USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1917 > Part 16
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Cash in reconstruction fund
49,926 34
312
Cash in depreciation fund
$2,345 67
Cash in operation fund
.
1,070 56
Cash in deposit fund .
2,025 47
Total assets
$315,465 46
LIABILITIES
Appropriations for construction . $30,678 26
Appropriations for bond payments · 26,000 00
Appropriations for note payments
. 20,600 00
Bonds outstanding
. 117,000 00
Notes outstanding
44,900 00
Deposits
2,025 47
Interest accrued, but not due .
1,581 36
Accounts payable, reconstruction
128 05
Accounts payable, operation
15,360 29
Total liabilities .
$258,273 43
Surplus
$57,192 03
$315,465 46
It will be observed that the Profit and Loss balance at the beginning of the year represented a deficit of $18,891.26 and that the Profit and Loss balance at the end of the year represented a surplus of $57,192.03. The profit thus shown by the books and amounting to $76,083.29 consists of $67,239.16, a profit made in the past but not then properly shown on the books (as per Mr. Whiting's report to the Finance Com- mittee) and $8.844.13, the profit of the year 1917. A net profit of $8.844.13 for a private corporation doing the same business would be considered good but it was not good enough in our case because we were obliged to retire our capital to the extent of $11,300. In other words, we were not able to meet all of our obligations and must ask the Town for an additional appropriation.
The gross earnings show an increase of $5,693.63 over the previous year, but were nearly $1,900 less than the estimate at the beginning of the year, while operating expenses ex-
313
ceeded the estimate by $2,257.05 and were $12,031.25 more than in 1916. The increase in interest and depreciation charges and bond and note payments was $1,364.92.
The expense of the investigation and report of Mr. Whiting and printing the report of same amounted to about $870 and is charged to Committee Expense, and the increase in the amount charged to Office Expense is due principally to the cost of changing the system of bookkeeping in accord- ance with Mr. Whiting's recommendation.
The increase in the amount charged to insurance is partly due to increased pay roll and also because the liability insurance covers fifteen months instead of twelve.
While wages of all employes have been increased during the year in keeping with the general increase all over the country, the greatest increase in operating expense has been in the fuel. The average price per ton was $6.76 for 1917 as against $4.41 for 1916, and the excessive amount of waste in the fuel received has undoubtedly resulted in an increased consumption of approximately 300 tons during the year. Up to the present time we have received about 87 per cent. of the tonnage which is due us under our contracts, but it is very doubtful if either of the contracts will be completely filled. We have on hand now a sufficient quantity to last until about April first, and while new contracts are not now being taken by the shippers, owing to the uncertain condi- tions affecting the price, supply and facilities for delivery, it seems probable that before our present supply is exhausted some understanding between the government and the pro- ducers will be arrived at so that new contracts can be made.
The work of renewing jointly with the Telephone and Street Railway Companies, the defective poles has been con- tinued this year on the following streets : Village, Parker, Ash, Lincoln, Howard, Main and John Streets. The work on some of these streets has not yet been completed. I do not expect that we can do very much of this work the com- ing year on account of lack of funds, but the work already under way should be completed.
314
The following additions to the connected load have been made: Lynnfield-13 street lights and 10 commercial customers; North Reading-16 street lights and 18 con- mercial customers; Wilmington-8 street lights and 43 com- mercial customers; Reading-15 street lights and 90 com- mercial customers.
The appliances sold during the year are as follows: 28 ranges, 6 hot plates, 18 motors, 1 pump, 2 electric sewing machines, 8 sewing machine motors, 3 automobile heaters, 2 glue pots, 7 curling iron heaters, 1 Simplex ironer, 1 Tun- gar Rectifier, 1 bell-ringing transformer, 1 food warmer, 1 vibrator, 123 irons, 21 toasters, 28 grills, 33 fans, 21 vacuum cleaners, 9 washing machines, 11 heating pads, 7 percolators, 17 Wallace lamps, 1 ovenette, 1 toy range.
We have connected 18 motors, totalling 51 H. P .. our total connected motor load being about 492 H. P.
The total number of cooking and heating services is now 81, and we hope to increase this number materially during 1918.
We have on hand 23 ranges, also other appliances, which were purchased at prices very much less than those prevailing at the present time, and customers on our lines will be given the advantage of these prices.
EMPLOYEES IN THE SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT
Charles H. Rich, assistant engineer at the plant. was granted leave of absence on May 14. He enlisted in the Naval Service and is now ensign on a boat which has been across several times.
Jerome L. Mayhew, lineman, was granted leave of ab- sence June 7. IIe enlisted in Lumbermen's Unit No. 3, and is now located in Ardgay, Scotland.
Charles P. Stratton, electrician, was granted leave of absence on November 13. He enlisted in the Naval Re- serves and is at present stationed at the Navy Rifle Range, Camp Plunkett, Reading, in charge of the electric lighting and telephone systems.
315
RECOMMENDATIONS
On account of the large increase in fuel cost, which is about $13,000 more than it would be if normal prices pre- vailed, it seems that an increase in rates at this time can- not be avoided. Other plants, both municipal and private, have been obliged to increase rates temporarily in order to meet expenses.
I therefore offer the following recommendations : first, that a new power schedule be adopted which will result in an increased revenue of approximately ten per cent ; second, that an increase of one cent per K. W. H. be made in the lighting rates; third, that we discontinue the practice of furnishing and renewing incandescent lamps without charge.
I estimate that the above changes will increase the revenue from the present consumers about $5,000 per year, and will decrease the expenses about $2,600. I have also estimated a probable increase in earnings of $6,000 on ac- count of new business during the year.
My estimate for 1918, which follows, has been figured with the expectation that the foregoing recommendations will be adopted, and the amount to be included in the tax levy, as compensation for street lighting, is $13,000.
ESTIMATE FOR 1918
EXPENDITURES :
For operation, maintenance and repairs . $60,605 00
For interest on bonds and notes 6,913 13
For depreciation fund (3% of $284,328 29) . .
8,529 85
For note payments 4,800 00
For bond payments 10,000 00
For loss in preceding year 2,455 87
$93,303 85
INCOME :
From sales to private consumers $78,803 85
From sundry items 1,500 00
80,303 85
Balance Total to be appropriated
$13,000 00
$13,000 00
316
I do not think it will be necessary to provide additional funds for new construction this year, as it is not probable that many extensions will be made, and ordinary service connections to existing lines can be financed from the De- preciation Fund.
The total cash belonging to the Department consists of several kinds of cash and it is thought best to keep these in separate cash accounts and to call the same funds. A cer- tain kind of cash may be used for certain purposes but it may not properly be used for certain other purposes. Tran- scripts from these fund accounts are given below.
RE-CONSTRUCTION FUND DEBTOR
To balance of Dec. 31, 1916 .
$ 0 00
To appropriation from bonds ·
55,000 00
- $55,000 00
CREDITOR
By engineering (not yet disbursed) $1,618 64
By additions to steam plant 3,455 02
By balance of Dec. 31, 1917
49,926 34 ·
$55,000 00
CONSTRUCTION FUND
DEBTOR
To balance of Dec. 31, 1916 $ 0 00
To appropriation from notes 6,500 00
To transfer from Depreciation Fund 5,564 18
$12,064 18
CREDITOR
By additions to steam plant $523 00
By additions to lines
7,392 44
By additions to transformers
1,744 84
By additions to meters .
1,987 11
By additions to street lights 416 79
By balance of Dec. 31, 1917
0 00
$12,064 18
317
DEPRECIATION FUND DEBTOR
To balance of Dec. 31, 1916 $0 00
To transfer from Operation Fund
8,096 95
To sale of old equipment .
175 00
$8,271 95
CREDITOR
By transfer to Construction Fund $5,564 18
By renewals of lines .
362 10
By balance of Dec. 31, 1917
2,345 67
$8,271 95
OPERATION FUND DEBTOR
To balance of Dec. 31, 1916
$284 94
To receipts from customers
76,925 94
To appropriation from tax levy 8,750 00
To premiums and interest .
1,091 02
$87,051 90
CREDITOR
By operating expenditures . $61,513 96
By transfer to Depreciation Fund
8,096 95
By bonds retired
7,000 00
By notes retired
4,300 00
By interest paid
5,070 43
By balance of Dec. 31, 1917
1,070 56
$87,051 90
COST OF PLANT
As reported Dec. 31, 1916 . . $269,898 27
Plus error
10 82
.
Corrected, as of Dec. 31, 1916
$269,909 09
Additions to steam plant .
$3,978 02
Additions to lines
7,392 44
Additions to transformers .
1,744 84
Additions to meters .
1,987 11
Additions to street lights .
416 79
Total additions
$15,519 20
Cost as of Dec. 31. 1917
$285,428 29
318
LYNNFIELD EXTENSION
Total investment to Dec. 31, 1917 :
Lines . . $11,961 16
Incandescent street lights . 1,164 68
Meters .
1,351 96
Transformers
. 971 10
$15,448 90
NORTH READING EXTENSION
Total investment to Dec. 31, 1917 :
Electric plant $440 12
Lines
24,694 05
Incandescent street lights 1,781 09
Meters .
1,701 41
Transformers
1,720 65
$30,337 32
WILMINGTON EXTENSION
Total investment to Dec. 31, 1917 :
Electric plant $627 18
Lines
39,429 63
Incandescent street lights . .
2,574 79
Meters .
1,530 94
Transformers
. 2,407 35
$46,569 89
The following data, both financial and physical, has been taken from the office records and may be of interest to some :
TABLE SHOWING DATA FROM RECORDS OF THE PLANT
Kilowatt hours manufactured .
1,291,216
Kilowatt hours delivered to Reading street lights 168,535
Kilowatt hours sold 812,507
Kilowatt hours used at station and office 12,464
Kilowatt hours unaccounted for 297,710
Coal used, tons
2,756
Average cost of coal per ton
$6.759
Poles added .
59
Feet of wire added
149,604
319
Motors connected .
18
New services installed .
210
Street lamps installed .
50
CONNECTED LOAD DECEMBER 31, 1917
Number of customers .
1,964
Horse power in motors .
492
Number of street lights
1,295
READING
Number of customers Dec. 31, 1917
1,431
Number of 40 c. p. street lights
7
Number of 60 c. p. street lights
443
Number of 100 c. p. street lights
20
Number of 250 c. p. street lights
48
Number of 400 c. p. street lights
1
Number of 600 c. p. street lights
23
Horse power in motors
379
Earnings for the year
. $43,875.15
NORTH READING EXTENSION
Number of customers Dec. 31, 1917
139
Number of 40 c. p. street lights
.
·
241
Horse power in motors
36
Earnings for the year
$7,433.13
LYNNFIELD EXTENSION
Number of customers Dec. 31, 1917
110
Number of 40 c. p. street lights
122
Horse power in motors
27
Earnings for the year
$4,372.67
WILMINGTON EXTENSION
Number of customers Dec. 31, 1917
284
Number of 40 c. p. street lights
392
Horse power in motors
50
Earnings for the year .
$11,912.69
.
320
EARNINGS FROM LIGHT AND POWER FOR FIVE YEARS
1913
1917
Light
$36,106 01
1914 $41,092 11
1915 $44,109 37
1916 $51,200 77
៛56,695 22
Power
8,558 69
8,707 64
7,493 95
10,699 24
10,898 42
Total $44,664 70
$49,799 75
$51,603 32
$61,900 01
$67,593 64
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR G. SIAS, Manager.
GEORGE L. FLINT
FRANK E. ORAFTS
W. G. LONG Municipal Light Board.
321
A list of unpaid bills December 31, is appended in accordance with Section 3 of Article 9 of the Town By-laws.
Addressograph Co.
$5 08
Andren Co., Karl .
52 40
American Express Co. .
17 67
Boston & Maine R. R. .
1,256 21
Barrett Co.
8 50
Bancroft & Co., Wendell
108 87
Braman, Dow & Co.
40 15
Bristol Co.
4 62
Brockway-Smith Corp.
4' 48
Buckminster Co., George H.
189 50
Campbell Electric Co. . .
4 25
Cameron, J. J. .
1 00
Castner, Curran & Bullitt, Inc.
1,253. 60
Chapin, Earle H.
662 54
Charles, M. F.
13 83
Clapp & Leach
54 02
Columbia Lamp Division
1,462 23
Cook, Arthur J.
2 62
Cummings & Chute
146 84
Eagle Oil & Supply Co.
18 13
Electric Machine & Instrument Co. Electrical Sales Co.
31 80
Fairbanks Co.
72 53
Federal Sign System (Electric)
183 68
Foster, McDonald Co. .
14 13
Francis Bros.
2 35
Garlock Packing Co.
15 20
General Electric Co.
444 01
Groom Co., Thomas
42 50
Ham Electric Co., E. W.
100 97
Hammond Process Co.
22 30
Hardy Co., F. S.
483 30
Hart & Co., Mathias
24 00
Hayden & Co.
$66 10
Hume, J. P. .
6 30
Jeandron Co., W. J.
3 51
Jenkins Bros.
5 83
·
22 00
322
Johnson, H. R. 25 28
Johns, Manville Co., H. W. .
8 06
Landers, Frary & Clark
1 65
Lincoln Electric Co.
1 03
Lumsden & Van Stone Co.
5 80
Lynnfield, Town of
189 81
McLane Estate, J. B.
66 20
Miley Soap Co.
24 00
New England Coal & Coke Co.
705 79
New England Petroleum Co.
39 40
New England Tel. & Tel. Co.
26 11
North Reading, Town of
126 56
Ordway, O. O.
4 50
Pettingell, Andrews Co.
867 48
Pneuvac Co. .
25 00
Prentiss & Viall .
1,097 50
Quaker City Rubber Co.
3 87
Reading Garage
162 03
Reading Water Works .
24 15
Scannell Boiler Works
32 32
Simplex Electric Heating Co.
137 87
Simplex Wire & Cable Co. .
134 05
Society for Electrical Development
16 67
Sperry, Fred D.
108 75
Standard Oil Co.
208 50
Stuart-Howland Co.
960 23
Sweetser, Percy N.
466 51
Turnbull & Rogers
2 50
Twombly, W. E. & J. F.
290 56
Tyler Mfg. Co. .
16 00
Wagner Electric Mfg. Co.
93 23
Wakefield Coal Supply Co.
25 65
Western Electric Co.
426 81
Westinghouse Electric Mfg. Co.
197 27
Wetmore, Savage Co.
541 74
Whiting, O. W.
455 40
Whitney & Kemmerer
1,072 53
Woburn Machine Co.
50 48
$15,488 34
.
MR. WHITING'S REPORT
BOSTON, MASS., Feb. 12, 1918.
MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD, READING, MASS. :
GENTLEMEN-In view of the fact that you must presently make your annual report to the Town, I beg to submit the following.
Toward the reconstruction of the plant, the following contracts have been let :
Engineering
. $4,750 00
Boiler
. 3,395 00
Boiler setting
1,150 00 Boiler flue .
1,100 00 .
Boiler room extension 4,741 00 .
Turbo generator and exciter . 15,831 00
Condenser
6,350 00
Total
. $37,317 00
So far as the work is concerned, we have only succeeded in getting in the building and boiler setting foundations and doing a few odd jobs. When this much had been ac- complished, extremely cold weather set in and stopped the work. This was unfortunate but was practically offset by the fortunate fact that the peak load of the season was car- ried without any trouble developing in the turbine.
The corrections in the accounts, that I recommended in my report to the Finance Committee, have been made, re- ported to the Board of Gas & Electric Light Commissioners and accepted by them.
323
324
The methods of handling the accounts are still in the process of being changed, but the change is nearly com- plete. The new ledger, journal, disbursements book, sales book and receipts book have been obtained and are now in use.
Yours very truly, O. W. WHITING.
INDEX
PAGE
Report of Assessors
100
Board of Fire Engineers
107
Board of Health
114
Board of Park Commissioners
189
Cemetery Trustees
229
Chief of Police
103
Collector
176
Electric Light Commissioners
307
Forest Warden
119
Inspector of Animals
230
Inspector of Buildings
188
Inspector of Milk
116
Inspector of Plumbing
115
Inspector of Wires
112
Overseers of the Poor
.
178
Planning Board
183
Playground Commission
185
Public Library
224
School Committee
121
Sealer of Weights and Measures .
117
Selectmen
88
Sewer Commissioners .
233
Superintendent of Fire Alarm
109
Superintendent of Streets
180
Town Accountant
249
Town Clerk, Town Meetings
9
Town Clerk, Dog Licenses . 69
Town Clerk, Births Registered
70
Town Clerk, Marriages Registered
25
Town Clerk, Deaths Registered .
77
Town Counsel
98
Town Office Building Committee Treasurer
219
Water Commissioners
195
Roll of Honor
79
.
170
Town Officers .
3
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