1,800.00
1,800.00
10. Expenses
895.39
1,173.81
1,355.00
1,355.00
11. Equipment
140.00
350.00
350.00
2,495.39
3,113.81
3,505.00
3,505.00
Collector:
12.
Salary
2,400.00
2,800.00
2,800.00
2,800.00
13. Expenses
1,163.35
1,283.26
1,527.00
1,527.00
14. Equipment
255.50
3,563.35
4,338.76
4,327.00
4,327.00
Assessors :
15.
Salaries
3,300.00
3,000.00
3,750.00
3,750.00
16. Expenses
1,041.19
1,186.67
1,510.00
1,510.00
17.
Equipment
45.88
63.15
50.00
50.00
4,387.07
4,249.82
5,310.00
5,310.00
Law:
18. Town Counsel
500.00
500.00
500.00
500.00
19. Damage Claims
200.00
200.00
200.00
200.00
700.00
700.00
700.00
700.00
Town Clerk:
20.
Salary
1,100.00
1,300.00
1,300.00
1,300.00
21. Expenses
216.70
174.36
248.00
248.00
22. Equipment
208.09
1,524.79
1,474.36
1,548.00
1,548.00
$ 25.00
163
1952-1954 Average
Expended 1955
Requested 1956
Recommend 1956
Town Hall & Offices:
23.
Salary
2,236.00
2,236.00
2,236.00
2,236.00
24.
Expenses
2,992.59
3,553.83
3,430.00
3,430.00
25. Equipment
5,228.59
5,789.83
5,666.00
5,666.00
Election & Registration:
26.
Salaries
128.33
260.00
260.00
260.00
27. Expenses
1,380.10
647.92
1,890.00
1,890.00
28. Equipment
186.40
1,508.43
1,094.32
2,150.00
2,150.00
Miscellaneous:
29.
Preserving Old Records
116.67
20,58
50,00
50.00
30.
Other Financial Offices
10.00
25.00
25.00
116.67
30.58
75.00
75.00
Total Government
$23,282.99
$25,112.73
$27,756.00
$27,756.00
PROTECTION OF PERSONS & PROPERTY - 10.2%
Police:
Salaries:
31.
Chief
$ 4,071.45
$ 4,600.00
$ 4,600.00
$ 4,600.00
32.
Patrolmen
5,788.93
8,556.85
12,335.00
12,335.00
33.
Expenses
2,741.70
3,369.23
3,191.00
3,191.00
34.
Equipment
51.91
190.25
60.00
60.00
12,653.99
16,716.33
20,186.00
20,186.00
Fire:
Salaries:
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