USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1919 > Part 5
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The amount of money raised by taxation in 1919 was $557,777.63, and the tax rate was $27.40 per thousand. A fair estimate of the appropriations necessary in 1920 will be at least $125,000.00 in excess of that in 1919, or $682,777.00, an increase of about 22.5%. The increase in valuation from new buildings erected is about $500,000.00. At the present tax rate this will provide only for $13,700.00 additional revenue. If the balance of the estimated increase must be raised on the present assessed value in the Town the tax rate will be approxi-
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mately $33 per thousand which shows the same increase of 22.5% as shown in the total appropriation.
In the opinion of some of our citizens the conditions now existing are only temporary and cannot continue for any great length of time. If that were the assured case and it was felt that the values in the Town had reached a point where an in- crease would be a burden it might be wiser to pay this great increase in the tax rate for one or two years rather than increase the value. The great majority of thinking people, however, are of the opinion that the present conditions will not change materially within a period of at least five years. It is also the opinion of many citizens familiar with land values in the Town that a material increase in values can be made in order to bring the assessed values to a point nearer a "fair market value." The Town is, therefore, facing a condition where it must decide which of two courses to pursue in order to meet the increases necessary to the proper conduct of the business of the Town and care for its existing obligations:
1. Allow present values to continue and pay a tax rate of $33 or more for one, two or three years with no assurance that a reduction can be made at that time.
2. Revise the valuations in the Town in accordance with present market values, thus securing the required increase in revenue, without materially changing the tax rate.
This second course seems to the Board the proper one to pursue. Practically every sale of real estate in the Town for the past year has been at a price far in excess of the assessed valuation and ranging from twenty to fifty per cent.
Situated as we are in the heart of the Metropolitan District within easy access to Boston and with connections to all other points the value of property here must in the future increase rather than decrease. No one of the surrounding cities or towns offers more attractions to seekers for homes than does Arlington.
Building operations during the past two years have been greatly hindered not only by the high cost of labor and materials but also by the scarcity of materials. In spite of these conditions indications point to a great increase in the number of new build- ings the coming year. With the return of our young men from the war housing problems in Arlington became and are now of a
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serious nature. There are no houses, tenements or apartments available for newcomers, or to provide for our young people who marry and desire to make their home here. Rents have been advanced in some cases fifty per cent. Many people in order not to be forced from the houses they had occupied as tenants for years purchased the property and these sales may in some measure account for the large increase in selling prices over assessed values. For the foregoing and other reasons it seems that this is a proper time to so readjust or revise our valuations as to in some degree conserve our remaining territory and at the same time protect our present owners of property. A fair, equitable marketable valuation with a tax rate based upon an honest and efficient management of the Department of the Town will, in the opinion of the Board, bring about these results, as well as provide sufficient revenue to meet increasing demands. A study of the following table will show the financial condition of the Town and a comparison of the items making the budget will enlighten our citizens as to why the money was necessary and how it has been expended.
TOWN DEBT AND TAX RATE
On December 31, 1918, the fixed debt was
$765,450.00
Amount paid during the year 61,950.00 $703,500.00
Amount added during the year 12,000.00
On December 31, 1919, the fixed debt is $715,500.00
It will be noted that the Town debt shows a decrease of $49,950 for the past year.
The loans authorized and issued in 1919 amounting to $12,000 were as follows:
Water Extensions $6,000.00 Sewer Extensions 6,000.00
$12,000.00
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
SINKING FUND
The amount of the Fund on December 31, 1918 was $172,980.95. Amount added during the year
For interest on Funds $7,609.39
By appropriation 14,550.00 22,159.38.
$195,140.33;
Amount paid from the Fund during the year
Rent of Safety Deposit Vault $10.00
Accrued interest on Liberty Bonds 8.22 18.22'
On December 31, 1919, the amount of the Fund is: $195,122.11:
No notes, bonds or other indebtedness of the Town will be payable from this Fund until 1922, when water bonds amounting to $92,000 will become due and payable.
This Fund is divided and classified as follows:
Water Loans
$145,735.64
Sewer Loans
39,660.05
Town House Site Loans
8,180.75
Park Loans
1,545.67
$195,122.11
TAXABLE PROPERTY, STATE AND COUNTY TAXES AND TAX RATES
The real and personal property, in the Town, as assessed and reported by the Assessors for the year 1919 was as follows:
Personal Property
Real Estate 1918 1919
1918 1919
$1,705,681.00 $2,076,379.00
$18,041,867.00 $18,289,714.00
These figures show an increase in personal property of . $370,698.00 and an increase in real property of $247,867.00 over the values of 1918, making the total taxable property both real and personal $20,366,093.00, an increase of $618,545.00 over that of 1918.
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The taxes levied for State, Metropolitan and County pur- poses were as follows:
1918
1919
Increase
State Tax
$40,700.00
$44,550.00
$3,850.00
County Tax
20,170.01
22,888.04
2,718.03
Metropolitan Sewer Tax
17,349.75
18,507.75
1,158.00
Metropolitan Park Tax
9,532.40
10,948.60
1,416.20
Metropolitan Water Tax
21,735.89
24,320.83
2,584.94
Charles River Basin Tax
1,819.39
1,931.54
112.15
Alewife Brook Tax
2,395.89
2,338.60
57.29*
Fire Prevention Tax
193.36
270.79
77.42
Soldiers' Exemption Tax
19.98
71.44
51.56
State Highway Tax
123.70
123.70
Special State Tax
2,673.00
2,673.00
Boston Elevated Deficit Tax
44,930.37
44,930.37
$113,916.67 $173,554.66 $59,637.99
CORPORATION AND BANK TAX RECEIVED BY THE TOWN
1918
1919
Increase
Corporation and Bank Tax $19,215.85
$24,950.44
$5,734.59
Street Railway Tax
11,279.86
4,403.14
6,876.72*
Income Tax
48,810.79
38,867.65
9,943.14*
State Railway Excise Tax
953.50
953.50
School apportionment of
Income Tax
21,810.13
21,810.13
$79,306.50 $90,984.86 $11,678.36
ANALYSIS OF 1919 TAX RATE
Highways
$3.0128
Sewers and drains
.3840
Water
.3840
Streets lights
.5876
Engineering
.1493
Fire Department
.9727
*Decrease.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Police Department
$1.0740
Wire Department
.1280
Trees and Parks .3157
Board of Health
.3115
Collection of ashes and offal
.9514
Cemeteries
.0967
Library
.2560
Schools
6.6959
Charities
.5824
Municipal Buildings
.2240
Salaries
.5365
Insurance
.2987
Incidentals and specials
.7748
Pensions
.0185
War pay of employees
.1756
Special increase to laborers
.2133
Debt and interest
2.7640
State, County and Metropolitan Taxes
4.4467
Boston Elevated Railway Company deficit
1.9168
Overlayings
.1291
$27.4000
Total appropriations $642,222.28
Less credits
84,444.65
To be raised by taxes $557,777.63
From the figures submitted in the foregoing tables the following facts are shown:
1. Reduction in Town Debt of $49,959.00
2. Increase in taxable property, real and personal 618,545.00
3. Increase in appropriations raised by taxation 102,170.34
4.
Increase in State, Metropolitan and County Taxes 59,637.99
5. Increase received from Corporation and Bank Tax 11,678.36
6. Increase in tax rate from $24.20 in 1918 to $27.40 in 1919 3.20
7. $9.12 of the $27.40 is for State, Metropolitan and County taxes over which the Town has no control and debt and interest.
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8. Of the balance $16.27 the Schools required $6.69.
9. Of the remaining $9.58 the Highways re- quired $3.01.
10. From the balance thus left amounting to $6.57 all other activities of the Town are paid-These include Police and Fire De- partments, Street lights, Charities and Health, Salaries, Collection of Ashes and . Garbage, Libraries, Insurance, Public Buildings, Sidewalks, Sewers, Water, Trees and Parks, Engineering, Wire Depart- ment, Cemeteries, Pensions, and Inciden- tal Accounts of all Departments.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
The board deems it advisable in submitting the reports of the various departments to preface these reports with a brief statement of the appropriation of the year and the expenditures classified as nearly as possible. By this method the Board feels that the citizens can see at a glance the amount of money expended for each department, together with the reason for the expenditure and such suggestions for the coming year as the Board deems necessary.
OUTSIDE POOR
Amount appropriated in 1919
$13,000.00
Reimbursements from State
(Mothers Aid) 5,405.35
Reimbursements from Cities and Towns
463.34
Reimbursements from State (Temporary Aid)
53.22
Income from Poor Widows Fund
491.87
Income from. E. S. Farmer Needy Persons Fund
190.90
Total Receipts
$19,605.68
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The above amount shows a large increase over the amount expended in 1918 and is due almost entirely to aid rendered under the provisions of the Mothers Dependent Children Act. This act requires that adequate aid be rendered to mothers with dependent children. The amount of aid is to be deter- mined by the Overseers and based upon the conditions found to exist in each individual case. The epidemic in the winter of 1918-19 very largely increased the number of dependent mothers. These mothers receive aid ranging from $5 to $16 per week, and the State reimburses the Town one-third of the amount allowed where the recipient has a settlement in the Town. In cases where the recipient has no settlement in any city or town the State reimburses for the whole. Where the recipient has a settlement in a city or town other than Arlington the State pays one-third and the city or town of settlement pays the other two-thirds. In either case it requires a larger appro- priation to properly care for these mothers, as it is the intent of the law and the desire of State officials that this aid be of an amount sufficient to enable the mothers to properly care for their children in their own homes. In order to do this under the present conditions, having in mind the high prices of all necessities the State Board of Charity has requested the Board to ask for more liberal appropriation in order that these de- serving cases may have their allowances somewhat increased. In some cases the mother is allowed to work certain days of the week where such work does not deprive the children of the care and attention which they should receive. When it is considered that the aid allowed, together with such amount as the mother may earn must care for rent, fuel, food, clothing and all other necessities it is sometimes to be wondered at how they can do this on the amount allowed, in view of the high cost of every- thing. There are at the present time twenty-seven families, totalling one hundred eight persons, receiving assistance under the Mothers Aid Law in this Town. The payroll for the past year for these families was $11,680. In addition we have ten families, totalling forty persons, who are aided in their own homes, seven persons aided in the families of others, and four persons in institutions, making a total of 159 persons aided during the year, or an average of about $125 per person. In
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SELECTMEN'S REPORT
view of the foregoing facts the Board recommends that an appropriation of $14,500 with reimbursements be made for the care of the poor in 1920.
PROTECTION OF LIFE AND PROPERTY
In making a report of the work of the Police and Fire Departments the Board feels to some extent, at least, these two departments should be considered under a report on the public safety of the Town. The Board is not prepared, at this time, to recommend that these two departments come under one head, in accordance with the theory advanced by proponents of municipal consolidation. There are many arguments and rea- sons against such consolidation. The Board has carefully considered the arguments advanced by the promoters of the various proposed changes in the forms of Town Government, as applied to these two departments, but, as yet, no one of these forms have been found to work out in practise as an improve- ment either in efficiency or expense over the system now used in our own town.
The Board does feel, however, that the work of the members of these two departments is of a character so similar and impor- tant that similar consideration should be given not only to the character of the men comprising the departments but to the conditions of the work and the compensation allowed.
During the past year the Board has found that there has been a feeling of unrest, a feeling that the services of the men comprising the Police and Fire Departments of the various communities were not adequately recognized or appreciated by the citizens of these communities, or in some cases by the officials in control of the departments.
An illustration of these conditions was shown in the de- plorable exhibition of the Police strike of Boston. While this Board emphatically condemns the action of the Boston Police officers in deserting their sworn duty it also desires to be recorded as believing that had the conditions, leading up to the strike, been considered by the controlling officials and the same con- sideration shown for the requests of the members of the old department as was later shown for the comfort and remuneration
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
of the members of the new force no strike would ever have been considered.
The members of these two departments are public servants and as such they have sworn to faithfully perform the duties assigned to them by their duly superior officers. These duties, unlike those in other departments of a municipality, call for service at any and all times for the preservation of life and property. This character of service does not appeal to all the men of a community, nor do all the men of a community measure up to the requirements of this service. The work is dangerous, the hours are long, the discipline is rigid and the compensation small. The men to be employed for this work must have a desire for work of this character, and they must be trained in the work assigned. They must be men of character as in their hands the citizens must trust their lives and property. The services of men willing to devote their time and ability to work of this nature should receive for such services more con- sideration than given to the services of the unskilled laborer, whose work can be replaced at any time by another. The men of these departments should be classified in every community as skilled employees, doing a particular work, and due recogni- tion should be given for these services.
During the past year the Board has endeavored to follow the suggestions made in this report, and herewith submit the reports for each of these departments, showing the appropria- tions made, the expenditures and the estimates and recommenda- tions of the Board for the coming year.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Appropriations for 1919
$25,175.00
Receipts 427.00
Additional Appropriation from Re-
serve Fund 500.00
$26,102.00
Expenditures
Payroll (all officers) $23,523.68
New ambulance and expense of old 1,485.50
Lights (station, Chief and Lieutenant) 286.38
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SELECTMEN'S REPORT
Telephones (Station, Chief and Lieu-
tenant
$210.99
Officers' expenses (prosecution of suits) 150.68
Traffic signs 67.65
Office supplies, stationery, postage, etc. 275.46
Expert evidence 46.00
$26,046.34
Unexpended balance
$55.66
In the latter part of 1919 the Board received a request from the members of the Police Department, asking for an increase of 90 cents per day, or a daily wage of $5.00. The board took the matter under advisement and found on investigation that the same conditions existed in practically all of the metropolitan cities and towns. It was found that the officers were called upon to work seven days a week, with one day off in fifteen, overtime, when required with no extra compensation, and are required to keep themselves at all times fully supplied with uniforms for all occasions at their own expense. After very carefully considering these facts and comparing the amount paid with that received by men in other and less dangerous and unskilled work the Board granted an increase of 65 cents per day, instead of the 90 cents as requested, the same to go into effect January 1, 1920.
In submitting an estimate of the appropriation necessary for the Police Department for the ensuing year the Board deems it advisable to inform the citizens of the conditions that have arisen since the Board recommend the above increase. It has been ascertained that all the cities and towns of the metropolitan district have granted the request of the Police officers for a wage of five dollars per day. To meet this increase an appropriation of $33,000.00 will be necessary for 1920. This estimate of the Board is based solely on the increase in pay and leaves but $2000 for general office expenses.
If the Bill now pending in the Legislature becomes a Law requiring one day off in eight without loss of pay the Town will be called upon to pay the difference in the estimate as submitted and that which would have to be made were that Law in effect now.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
In considering the requests from the Police officers and Firemen the Board has not been unmindful of some of the privileges enjoyed by members of these departments. Both departments are under Civil Service, meaning practically a life position, and they also enjoy the benefits of the Pension Laws, which give them the right to be retired on half-pay after the expiration of twenty-five years of service. The benefits enjoyed by the members under these Laws should not be over- looked, as they are assured on their retirement of a compensation equal to one-half of their present salary.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Amount appropriated in 1919
$22,800.00
Reimbursement
100.00
Additional appropriation (Reserve Fund) 800.00
$23,700.00
Amounts expended
Permanent men
14,692.00
Engineers and call men
5,585.00
Fuel
417.56
Telephones
186.54
Laundry
129.16
Lighting
171.95
Expressage
29.77
New auto and auto supplies
1,856.00
Miscellaneous, repairs, etc.
607.00
23,674.98
Unexpended balance
$25.02
The equipment of the Department is in first class condition, all now being motorized. The new piece of apparatus con- structed by the men of the central station from parts of seven different machines was this year put in commission, and is considered one of the best pieces of apparatus in the Depart- ment. The entire cost of this truck was about $1500, and could not be duplicated by a new machine for less than $6000. The men doing the work are entitled to commendation for the time and attention given to the details of this piece of apparatus.
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SELECTMEN'S REPORT
As stated in the beginning of this report the members of the Fire Department should be placed on an equal footing as to compensation with the members of the Police Department. When the Board, therefore, received a petition from the members of the Department for an increase in salary the matter was considered on that basis, and the Board voted that the perma- nent Firemen receive $1700 per year, the Captain to receive $1950.
The work of the Department during the year has been at its usual high standing, and the report of the Chief shows a smaller loss for fires than for many years. The Board recom- mends an appropriation of $27,500 for the Fire Department the coming year, $500 of said sum to be used for necessary repairs on the Broadway House and $1200 for new hose.
TOWN INSURANCE
During the past year the Town has carried its own liability insurance at a total expense of $428. During the year of 1918, the first year that the Town carried its insurance, there were no accidents, and, therefore, no expense. This means that for two years the total expense of liability insurance has been but $428, as against annual premiums previous to 1918 of from $2000 to $3000.
The matter of the Town carrying its own fire insurance is one to be again seriously considered. Owing to the present high cost of labor and materials the Board has been advised that in order to comply with the requirements of the New England Insurance Exchange it will be necessary to practically double the amount of insurance now carried, or in other words, increase our insurance $967,000.
Were this to be done the coming year it would mean an appropriation of $11,604, being at a flat blanket rate of $12 per thousand for a period of five years. In order that the citi- zens may know the cost of carrying fire insurance, together with the losses from fire, the Board has had compiled a table showing the amount the Town has paid during the past forty years for fire insurance, and the amount received from fire losses. From this table it is determined that during that period they have
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
paid in premiums $48,602.42, while during the same period they have received for fire losses $5,664. The Board makes no further comment at this time as to the Town carrying its own insurance, as the matter is now in the hands of a very competent committee appointed at a recent town meeting.
The appropriation necessary under the present basis for the coming year will be $2200 for renewals and the unexpended balance of last year's appropriation to pay the excess premium on liability insurance for the year 1918 which is now being adjusted by the Town Counsel, Town Auditor and the Company.
STATE AND MILITARY AID AND SOLDIERS' RELIEF
As stated in previous reports payments under these head- ings are regulated by law, and are paid to dependents only of Civil, Spanish and World War veterans. The amounts paid veterans of the Civil War are each year reduced, as the number of these veterans grows less. The veterans of the World War are in a great measure cared for by the War Risk Insurance carried by the Government.
The aid known as Military Aid is given only when all other resources are inadequate to the comfort of the veteran or his dependents, and it is the policy of the Board that this aid be so regulated as to allow no suffering by any one who has served his country.
ROBBINS MEMORIAL TOWN HALL
With the close of the War the social activities were to a great extent renewed, and the revenue received for the use of the Hall for entertainments, dances, etc., was greatly in excess of that received during the previous year. Necessary repairs, such as painting, etc., were required and this work has been done. With a building of this character and the beautiful surroundings this Board, as previous Boards, deems it proper and in accordance with the desires of the citizens that the build- ing and grounds should be at all times kept in first class condition,. as a mark of appreciation for a most generous gift. During the coming year certain repairs and alterations will be necessary on the interior of the building, but the Board feels that these matters can be cared for with the regular appropriation and the revenue.
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SELECTMEN'S REPORT
MENOTOMY HALL (OLD TOWN HALL)
During the early past of the year this building was used as the headquarters for the Red Cross, so that no revenue could be derived from rentals, etc. In the latter part of the year, the Red Cross having finished their work, the Hall was turned over to the Town, and since that time a revenue has been derived from the use of the Hall.
One part of the building continues to be occupied by the S. K. Ames Company, at a yearly rental of $500.
MEDFORD STREET ESTATE
This estate continues to be occupied by two tenants, and the revenue derived from the same is $360 per year, all of which was turned into the Treasury Account and made available for other purposes, as no repairs or alterations were necessary.
ALMSHOUSE PROPERTY
This property continues to be used by the Board of Public Works as a headquarters for all departments coming under the supervision of that Board. All repairs, alterations, etc., are paid by that Board, and while the Town derives no direct revenue the amount of rental formerly paid for quarters of the Water Department is now saved to the Town.
LICENSES FOR GARAGES AND STORAGE OF GASOLINE
Under the Law regulating the granting of licenses for the storage and use of gasoline, and the erection of garages, the- Board is called upon to give hearings where the application calls for more than 120 gallons of gasoline, or for storage of more: than two cars. For a license to keep and store gasoline not. exceeding 120 gallons a permit may be given by the Chief of the. Fire Department, and for the erection of garages for one or two cars the Building Inspector may issue a permit. All of these permits, however, must be in accordance with the rules and regulations made by the Inspection Department of the Massachusetts Public Safety Commission. On all applications: for the erection and maintenance of public garages the policy
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