USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1946 > Part 11
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However, to provide the best service possible to present and future customers, it becomes our main concern that more and more of the
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efforts and resources of the department be concentrated in rendering the best possible service to its customers and at the lowest cost. The huge post-war demand for electricity has appeared in the face of rapidly mounting costs.
The record-breaking demand for electricity which started last sum- mer over the entire country has confronted utilities with unusual op- erating difficulties inasmuch as the load was imposed on systems before they were able to get the equipment needed to handle this demand. Instances are known where in some cities it was necessary to notify customers that electricity was not available for certain purposes. It is also known that some utilities served customers without meters because of shortages.
The general situation was noted lately in an issue of the "Electrical World" in which Mr. Adam Althouse, assistant president of the Metro- politan Edison Co. of New York stated that "the mettle of distribution engineers is being tested as not even in the war due to material short- ages".
Considerable tree trimming work to obtain line clearances was sup- ervised by the tree wardens in Reading, North Reading, and Wilmington and will be continued throughout the coming year in Reading. Trees are responsible for a greater number of outages.
The serious disruption of service caused by the hurricane on June 8th of last year was entirely the result of damage inflicted by the effects of wind on trees. The cost to repair damage amounted to $1,874.17. That storm caused interruption of service on practically all overhead lines that lasted from eight to twenty-four hours. Some of the feeders were repaired so as to restore service to many customers before dawn, and within 24 hours electricity became available to all except in a few scattered spots.
The assistance rendered to clear the storm damage by the Tree Warden's, Highway, Police, and Fire Departments in all four towns is highly appreciated as well as the consideration shown by our customers of the great task our Department had on its hands.
Among the additions to the distribution system were 142 poles, 248,797 feet of wire, and 33 transformers. Of 281 poles renewed, 56 were replaced by the telephone company.
We installed 250 new services.
The number of customers on December 31st was 7,485 thus showing an increase of 336 customers for the year.
A surprising development occurred last June when permission was obtained from the Town of Wakefield to run a power line along Bay State Road to Lynnfield Center which reduces the length of our present feeder through North Reading to the town's electrical center to one half of its distance. The new line will consist of No. 00 copper and should be in operation early this year.
134
The operating gains resulting from this change are too obvious to warrant detailed comment but it will be mentioned that over $1,200.00 will be saved annually through its reduction in line losses, improved voltage regulation, losses due to outages, fixed and operating costs.
Present loadings require the extension of larger conductors this year on the Wilmington and North Reading feeders.
Copper purchased last May for the present long route to Lynnfield soon to be abandoned can provide all the wire needed for this work.
It is planned to make circuit changes which will result in a more complete utilization of present circuit capacities.
Substantial additions of distribution transformers will be required for existing customers as well as for expected extensions.
Street Lighting
Additional street lights were installed as follows: Reading 5, Wil- mington 10, North Reading 6, Lynnfield 9.
The 600 candle-power lamps throughout the square have been changed to 1000 candle-power.
The total number of street lights installed as of December 31 were 2,161.
The kilowatt hours sent out on the Reading street light circuits were 564,803, and the appropriation from the tax levy for street lighting was $15,000.00.
Meter Department
We purchased 210 new meters and retired 28 old type meters, in- cluding several which were damaged beyond repair. The jewel and pivot bearings of meters tested were replaced when found necessary.
The number of outdoor meters installed were 211 bringing the total number to 4,039 as of December 31, 1946.
The mutual advantages of outdoor meters have become so com- monly recognized that the Department has for some time been receiving requests to have indoor meters relocated outdoors.
We regret that the scarcity of meter enclosures will delay the re- sumption of meeting these requests.
Following is the record of tests and repairs :
Request tests 149
Periodic tests 484
Laboratory tests 636
Miscellaneous tests 922
Repairs
93
Automotive Equipment
The 1936 Ford line truck has been replaced by a new 21/2-ton Mack truck.
A new line construction body with a crew compartment was also purchased for this new truck.
135
The 1936 Chevrolet and 1939 Plymouth Coupes should be replaced as soon as new cars become available.
The 1937 Chevrolet line truck also should be replaced as this truck is equipped with a stake body which is not suitable for line construction work.
Summary of Automobile Expense
Miles Travelled
134,364
Gasoline - 12,480 gals.
$ 1,577.43
Oil - 475 qts.
88.25
Anti-Freeze - 96 qts.
42.24
Material
1,376.32
Labor
2,845.65
Insurance
742.18
Depreciation
400.18
Total Expense $ 7,072.25
Average Cost per mile 5.263
Appliance Department
The Sales Department has just concluded a year of sales effort which from a standpoint of revenue was very encouraging. The ratio of sales made in relation to the demand for appliances, especially ranges, was small due to the inability of manufacturers to produce ranges in any sizable quantity during 1946.
The sale of appliances and jobbing showed a net profit of $15,175.98. Gross sales were $99,661.05 which was 450% over 1945.
Incandescent lamps were sold in the amount of $2,622.48, miscel- laneous sales of $1,817.03 were made, and repairs were made to cus- tomers' appliances for which $5,304.10 was charged. These figures are included in the total gross sales.
The estimated number of kilowatt hours used annually by the appliances sold in 1946 is 708,519, and the amount of increased annual estimated revenue from the sales of these kilowatt hours at 3.5 cents is $24,798.19.
Major appliances sold were installed in customers' premises during the year at a cost of $6,259.55. 131 water heaters were sold and installed which accounted for 458,500 kilowatt hours of the total of 708,519 kilo- watt hours.
Promotional methods presently used by utilities vary considerably, from simple advertising as one extreme to the other of substantial sub- sidization such as free range and water heater installations, whether or not purchased from the utility's store.
This Department pursues a middle-of-the-road policy although it recognizes that in time if circumstances change it may become advisable to revise present practices.
136
In closing I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the advice and support of the members of the Municipal Light Board and for the loyal cooperation of the employees all of which has made possible the successful operation of the plant and the excellent service rendered to the customers which we serve.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 57, Chapter 164 of the General Laws, I submit herewith my estimate of the income and expenses of the plant for the year ending December 31, 1946.
ESTIMATE FOR YEAR 1947
INCOME
From Private Consumers
$510,041.62
From Tax Levy
From Street Light
16,000.00
For Municipal Buildings
5,711.88
From Miscellaneous Income
7,640.00
(Wages included in cost of Mdse. Sales & Service-$10,045.16)
TOTAL INCOME
$539,393.50
EXPENSES
Wages
Mat. & Exp.
Total
Production
$ 987.39
$239,414.15
$240,401.54
Distribution
68,531.16
19,068.84
87,600.00
Utilization
9,003.02
6,896.98
15,900.00
Commercial
19,379.44
6,670.56
26,050.00
New Business
150.00
150.00
General & Miscellaneous
29,058.24
11,650.86
40,709.10
Depreciation
37,086.25
37,086.25
Bond & Note Payments
16,000.00
16,000.00
Interest on Bond & Notes
877.50
877.50
Uncollectible Operating Reve- nues
1,500.00
1,500.00
Mdse. & Job. Exp.
Misc. Inc.
Taxes-Outside Towns
7,500.00
7,500.00
Interest on Consumers Deposits TOTAL EXPENSES
550.00
550.00
Excess-Income over Expenses
65,069.11
KWH Purchased
186,440.57
KWH Sold
169,660.92
KWH for Reading Street Lights
5,700.00
Enpenses for KWH Sold
.0279
Cost of Street Lights
$ 15,935.49
Appropriation for Street Lights
$ 16,000.00
-
-
-
-
126,959.25
$347,365.14 $474,324.39
.
137
A summary of cash receipts and expenditures, statement of the various funds. total cost and book value of the plant, together with statistics pertaining to the plant. a list of bills remaining unpaid at the end of the year. and the auditor's certificate is appended herewith.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARENCE L. THOMAS, Manager
CHARLES E. STANWOOD & COMPANY
Accountant and Auditors 150 Congress Street Boston, Massachusetts
150 Congress Street Boston, Massachusetts February 3, 1947
To the Municipal Light Board Town of Reading
Massachusetts
We have examined the accompanying balance sheet of the Municipal Light Department of the Town of Reading, Massachusetts, as at Decem- ber 31, 1946 and related statements of income and profit and loss for the year then ended. and reviewed the system of internal control and ac- counting procedures and, without making a detailed audit of the trans- actions, have examined or tested accounting records of the Department and other supporting evidence, by methods and to the extent we deemed appropriate.
In our opinion said financial statements present fairly the position of the Municipa! Light Department as at December 31, 1946 and the re- sults of their operations for the year then ended, in conformity with the "Uniform System of Accounts for Municipal Lighting Plants" as pre- scribed by the Department of Public Utilities of Massachusetts.
(Signed) CHARLES E. STANWOOD & COMPANY
REPORT OF MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
The report of the Manager as submitted by him together with the certificate of the auditor is hereby approved by the Municipal Light Board an l constitutes its report to the Town.
HERBERT G. EVANS LOUIS ELLENWOOD JOSEPH H. REED
Municipal Light Board
138
TOTAL COST OF PLANT as of December 31, 1946
Cost of Land-Ash Street $ 2,575.80
25 Haven Street 7,459.46
Cost of Structures-Ash Street
66,132.59
25 Haven Street 28,093.90
Generator Plant-Steam :
Cost of Boiler Plant Equipment
Cost of Prime Movers & Auxiliaries
14,619.24
Cost of Turbo Generator Units
Cost of Electric Plant-Steam
-
Transmission, Distribution and Storage :
Cost of Trans. Sta. and Substa. Equip.
124,511.97
Cost of Poles, Fixtures and Overhead Cond. 547,700.93
Cost of Underground Conduits 112,266.33
Cost of Underground Conductors
110,873.95
Cost of Consumers' Meters
78,687.66
Cost of Meter Installations
26,703.60
Cost of Line Transformers
64,878.98
Cost of Line Transformer Installations
6,278.56
Utilization Equipment :
Cost of Street Lighting Equip.
55,460.69
TOTAL COST OF ELECTRIC PLANT
$1,246,243.66
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES as of December 31, 1946
FIXED ASSETS:
Land
$ 10,035.26
Structures
67,097.09
Plant Equipment
Trans. Sta. & Substa. Equip.
47,718.32
Poles, Fixtures, and Overhead Cond.
238,839.45
Underground Conduit
87,879.19
Underground Conductors
78,061.05
Consumers' Meters and Installations
46,964.47
Line Transformers and Installations
37,553.76
Street Lighting Equipment 12,862.49
General Equipment 21,676.78
TOTAL FIXED ASSETS
$648,687.86
UNFINISHED CONSTRUCTION
4,998.22.
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CURRENT ASSETS:
Construction Fund
17,880.80
Const. Fund-Spec. Underground 1,431.59
Depreciation Fund 127,016.24
Consumers' Deposit Fund
19,573.00
Petty Cash
300.00
Accounts Receivable
50,703.76
Materials and Supplies Inventories 93,036.86
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS $309,942.25
PREPAID INSURANCE 687.02
TOTALS
$964,315.35
LIABILITIES :
Notes Payable
$ 43,000.00
Bonds Payable
10,000.00
Accounts Payable
36,266.09
Consumers' Deposits
19,573.00
Town Treas .- Petty Cash Fund
300.00
Interest Accrued
313.54
Loans Repayments
598,578.26
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$708,030.89
PROFIT AND LOSS:
Balance December 31, 1946
256,284.46
TOTALS $964,315.35
Note: A contingent liability in the amount of $7,368.82 existed at December 31, 1946 on account of leases received from installment sales of electrical appliances and which were discounted with the Middlesex County National Bank of Reading.
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT as of December 31, 1946
BALANCE :
December 31, 1945
$221,415.39
Income Balance from Operating Account
94,969.07
Sale of Equipment-Electric Plant Steam 7,900.00
TOTAL CREDITS $324,284.46
Bonds and Notes Paid
18,000.00
Transferred to General Funds of the Town
50,000.00
TOTAL DEBITS
$ 68,000.00
BALANCE :
December 31, 1946
$256,284.46
140
SUMMARY OF INCOME AND EXPENSE
for the year ending December 31, 1946
REVENUES :
Residence Service
$353,492.26
Commercial Service
70,790.25
Commercial Power-Wholesale 26,785.43
Municipal Service
11,234.47
Sales to Private Companies & Municipal Plts.
1,188.40
Street Lighting Service
30,712.67
Miscellaneous Income
15,881.70
TOTAL REVENUES
$510,085.18
EXPENSES :
'Production Expenses
$213,663.58
Distribution Expenses
86,393.09
Utilization Expenses
12,627.08
Commercial Expenses
23,583.98
New Business Expenses
114.53
General Expenses
28,133.85
Depreciation
39,078.80
Interest on Bonds & Notes
930.21
Taxes
6,911.44
Uncollectible Operating Revenues
871.01
Interest on Consumers' Deposits
598.54
Retirement Pensions
2,210.00
TOTAL EXPENSE
$415,116.11
Excess of Revenues over Expenses
$ 94,969.07
Bonds and Notes Paid
18,000.00
Transfer to Town Treasurer
50,000.00
NET REVENUES :
To Profit and Loss
$ 26,969.07
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE December 31, 1946
Boston & Maine Railroad
$ 3.20
Harry Upson Camp
11.70
Dyer-Clark Co.
57.96
L. Ellenwood
21.00
Francis Bros. Inc.
104.40
Fuelite Natural Gas Corp.
8.05
Frank A. Gallagher
91.98
Gallants Electric Motor Service
4.50
Grainger-Rush Co.
667.17
Graybar Electric Co.
183.29
141
Hodson Bros.
7.50
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
296.21
Town Clerk, Lynnfield, Higgins
12.40
Malden Motor Parts Co.
.70
Milhender Distributors
562.83
N E. Appliance & Radio News Inc.
3.00
Jack O'Brien
1.00
Railway Express Agency
.40
WV .. W. Welch
19.06
Edwin L. Wiegand
2.89
MacMillan Ring Free Oil Co.
4.00
The Electric Storage Battery Co.
34.42
Burroughs Adding Machine Co.
3.00
Henry Blethen
18.97
Classens Garage
1.00
Colonial Auto Exchange
6.00
Dockham's Express
15.75
Electromaster, Inc.
19.70
H. P. Hood & Sons
16.80
H. W. Hunt Co.
1.39
Joe's Service Station
.75
Kennedy Plumbing & Heating Corp.
7.07
North Shore Welding Service
7.46
Reading Sq. Market
9.70
Sargent's Express
2.20
Wanamaker & Feindel
30.15
Brooks' Express
19.00
John A. Akeson
2.89
G. H. Atkinson Co.
9.75
Boston Edison Co.
21,330.01
Industrial Electronics, Inc.
78.99
Wendell Bancroft & Co.
.85
Blackstone Corp.
4.69
Davis Transformer Co.
61.00
The Dayton Pump & Mfg. Co.
7.61
The Eastern Co.
2,135.92
Electri: Institute of Boston, Inc.
20.00
Frigidaire Sales Corp.
24.82
Frost Insecticide Co.
18.00
G. E. Appliances Inc.
1,891.4S
G. E. Supply Corp.
1,799.91
G. E. Co., 140 Federal St.
50.15
Koppers. Inc.
1,344.70
Laing Chevrolet Co.
27.01
Landers. Frary & Clark
50.34
142
Edward Lappin 179.07
Lincoln Oil Co. 166.65
N. E. Tel. & Tel. Co. 351.13
Palmer Severini Co.
6.50
"Power Plant Engr."
4.00
Reading Automotive Supply Co.
76.88
Sager Electrical Supply Co.
48.83
Fred F. Smith, Inc.
27.60
M. D. Stetson Co.
9.80
Wahn Distributors
73.80
George H. Wahn Co.
251.47
Wetmore-Savage Div.
1,624.53
W. B. Feindel
19.40
Merchants Tire Co.
113.77
L. E. Muran Co.
70.00
Town Clerk, North Reading, Sullivan
3.00
Northeastern Distributors
115.24
Pennsylvania Oil Co.
401.91
Western Union Telegraph Co.
1.31
Westinghouse Electric Corp.
86.66
J. Brinton Bailey
375.45
George H. Buckminster Co.
177.22
Commercial Motor Service Co.
10.00
Easy Washing Machine Corp.
215.74
Johnnie's Service Station
37.72
North Shore Tire Grading Co.
25.00
J. M. Richards Co. 39.90
Spaulding-Moss Co.
9.44
Nichols Ice & Fuel Co.
5.20
North Woburn Machine Co.
25.18
Clapp & Leach, Inc.
261.72
M. F. Charles & Sons
1.25
Reading Chronicle
55.00
Royal Typewriter Co.
3.97
B. F. Waldron Co., Inc.
8.63
Westinghouse Electric Supply Co.
384.70
Chapin Oil Co.
82.46
TOTAL
$ 36,266.09
143
REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR
To the Board of Health
Gentlemen :
. The annual report of the Plumbing Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1946 is as follows :
Number of permits issued 116
Number of fixtures installed
471
Electric storage heaters
1
Domestic gas storage heaters
10
Domestic hot water tanks 30 Gal.
15
Tankless heaters 16
Electric washing machines
1
Soda fountains
1
Frozen food chests
2
Combination sink and dishwasher
2
Dental chair cuspidors
1
Shower stalls
10
Water closets 96
Lavatories
93
Bath tubs
64
Flat rim sinks
44
Sink and tray combinations
23
Cabinet sinks
7
Laundry trays
19
Slop sinks
1
Garbage grinders
1
Floor drains
4
Gasoline catch basins 2
Sewer connections
14
Cesspool connections
44
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH G. SHAW
Inspector of Plumbing
144
Annual Report
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
Town of Reading, Massachusetts
For the Year Ended December 31 1946
IN MEMORIAM
DOROTHY A. ALLARD
TEACHER September 1927 - June 1946
PRINCIPAL September 1946 - October 20, 1946
MATILDA J. GAMBLE
TEACHER September 1920 - October 19, 1946
The high quality of service rendered by these two members of our staff has been an inspiration to all of us and to the many pupils who were fortu- nate enough to have them as teachers
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
-
School Committee
Mrs. Gladys F. Milton, 280 Summer Avenue Term expires 1949
Mr. Alexander P. Glover, 158 Prescott Street
Term expires 1949
Mrs. Mary E. Earley, 18 Whittier Road Term expires 1948
Dr. Merle W. Wescott, 16 Sanborn Street Term expires 1948
Mr. J. Warren Killam, Jr., Chairman, 340 Summer Ave. Term expires 1947 Mr. Gould B. Ruggles, 224 High Street Term expires 1947
School Committee Office
Grouard House, 25 School Street Rea. 0180; 0059
Open Daily
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
During School Vacations
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Superintendent of Schools
Elbridge C. Grover, 6 Pine Ridge Road
Office : Rea. 0180; 0059 Residence : 0479
Secretary to the Superintendent
Mae A. Tanner, 58 Prescott Street
Office: Rea. 0180; 0059 Residence: Rea. 0050
Clerks in School Committee Office
Helen P. Ingalls, 432 Haverhill St., School Committee Clerk
Office: Rea. 0180; 0059 Residence : Rea. 0243
Alice Arsenault, 9 Longwood Road, Clerk-Secretary Office : Rea. 0180; 0059 Residence: Rea. 1662-M
Visiting Teacher
Jean F. Ramsay, 385 Summer Avenue
Office : Rea. 1475 Residence: Rea. 0084
Attendance Officer
Warburton J. Murray, 81 Vine Street
Office : Rea. 1475 Residence : Rea. 1312-W
School Physician
Dr. Thomas F. Halpin, 26 Linden Street
Residence: Rea. 0086
School Nurse
Margaret B. Clewley, 131 Pleasant St., Woburn
Office : Rea. 1475 Residence : Wob. 0316
147
NO SCHOOL SIGNALS
Radio announcement when possible over WNAC, WEEI, WBZ, and WLAW between 7:00 and 7:45 a.m.
Fire alarm 2-2 repeated three times. Street lights turned on for five minutes at the following times :
7:15 a.m. for Senior High School 7:30 a.m. for Junior High School 7:45 a.m. for Grades 1-6 inclusive
Since the Elementary Schools have two sessions, the afternoon session may be discontinued due to inclement weather. When afternoon sessions are discontinued, announcement will be made over the radio, fire alarm, street light system, as well as in the individual schools on or before 11:30 a.m.
High School sessions will be called off only in cases of extremely severe weather or other emergencies. None of the schools will be closed except in severe weather, but it is hoped that parents will at all times use discretion as to whether their children should attend, even when the schools are in session.
SCHOOL CLINICS
Dental-Tuesday, at Grouard House, 9:00 to 1:00.
Tuberculosis Prevention-annually by announcement.
Diphtheria Prevention-annual by announcement.
Diphtheria Prevention-annually by announcement.
*Registration of children entering school in September is held the previous March-time announced in local paper.
SCHOOL SECRETARIES AND CLERKS
High School:
Myrtle W. Tilton, 99 Prescott Street Rea. 0295-W
Jean Underhill, 49 Pratt Street Rea. 1469-M Junior High School : Alice Larrabee, 1140 Main Street Rea. 1388
Highland School:
Sylvia Batchelder, 617 Pearl Street Rea. 1546-J
Pearl Street School:
Dorothy A. Walsh, Park St., N. Reading N. R. 195
SCHOOL JANITORS
High School:
John Maguire, 61 Vine Street Rea. 0281-J
Percy Curtis, 40 Pleasant St., Wakefield Cry. 1188-W
Mary White, 20 Pleasant Street
148
Junior High School:
Fred Riessle, 10 King Street Rea. 1617-M
William R. Yorks, 16 Track Road Rea. 1087-R
Andrew J. Lomax, 159 Lowell Street Agnes Hurley, 23 King Street
Highland School and Grouard House:
William J. Broussard, 131 Salem Street Rea. 1937-W
Elmer F. White, 111 Salem St.
Lila Hall, 247 High Street
Pearl Street School :
Edward W. McBrien, 213 Forest Street Rea. 0228 Simon A. Castine, 21 Green Street
Prospect Street and Chestnut Hill Schools : Leander Smith, 193 High Street
Rea. 1325
Lowell Street School :
William A. Lloyd, 128 Bancroft Avenue
CAFETERIA
High School :
Mary A. Kingman, 12 Sanborn Street
Ida Johnson, 38 Washington Street Rea. 0699-J
Evelyn M. Davis, 36 Gould Street
Junior High School :
.Annie L. Canty, 72 Linden Street Rea. 1653-W
Edith French, 11 Lewis Street Rea. 0808-W
Eva E. Noble, 241 West Street Rea. 1438-W
SCHOOL CALENDAR
No sessions : Memorial Day
May 30, 1947 September 3, 1947
Schools open
No sessions :
Columbus Day
October 13, 1947
Teachers' Convention
October 31, 1947
Armistice Day November 11, 1947
Thanksgiving Recess from noon, November 26, 1947, to December 1, 1947 Christmas Vacation from end of regular sessions, December 23, 1947 to January 5, 1948
Winter Vacation, week of
February 23, 1948
Spring Vacation, week of No sessions :
April 25, 1948
Memorial Day Schools close for Summer
May 31, 1948
June 18, 1948
149
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Reading :
The School Committee submits its annual report.
The educational system in Reading has reached the crossroads. The question before the people today is whether they wish to have their educational facilities for children advance along with other communities, or whether they desire to revert to fundamentals only. If it is the wish of the people of Reading to progress in educational methods to the end that their children will be equipped to compete with the children from other communities in advanced education, or in the business world, they must prepare themselves for higher school department costs, and in- cidentally, higher tax levies.
If, on the other hand, they prefer to revert to the minimum neces- sities so that the advantage of equal competition in universities of higher learning, and the outside business world, will be confined to those families with the financial ability to send their children to private schools, then undoubtedly the school department expenses can be maintained at a low level without any substantial increased tax burden. Your Com- mittee believes that the calibre of the people of Reading is such that they desire the best possible educational system which can be devised, without too great an increase in the tax levy.
The school plant could reasonably be valued at one million dollars, and of necessity the repairs and maintenance of such a substantial plant are large. During the past several years it has been impossible, due to labor shortages and the shortage of critical materials, to maintain the now-standing buildings in a state of even reasonable repair. It has been contended that this year, due to the amount of money granted by way of temporary adjustment in teachers' pay, that the maintenance account should be further reduced. This maintenance account for one reason or another has been substantially reduced each year from what appeared to be necessities. This is the principal reason why the con- dition of the plant is as it is today. Next year, and for several years to come, the people of Reading can well expect to face additional expense outside its usual maintenance, and, therefore, it does not appear to your Committee intelligent that necessary maintenance items should be longer deferred. For example: In the event that labor and material should become available so that construction can be commenced on the Summer Avenue Elementary School, the people of Reading would be faced with providing a substantial amount from the tax levy, as well as a bond issue for the balance of the construction cost. Each succeed- ing year until such time as the bonds have been retired, a substantial amount, outside of usual maintenance, would of necessity come from the tax levy, so that deferring necessary maintenance amounts would be
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