USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1917 > Part 6
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All business calling the meeting having been disposed of, the meeting at ten minutes after six o'clock voted to adjourn.
The Chairman declared the meeting dissolved.
A true record. Attest :
THOMAS J. ROBINSON, Town Clerk.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN.
The Board of Selectmen herewith submit a report of the doings of the various departments of the Town coming under the jurisdiction of the Board for the year 1917, together with such recommendations as, in the opinion of the Board will best serve the interests of the Town.
ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD FOR 1917.
At the annual March meeting of 1917, Mr. Thomas J. Don- nelly was re-elected for the term of three years.
The Board met on the evening of March 5, 1917, in the Selectmen's Room in Town Hall, where Mr. Donnelly was sworn to the faithful performance of his duties by the Town Clerk.
The Board then organized with Horatio A. Phinney as Chairman and Thomas J. Robinson as Clerk.
The general duties of the Board are no doubt well known to the citizens, having been published in the last two reports, and include all duties coming under the executive board of the Town and not specifically provided for by Statute.
During the past year many new and unforeseen duties fell to the Board, due to the conditions of war existing between the United States and Germany, and they were called upon to de- cide many questions involving the protection of town property. These matters will be dealt with under the various headings of this report.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Horatio A. Phinney, Police, Public Lands and Outside Poor.
Thomas J. Donnelly, Fire Department, State Aid, Military Aid and Soldiers Relief.
Willis P. Howard, Town Houses and Public Buildings, In- surance and Incidental Account.
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74
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
AS OVERSEERS OF THE POOR
Horatio A. Phinney, Chairman.
Thomas J. Robinson, Clerk.
TOWN DEBT AND TAX RATE
On December 31, 1916, the fixed debt
was $826,350.00
Amount paid during the year 70,950.00
$755,400.00
Amount added during the year
48,000.00
On December 31,.1917, the fixed debt
is
$803,400.00
The loans authorized and issued in 1917, amounting to $48,-
000 were as follows:
Water Extensions
$8,000.00
New Streets
10,000.00
Sewer Construction 20,000.00
Tufts Street Land Purchase
10,000.00
SINKING FUND
The amount of the Fund on December 31, 1916,
was
$131,857.16
Amount added during the year:
For Interest on Funds $5,719.17
By Appropriation 14,550.00
$20,269.17
$152,126.33
Amount paid from Fund during the year:
Rent of Safety Deposit Vault $10.00
Accrued Interest on Liberty Bonds 39.78
$49.78
On December 31, 1917, the amount of Fund is $152,076.55
No notes, bonds or other indebtedness of the Town will be payable from this Fund until 1922, at which time $92,000 will become due and payable on Water Bonds.
This Fund is divided and classified as follows:
$48,000.00
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SELECTMEN'S REPORT
Water Loans
$113,170.45
Sewer Loans
32,655.45
Town House Site Loans
5,257.00
Park Loans
993.65
$152,076.55
TAXABLE PROPERTY, STATE AND COUNTY TAXES AND TAX RATES
The real and personal taxable property in the Town, as assessed and reported by the Assessors for the year 1917 was as follows:
Personal Property
Real Estate
1916
1917
1916
1917
$3,008,992.00 $1,668,117.00
$16,306,167.00 $17,613,295.00
The above figures show a decrease in personal property of $1,340,875 and an increase in real property of $1,307,128 over 1916, making the total taxable property both real and per- sonal $19,281,412, a decrease of $33,747 from that of 1916.
The decrease in the figures shown in the taxable personal property is due entirely to the operation of the State Income Tax law which takes from the Town the right to assess all intangible personal property. This character of property is now assessed by the State and after deducting the expenses of collection the State returns to the Town the amount collected minus the cost of collection. The foregoing figures show a de- crease in personal property of $1,340,875 (on account of the Income Tax) which amount at $25.50 per 1,000 would show a corresponding decrease in revenue of $34,192.34. This apparent decrease is, however, more than offset by a perusal of the amount received from the State from the Income Tax, viz: $37,392.86 or an increase over the amount we would have re- ceived under the old law of about 912%. (See heading Cor- poration and Bank Tax.)
From the figures shown in the accompanying table it will be seen that the State Tax for 1917 was $40,700, an increase over 1916 of $11,020. An increase will also be seen in the Metro- politan Sewer Tax, Metropolitan Park Tax and Metropolitan Water Tax, while small decreases are shown in the County Tax, the Charles River Basin Tax, Alewife Brook Tax, Fire Preven-
76
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
tion Tax and Soldiers Exemption Tax. These decreases do not, however, to any degree offset the large increases noted in the accompanying table for State and Metropolitan Taxes. This large increase, together with the decrease in the taxable property of the Town, coupled with only the natural increases of appro- priations for the Town Departments, accounts for the tax rate of $25.50 in 1917. It should be remembered also that the very large shrinkage in building operations during the latter part of the year 1917 which without doubt will continue during 1918 will have a very material effect upon the tax rate of the year 1918. In making their estimates for the year 1918 the Board has had this fact in mind, and have only recommended increases in appropriations where, in their judgment, they were abso- lutely necessary.
The taxes levied for State and County purposes for 1917 were as follows:
1917
Increase
State Tax
1916 $29,680.00
$40,700.00 $11,020.00
County
19,153.74
18,613.95
539.79*
Metropolitan Sewer Tax
14,903.84
16,274.29
1,370.45
Metropolitan Park Tax
9,135.40
9,409.48
274.09
Metropolitan Water Tax
18,118.96
20,544.00
2,425.04
Charles River Basin Tax
1,985.89
1,789.54
196.35*
Alewife Brook Tax
2,510.47
2,453.18
57.29*
Fire Prevention Tax
261.38
204.77
56.61*
Soldiers' Exemption Tax
77.10
25.72
51.38*
$95,826.78 $110,014.93 $14,188.15
From the foregoing tables it will be seen that the amount paid for taxes for State, Metropolitan and County purposes is $14,188.15 more in 1917 than was paid for the same purposes in 1916. As previously stated this very large increase over which the Board or the citizens had no control accounts in a large measure for the increased tax rate of 1917. In view of the existing conditions, the duration of which cannot be foreseen at this time, the Board does not feel that there is any possibility of a reduction in these taxes the coming year. They would,
*Decrease.
1
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SELECTMEN'S REPORT
therefore, again urge all departments of the Town to practise the strictest economy in the expenditure of the Town's money even after the appropriations are made and throughout the year.
CORPORATION AND BANK TAX RECEIVED BY THE TOWN
1916
1917
Increase
Corporation and Bank Tax $20,352.41
$19,053.36
$1,299.05*
Street Railway Tax
8,752.94
10.92
8,742.02*
Boston Elevated Ry. Tax
3,442.59
3,442.59*
Bay State St. Ry. Tax
387.26
387.26*
Middlesex St. Ry. Tax
126.94
130.91
3.97
Income Tax
37,914.96
37,914.96
$33,062.14 $57,110.15 $23,048.01
From the above figures it will be seen that the Town received $23,048.01 more from the above sources that in 1916, due almost wholly to the operation of the Income Tax, as the Town has received no taxes from the Boston Elevated or Bay State Street Railway. This is another item which will enter largely into the Tax Rate the coming year, as the receipts from the street railway tax have always been used toward the appro- priation made for Highway purposes. The coming year, owing to the financial condition of the Boston Elevated and the Bay State Street Railway Companies the Town may not have this money available.
THE TAX RATE AND HOW MADE UP
For the information of the citizens interested in knowing what proportion of the tax rate goes to pay for certain appropriations, or the maintenance of departments, the following table is pub- lished. It will be noticed that while the amounts as voted under the various headings make a total of $559,015.12, this total should be reduced by the amount of the estimated re- ceipts, viz .- $67,334.86, and this amount should be appor- tioned to each separate appropriation, in order that the actual proportion each appropriation bears to the tax rate may be shown. The figures, therefore, in the appended table show the actual amount raised by taxation after deducting the propor-
*Decrease.
78
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
tion due to each appropriation from the estimated receipts. This gives the amount of $491,680.00 raised by taxation on which the tax rate is based.
Proportion of Proportion
Amt. appro. by appropriation of Tax Rate after deducting of 25.50 per 12.04% of M of valuation
Department
Town to be raised by taxation
receipts
of property
Fire
$19,000.00
$16,712.00
.86670
Health
17,600.00
15,480.00
.80280
Highways
67,871.27
59,700.00
3.09610
Interest
26,008.72
22,870.00
1.18610
Outside Poor
9,000.00
7,916.00
.41060
Police
20,676.00
18,186.00
.94315
Salaries
12,475.00
10,973.00
.56910
Schools
133,590.00
117,505.00
6.09400
Street Lights
15,300.00
13,458.00
.69800
Sinking Fund
11,550.00
10,159.00
.52685
Town Debt
31,939.70
28,094.00
1.45695
Reserve Fund
8,000.00
7,036.00
.36490
State Tax
40,700.00
35,800.00
1.85670
County Tax
18,613.95
16,370.00
.84900
Metropolitan Tax
30,131.26
26,500.00
1.37430
Board of Health
5,350.00
4,706.00
.24410
Incidentals-Selectmen
5,500.00
4,838.00
.25090
Insurance
3,500.00
3,079.00
.15970
Sidewalks
3,965.52
3,485.00
.18075
Snow and Ice
6,000.00
5,278.00
.27375
Suppression of Moths
5,500.00
4,838.00
.25090
Street Sprinkling
5,000.00
4,400.00
.22820
Town House-New
4,500.00
3,958.00
.20530
Water for Hydrants
7,000.00
6,157.00
.31935
Robbins Library
5,200.00
4,574.00
.23720
Overlayings
8,608.72
7,564.00
.39230
$522,600.14 $459,636.00
23.80770
*All other appropriations
36,414.98
32,044.00
1.70000
$559,015.12 $491,680.00
25.50000
These others are made up of smaller appropriations, less the estimated receipts, and include Engineering $3,080, Board of Survey $440, Cemeteries $2,200, Highway Construction $880,
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SELECTMEN'S REPORT
Incidentals for Town Clerk $1,580, Incidentals for Assessors $1,252, Incidentals for Auditor $110, Incidentals for Collector $1,034, Incidentals for Treasurer $395, Memorial Day $220, Park Commission $880, School Repairs $2640, Sewers $2,640, Soldiers Relief $350, State Aid $220,, Drainage $2,640, Spy Pond Field $660, Old Town Hall $965, Tree Warden $1,100, Water Extensions $1,760, Planning Board $260, Wire Depart- ment $3,350, Free Bed $450, Tax Title $220, Land for School $2,640, Water Tower $88.
The total of the foregoing appropriations amounts to $32,- 044, or a proportion for all of $1.70 on each $1,000, or of the $25.50 tax rate.
OUTSIDE POOR DEPARTMENT
Owing to the conditions existing during the past year where the prices of the ordinary necessaries of life have increased from 25 to 50%, the problem for caring for the poor, and keep- ing within the appropriation allowed, has been a difficult one. While the number of persons aided has not greatly increased, the increased cost of the commodities necessary for the main- tenance of the families under the care of the Overseers has made it necessary during the past year to draw a little more heavily on the Income of the Poor Widows and Needy Per- sons Funds. The policy of the Board has been to so estimate the appropriation for an ensuing year as to draw only the actual income from these Funds to meet a deficit in the appropriation. The wisdom of this policy during past years can be seen in the expenditures from this Fund during the last year, when, owing to the conditions existing a larger amount than ever was re- quired in order not to show an overdraft.
The policy of the Board is and has been to adequately aid all deserving persons within our midst and having a claim upon us either by settlement or residence. If the claim be by residence only the Town receives a reimbursement from the City or Town in which the person has a settlement.
The numerous mothers receiving aid under the Mothers. Dependent Children Act (Chap. 763 Acts of 1913) have, during the past year proven themselves worthy of the aid received. These mothers are required, from the weekly amounts allowed,
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
to provide everything, food, fuel, clothing and rent,-and to keep out of debt. This, so far as the Overseers know, they have done.
During the bitter cold weather of December, a visit by the Overseers failed to find one of these families without coal. In all other cases of dependents coal was furnished when asked for, and promptly delivered, so we are pleased to state that during the past severe winter there has been no suffering in Arlington for the want of fuel.
In estimating the expenses of this Department for the ensu- ing year the Board cannot see a possibility of decrease, but, on the contrary, if the present conditions continue, an increase in the appropriation of last year. In order that the Board may meet these new conditions and at the same time preserve the income of the Funds at their disposal (over the annual income) they would recommend an appropriation for the poor of the Town for 1918 of $10,000.
The total disbursements in 1917 for the Poor were $12,517.13, divided as follows:
Appropriation
$9,000.00
Received from State and other sources
2,507.31
Received from Income of Funds
1,009.82
$12,517.13
POLICE DEPARTMENT
The work of this department during the past year has been kept up to the standard of previous years. During the year this Department, perhaps more than other departments of the Town, has been called upon to perform many extra duties imposed by the war conditions. These duties have been in relation to the taking of the census, the registration of young men of military age, work for the Exemption Board, work of the various sub-committees of the Public Safety Committee and work for the United States Marshal. All this extra work has been done satisfactorily. In accordance with the recom- mendations of the Board a year ago, three (3) new officers were appointed to the regular force July 1, 1917. These men were the highest on the Civil Service list from which the Board must
.
81
SELECTMEN'S REPORT
select. The men appointed were Daniel P. Barry, Arthur Connor and Eric Anderson.
Two members of the regular force and two officers appointed to the Special Force have enlisted in the service of the Federal Government and each now enjoys the distinction of being a Sergeant. These men are Fred M. Kirlin, and Daniel P. Barry of the regulars and Archie Bullock and Edward Irwin of the Specials.
A petition received from the members of the Department re- questing an increase in salary, was received by the Board. After a very careful consideration of all the items that go to make up the expense account of the officers, viz: Uniforms, coats, helmets, gloves, rubber coats, etc., the Board would recommend an increase of $100 per year for each officer. This will include all seventeen regular men on the force. The Board is of the opinion that this increase should take effect as of January 1, 1918. The appropriation necessary to do this, in addition to the regular payroll, and the other necessary ex- penses of the department will require an appropriation for1918 of $25,111.00 The Board would, therefore, recommend the appropriation of that amount for the Police Department for 1918. This amount will also take care of the difference in Salary (if the Town so votes) received by the men in Service and that which they would have received as Police Officers of the Town.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The work of this department during the past year, as in pre- vious years, has been of a most commendable character. While no serious fires have occurred, the department has on many oc- casions, by promptness and efficiency, prevented small fires from becoming serious. The report of the Chief of the De- partment gives in detail the work done.
The call-men of the Department have asked for an increase in pay from $125 per year as now received to $200. The En- gineers recommend and the Board approves the recommenda- tion of an increase of $50 making the actual compensation of call-men $175 per year. This the Board feels will be only fair to the men engaged in this infrequent but hazardous work.
The Board would also recommend to the Town the adoption
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
of a bill or law that will enable the call-men of the department to receive the same consideration for accidents occuring while in the actual performance of duty as is now enjoyed by the permanent men of the department.
The increase in the appropriation asked for ($2,000) is ac- counted for by the increase in salaries of the call-men and the purchase of a new and necessary hose.
In the report of the Chief of the Department'it will be noted that the second-hand, Knox motor, purchased during the year, has been equipped as a combination chemical and hose truck at a cost of about $1,000. This is indeed a great saving to the Town and the Board desires to express its appreciation and commendation to the men of the Highland Station, by whom this work was done. Such interest and devotion to the welfare of the department cannot be too highly approved and encouraged.
RESERVE FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Board is pleased to report the ready response of the ex- call members of the Regular Department to form an Auxiliary or Reserve Force. Thirty-three of these men voluntarily en- rolled for active duty in case of emergency. They are ready to respond to any call when the Regular Force is called for other duty, or is called out of Town. The Board desires to record its appreciation of this action of these men at a time when their services may be called upon at any moment. (For expenditures see Auditor's Report.)
TOWN INSURANCE
The appropriation made to cover the insurance of the Town in 1917 was $3,500. This amount was estimated to take care of the fire insurance policies expiring, the Employees' Liability Insurance and the Automobile Insurance. Owing, however, to the large increase in the payrolls of the Highway, Water and Sewer departments, the premiums on the Employees' Liability Insurance was larger than anticipated. An additional sum of $200 was therefore, required, which was transferred from the Reserve Fund.
The total amount expended in 1917 for insurance of all kinds was as follows:
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SELECTMEN'S REPORT
Automobile Insurance $ 127.15
Fire Insurance 1,188.00
Employees' Liability Insurance 2,198.17
Premiums on Official Bonds 186.00
Unexpended balance
$3,699.32 .68
$3,700.00
From the above figures it will be seen that the Town is pay- ing nearly about $2,000 for Employees' Liability Insurance. This class of insurance, the Board has very carefully considered, and after a study of the accidents occuring in Arlington on which the insuring Company is called upon to adjust, the Board is of the opinion that the Town can best carry the Compensa- tion Insurance by the appropriation of a sum not larger than the average yearly payments for premiums. In order that the citizens may intelligently act on this matter when presented to them, the following facts are presented, showing the amounts paid for this form of insurance for the past six years, the num- ber of accidents and the amounts paid by the insuring Company :
Year
Premium No. of Accidents
Amount Paid
1912
$1,042.03
7
$ 242.00
1913
619.46
6
19.50
1914
1,429.75
3
1.00
1915
1,623.12
6
455.14
1916
2,042.50
14
861.23
1917
2,173.78
2
210.71
$8,930.64
38
$1,789.58
By comparing the foregoing tables it will be seen that the yearly payments for this insurance have been (for the past six years) an average of $1,488.44, while the yearly payments for accidents during the same period have been $298.26 or an aver- age on 38 accidents of about $78.50 for each accident. From the above figures it would seem only to be good business judgment for the Town to carry this form of insurance. The Board recommends this action.
If the recommendation of the Board is adopted, a separate appropriation of $2,000 should be made for this purpose.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The other forms of insurance will require an appropriation of $4,000, classified as follows:
Policies expiring in 1918
$2,918.00 700.00
Boiler Insurance Bonds and Auto Insurance
382.00
$4,000.00
The Town is now carrying insurance on $967,000 worth of property. The form used is the so-called blanket form cover- ing on one form all the insured property of the Town at a flat rate of $12 per thousand. To this rate will be added the coming year the 10% war tax.
ROBBINS MEMORIAL TOWN HALL
As stated in the report of last year there were certain altera- tions and repairs necessary in our beautiful Town Hall Building. These alterations were made necessary, in a large measure, by the many and diversified uses of the building. Perhaps the most necessary of these changes was the installation of doors shutting off the corridors and all the offices from the main auditorium. This work has been done at a cost much less than the estimate as furnished the Board by the architect of the building. This change has almost paid for itself in the saving of fuel alone. It also prevents people coming into the Hall at any hour from wandering around without the knowledge of those in attendance.
Owing to a suit against the Town by reason of an accident occasioned by slipping on the icy surface of the terrace in front of the building, the Board had this matter remedied, which required the stones forming the terrace to be removed and relaid at a pitch that would throw the water toward the street. This work was done at an expense of $371.
The revenue derived from the rentals of the building was reduced during the year on account of the war conditions. The Board anticipates no extraordinary repairs or alterations the coming year and will recommend only the normal appropriation for the maintenance and upkeep of the building and grounds, viz: $5,000.
The manner in which the building and grounds have been
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SELECTMEN'S REPORT
cared for is apparent to all our citizens. The Board is of the opinion that these conditions should continue.
OLD TOWN HALL BUILDING MENOTOMY HALL
Last year the Board recommended, and the Town voted an appropriation of $1,100 for the maintenance of this building and the completion of the repairs started in 1916.
Owing to the war conditions (into which this country entered April 6, 1917,) the Board deemed it inadvisable to complete the repairs, so that the only expense incurred during the year has been for maintenance, viz: Lighting, heating and a few neces- ary repairs and alterations amounting in all to $723.15.
Shortly after a condition of war was declared to exist between the United States and that of Germany, it was found necessary to provide quarters for the State Guard, the Red Cross Society and the Surgical Dressings Society.
All of these organizations have been cared for in this building. While the Town has been deprived of the usual income from the Hall for dances, entertainments, etc., the Board has been un- officially informed that the State will re-imburse the Town for the use of the building as a third-class armory at the rate of not over $900 per year. If this arrangement is carried out it will be seen that the Town has been able to care for these very important and necessary organizations without great expense.
As the Board can see no material change in the existing con- ditions in the near future, they would recommend only the nor- mal expense of maintaining the building during the ensuing year, viz: $750.
The lease of the S. K. Ames Company having expired the Company desires a renewal and the Board will ask for authority to make a new lease for a period of years (3 or 5) for the sum of $500 per year instead of $400 as now paid.
PURCHASE OF COAL FOR TOWN DEPARTMENTS
As reported in previous reports of the Board, the custom has been to issue invitations or requests in the early part of the year to all large dealers of coal for bids to furnish all depart- ments of the Town with coal for the ensuing year.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
This custom was followed in 1917. In every case a reply was received stating that the Company, or firm, were not in a position to make contracts of any kind, and in most cases in- forming the Board that it was not the desire of the Company, or firm, to take on any new customers. Realizing the grave importance to the Town of these replies the Board asked a con- ference with Warren A. Peirce, of the Peirce & Winn Coal Company. In that conference Mr. Peirce very frankly stated that he could not make any contract, but that he would agree to supply all the Town Departments with coal when needed, at the prevailing or established price. To this agreement the Board assented, and Mr. Peirce has faithfully and well, ful- filled his agreement. His firm has at all times and under all conditions supplied coal wherever needed. Not only does this apply to all public buildings, i. e., Schools, Library, Town Hall, Old Town Hall, Fire Houses, etc., but to the Outside Poor.
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