Town of Westford annual report 1920-1926, Part 5

Author: Westford (Mass.)
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Westford (Mass.)
Number of Pages: 876


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1920-1926 > Part 5


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The decorations were beautiful and appropriate. The hall outside and in was draped with red, white and blue. Over the entrance to the building the word "Welcome" in large letters, and which was illumined at night, was the center of decorations. The lower and upper entrance halls and both main halls were draped with the national colors with the best taste of the decorator's art in a way that was truly decorative and not obstrusive. Lace draperies softened the long windows, and in the upper hall from the center of the ceiling radiated streamers of red, white and blue, and the side walls, balcony and stage were all nicely trimmed.


The festivities began at four o'clock in the afternoon when a reception to the soldiers, sailors and nurses wearing their service uniforms was given them by the townspeople. The hall was well filled with parents, relatives and friends. Poole's orchestra furnished music throughout the afternoon and evening events, and Albert E. Brown, of Lowell, was the song leader.


At five o'clock, the time appointed, General Clarence R. Edwards arrived. He was escorted to the hall by Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher, preceded by a double rank of the veterans who formed in a double line in the hall extending from the door to the stage, and saluted as the general passed down through, followed by his staff. The little group of civil war veterans had their place of honor. They, with the selectmen and presiding officers, took their places at one side of the stage, and the veterans filed out of the hall again and returned again individually to hear the general's message to them.


General Edwards was introduced by Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher and responded with a memorable address. Looking every inch a soldier, and with an eloquent band of black on one arm denoting his personal sacrifice to the toll of the war, he gave a direct and thoughtful message.


A just tribute to America's fighting men, the menace of the insidious doctrines of pacifism and cowardice, the spirit of the military salute and what it stands for, "carrying on" and playing the game with the fine spirit of a good soldier at home, were among the points finely elucidated by General Edwards. Many a glint of humor graced his remarks. In closing he highly endorsed universal military training.


GENERAL CLARENCE R. EDWARDS


-


65


The general received a tremendous ovation and saluted often in acknowledgement. Later, there was an opportunity for the townspeople to meet him, and nearly everyone availed himself of the chance to meet the far-famed leader of the Yanks. For nearly half an hour he stood and shook the hands of parents, relatives and friends of the veterans as they filed by.


Dinner was served in the lower hall at six o'clock. Page of Lowell catered and served an elaborate and delicious menu.


Albert E. Brown, of Lowell, led the singing of the old and new songs and also sang several solos. General Edwards was obliged to leave early for a similar occasion in Lowell, but at the close of the dinner spoke briefly to those present. His advice to all veterans was to join the American Legion and also made a plea for memorials utilitarian in character.


Before the festivities were over each service man was presented . a bronze medal on a watch fob as a token of the appreciation from the town, and each was also given an engraved certificate giving the man's service for the town of Westford and United States of America in the great world war. As each presentation was made the recipient was heartily applauded. These presentations were made by the committee of arrangements. Tribute to the following men who died in service was paid : Lieut. Orien V. Wells. Privates J. Norbet Brule, Napoleon J. Lanctot, Adlard Langley, Antonio Palermo, Charles Smith and Bernard J. O'Hara.


Following the ceremonies in the banquet room a dance in the upper hall lasted until past midnight and closed the day's events.


The following were the members of the committee of arrangements : Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher, chairman; Lieut. Herbert V. Hildreth, secretary ; Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher, Alfred W. Hartford, Capt. Charles W. Robinson, Albert R. Wall, P. Henry Harrington, Oscar R. Spaulding, Frank L. Furbush, Wesley O. Hawkes, Elmer E. Nutting, John Edwards. Frank C. Wright, Elbert H. Flagg, Thomas Costello, Mrs. Herbert V. Hildreth, Mrs. Alfred W. Hartford, Mrs. Hammett D. Wright, Mrs. Annie Precious.


HONOR ROLL.


Private Edward M. Abbot, 54 Training Battery, Camp Zachary Taylor Seaman Francis C. Allard, United States Navy Private Arthur C. Arvanites, Co. E, 301st Ammunition Train 76th A. E. F. Private Frank Araskey, Development Batt., 12th Div., Camp Devens 1st Cl. Sergt. Seth W. Banister, 166 Aero Squadron, A. E. F.


Private Walter O. Beebe Co. F, 7th Am. Train, A. E. F. Sergt. Leroy E. Bicknell, Co. D, 3rd Div., 9th Machine Gun .Batt., A. E. F. Private Arthur C. Blaisdell, 3rd Co., Utility Depot. Quartermaster Corps, Camp Devens.


Private Chester E. Blaisdell,


71st Artillery Replacement Depot, Newport News, Virginia.


3rd Co., Utility Department Corporal Frank L. Blaisdell, Quartermaster Corps, Camp Devens.


Private Walter L. Blanchard,


Private Ralph H. Bonnell, College, Cambridge, Mass.


Co. G, 304th Inf., A. E. F. S. A. T. C., Co. E. Harvard


66


Private J. Norbert Brule,


Co. B, 305th Field Artillery, A. E. F.


Private Alexander Brunnelle,


Private Harry Brooks, Upton, New York.


Private Edward Bechard.


Private Leo K. Bechard,


Sergt. William F. Buckingham,


Private Ernest L. Burland,


Private George Boscu,


U. S. Regular Army, A. E. F. U. S. Regular Army, A. E. F. Headq. 2nd Div., A. E. F. Medical Corps, A. E. F. Depot Brigade, Camp Devens U. S. Naval


Junior Lieut. Alexander A. Cameron. Station, San Pedro, California


Sergt. Donald F. Cameron, Cambridge, Mass.


S .. A. T. C., Harvard College,


Battery E, 76th F. A ..


Private Joseph A. Carpentier, 3rd Division, A. E. F.


Private Frank Charlton,


Private Raymond V. Charlton,


Wagoner John E. Clement, Train, 76th Division, A. E. F. Private Albert C. Collins, Private Harold Connell, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.


Depot Brigade, Camp Devens 2nd Co., U. S. D. B. Guard,


Battery 303rd F. A., A. E. F. Co. A, 58th Inf., 4th Div., A. E. F. Fireman, U. S. N.,


Seaman Frederick L. Couchaine, U. S. S. New Jersey. Private William F. Couchaine, Batt., 7th Army Corps, A. E. F.


Co. B, 326 Field Signal


Private Alfred J. Couture.


Headquarters, 101st Inf., A. E. F. Co. B, Ordnance Dept., Annapolis


Private Henry Couture,


Private Dolard Cote, Camp Devens Private Clarence H. Dane, Battery A, 3rd Reg., F. A. R. D., Camp Jackson Seaman William Davis, U. S. Navy Seaman Fred Defoe, U. S. S. New York


2nd Lieut. Emerson De Roehn.


Private John E. De Roehn.


Private Frederick C. Downing.


Wagoner Gustaf Eliason, 5th Division, A. E. F.


Private James Elliott,


Private Matthew F. Elliott, 26th Division, A. E. F.


Private Ralph Estey, Private Maurice Flagg. 87th Division, A. E. F.


Private Arthur Fletcher,


Ensign Harold H. Fletcher,


Detachment, Seattle, Washington.


Battery C, 73 C. A. Corps, A. E. F. Co. A, 60th Regiment,


Troop M, 1st U. S. Cavalry Co. K, 104 Inf ..


Canadian Service 336 F. A., 162nd Batt.,


U. S. Cavalry, Fort Ethan Allen U. S. Naval Aviation


Died in France


Co. I. 301 A. T .. 76th Div., A. E. F. Co. 23, 152 Depot Brigade, Camp


Co. 46, Twelfth Batt., Camp Devens 1st Regt. Supply Co., Camp Jackson Co. D, 301st Ammunition


Private Joseph F. Costello,


Private Thomas Costello,


67


Junior Lieut. Ralph A. Fletcher, Detachment, Seattle, Washington.


Chief Mach. Mate William C. Furbush, Torpedo Boat Tucker. Private Andrew Frascarelli, Private Claude E. Gladu,


U. S. Navy


Camp Devens A. E. F. Chief Radio Elec., U. S. Naval


Chief John B. Gray, Radio School, Cambridge.


Private Artemus G. Griffin, Agricultural College.


Co. B, S. A. T. C., Mass.


Private Charles M. Griffin, Jr.,


2nd Batt., F. A.


Replacement Regt., A. E. F.


Private Eugene Guichard, 26th Division, A. E. F.


Headquarters 101st Inf.,


Corporal Jacob Halko, Co. A, 74th Inf., 12th Division, Camp Devens. Private Edward T. Hanley, U. S. Training School, U. S. Navy. Private Victor George Hansen, 10th Co., C. A. C., Fort Strong. Chief Boatswain's Mate,


Seaman A. Fredolph Hansen, U. S. S. Shawmut. Corporal Jesse C. Heald.


Seaman Edward Healy,


Private Fred S. Healy,


Private Henry J. Healy,


Private John A. Healy,


Private Joseph A. Heroux,


M. M. 1st Class Albert W. Heywood


Aviation Mechanician Clarence E. Hildreth,


Corporal Harold W. Hildreth,


Private Arthur G. Hildreth,


Private Leon F. Hildreth,


Corporal John Hobson,


Seaman Thomas A. Hughes, Private Paul Jasmin,


Private Justin Jenkins,


Sergt. Major Frank C. Johnson,


Corporal Percy Kilminister, Fort Mckinley, Maine.


Private Alec Krives,


Camp Devens Died in France


Private Napoleon J. Lanctot, Co. M, 101st Infantry, A. E. F.


Private Herman Lawton,


Camp Devens Died in France


Private Adlard Langley, 95th Aero Squadron, A. E. F. Corporal John McDonald. Private Emile Meloit,


Private Thomas Merrick,


Private William H. Mills, Seaman James J. McKniff Private Albert Momenie,


U. S. Naval Aviation


Quartermaster Corps, Camp Devens. U. S. Navy, R. F. S. A. T. C., Lowell Base Hospital, A. E. F. Co. A, 301st Am. Train, A. E. F. Co. E, 308th Engineers, A. E. F. U. S. S. R 20 91st Aero Squadron, A. E. F. 28th Eng., A Co., A. E. F. Officers Training, Plattsburg 28th Engineers, C Co., A. E. F. Co. E, 301st Engineers, A. E. F. U. S. N. R. F. Camp Devens 102nd F. A., Battery F, A. E. F. 306 Train, Headquarters, A. E. F. Battery F, 29th Artillery,


148th Co., 2nd Regt., Med. Corps Co. L, 306th Inf., 77th Div., A. E. F. Co. M, 5th Cavalry, U. S. A., A. E. F. Co. K, 104th Inf., A. E. F. U. S. Navy 104th Co. C, 26th Div., A. E. F.


68


Electrician Joseph Murphy,


Private Fred Moore,


Chief Henry O'Brien,


Private John O'Neil,


Private Robert Orr, Jr.,


Private Antonio Palermo, Killed Oct. 14, 1918, Argonne Drive. 26th Division, Co. K, 104th Infantry, A. E. F.


Private Joseph Pelky, Co. F, 102nd Infantry, A. E. F. Private Edward Perkins, 13 Canadian, R. H. C. Field Clerk, Camp Devens


Private George E. Perkins,


Corporal Joseph Perkins, Jr.,


321st Field Artillery, Battery D, A. E. F. 1st Depot Battalion,


Private William H. Perkins,


Velcatchy Camp, Canada.


Private E. Clyde Prescott,


Camp Devens Camp Devens


Private Clifford H. Petty,


Battery F, 102nd F. A.,


Private Fred H. Picking, 26th Division, A. E. F.


Seaman Richard E. Picking


Private Joseph P. Poirer,


Private Anthony Pivirotto,


Private George A. Prescott,


Seaman Theodore L. Pollock,


Private Thomas Rafferty,


Private James J. Rafferty,


Sergt. Thomas S. Rafferty, 76th Division, A. E. F.


Private Bertram F. Robinson,


Private Henry Reed,


Private Charles V. E. Robey,


Sergt. Edwin A. Robey,


Seaman George H. Sanborn,


Private Marden H. Seavey,


1st Lieut. Warren H. Sherman, U. S. A. Gen. Hospital No. 10, Boston.


Private Charles Smith,


Private Herbert Smith,


82nd Division, A. E. F.


20th Co., 5th Bat., 151st Depot


Private John W. Spinner, Brigade, U. S. A., Camp Devens.


Private Frederick M. Stewart,


Lieut. Daniel Sullivan,


Sergt. Florence G. Sullivan,


12th Division, Camp Devens.


Private Frank Sullivan,


Seaman Howard W. Sweetser


Private Paul Symmes,


Private Joseph Tessier,


Private Joseph Thompson,


Private Emile Tousignant, 26th Division, A. E. F.


U. S. Navy Camp Devens S. A. T. C., Vermont


Canadian Forces, Montreal, Canada. U. S. Navy Camp Devens Artillery, Camp Jackson 301st Ammunition Train,


16 Supply Co., 1st Division, A. E. F. Battery E, 342 Field Art., A. E. F. Co. C, 301 Field Art., A. E. F. 102 F. A., Battery F, A. E. F. U. S. Navy Co. E, 301st Am. Train, A. E. F. Camp Greenleaf, Ga.,


Killed in Action, Canadian Army. Headquarters Co., 127th Inf.,


61st Inf., 5th Div., A. E. F. Aero Service, A. E. F. Headquarters Troop,


305th Co., F. A., A. E. F. U. S. N. R., Newport, R. I. 304th F. A., Batt. F, 77 Division, A. E. F. Coast Artillery Camp Devens Co. C, 101st Infantry,


U. S. Navy, Wireless Operator Camp Devens American Merchant Marine, East Boston Yard. A. M. Corps, A. E. F. Co. 5, 322 M. T. C.


69


Sergt. Herbert Walkden, 76th Division, A. E. F.


Seaman Francis Sullivan,


Private William L. Wall, Syracuse Recruiting Camp. Sergt. George D. Wilson, Camp Lee, Va.


Corporal William J. Wilson, Band, Fort Jay, New York.


Co. F, 301st Ammunition Train,


U. S. Navy Ordnance Department,


Engineers, Officers' Training School,


22nd Infantry, Headquarters Co.,


Seaman Charles Woods, 2nd Class Seaman, U. S. N. Wagoner Carl G. Wright. Co. D, 301st Am. Train, A. E. F. Private Ernest T. Wright, Casual Art. Replacement, A. E. F. Died


1st Lieut. Orion V. Wells, Medical Corps.


ARMY NURSES.


Eva M. Lord, Base Hospital 66, A. E. F. Helen J. Lord, U. S. Navy, Naval Reserve, Newport, R. I. Margaret C. O'Hara Base Hospital, A. E. F.


Annie Healey,


Gladys Hildreth, (f) Yeoman American Red Cross, U. S. Army Hospital No. 41, Staten Island, New York.


70


Treasurer's Report


Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1920. $21,780.71


Cash borrowed, anticipation taxes 30,000.00


Cash borrowed, Fire Equipment. 4,500.00


Accrued int. on same .. 6.87


Commonwealth of Mass .:


Income tax, 1917. 75.00


Income tax, 1918. 90.00


Income tax, 1919.


2,190.00


Income tax, 1920.


5,463.62


Income tax, 1920, General School Fund.


2,461.71


Mothers with dependent children.


905.41


Division Sanitation


420.00


Vocational Educational Trust Fund. 15.00


Compensation Inspector Animals 87.50


Supt. Schools, small towns. 497.44


Corporation tax, public service , 317.38


National Bank tax. 401.09


St. R. R. tax


380.14


Military Aid


108.00


State Aid


432.00


Corporation tax, foreign. 486.99


Corporation tax, domestic.


14,610.23


Income Mass. School fund.


2,793.10 981.04


Temporary Aid


State Forester 387.66


W. C. Roudenbush, supplies. 3.49


Use telephone at Town Hall. .55


W. C. Edwards bond J. Lee. 13.50


B. & M. R. R. Co., redemption school tickets. 8.54


Town Tyngsboro tuition. 75.00


Over payments 130.00


A. A. Hildreth, Sealer of Weights and Measures. 42.16


S. H. Balch, Janitor, Town Hall. 204.75


B. & M. R. R., on acct. fires. 78.05


Cemetery Funds, Income


361.62


Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds.


550.00


Cemetery Commission, care of lots. 408.00


Traders & Mechanics Ins Co., Loss at Town Farm. . .


462.00


Holyoke Ins. Co., Loss at Town Farm


194.00


Penn. Ins. Co., Loss at Town Farm


1,250.00


Licenses 87.00


Income Library Funds.


190.00


E. D. Metcalf Fund, Income. 80.00


71


County Treasurer, Dog Licenses. $ 362.70


Reimbursement Mrs. Wm. Flanagan.


275.00


Whitney Playground Funds. 480.00


L. W. Wheeler, Collector, Tax, 1919. 934.33


L. W. Wheeler, Collector, Tax, 1919, Int.


18.18


L. W. Wheeler, Collector, Tax, 1920.


53,764.01


L. W. Wheeler, Collector, Tax, Collection fees


17.31


Sidewalks


464.89


C. E. Hildreth, rent.


10.00


L. W. Wheeler, coll. tax, 1920


44.68


L. W. Wheeler, coll. tax, 1920 Int. and coll. fees. 64.56


$149,965.21


PAYMENTS.


-


Notes


$ 33,000.00


Interest


1,369.00


County tax


4,477.96


State tax


10,220.00


Repairs State Highway


989.80


Soldiers' Exemption


36.24


Civilian War Poll Tax.


2,229.00


Orders


94,414.51


Special State Tax.


481.80


Perpetual Care Funds.


550.00


Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1921


2,196.90


$149,965.21


HARWOOD L. WRIGHT,


Treasurer.


72


Auditors' Report


Having made the customary examination of the books and records kept by the various Town Officers, I herewith submit the following detailed report together with a statement of the financial condition of the Town of Westford on January 1, 1921.


TAXES. To Debit of L. W. Wheeler, Collector, for year 1918:


To Excise Tax as per Assessors' Warrant. . $ 562.07 To Debit of L. W. Wheeler, Collector, for year 1919: To balance to collect as per Audit of Jan. 8, 1920 .. $ 907.52


Additions since previous Audit 29.24


Past due Interest collected 18.18


Collection costs charged 17.31


Total to collect. $ 972.25


Less abatements as per Assessors' Notices $


2.43


Amount collected 969.82 $ 972.25


To Excise Tax for 1919 to Collect as per Assessors'


Warrant


$ 495.07


To Debit of L. W. Wheeler, Collector, for year 1920:


To amount of tax levy as per Assessors' Warrant as follows:


743 Polls at $5.00 $ 3,715.00


Moth and Lead Tax. 1,466.96


Tax on Personal Property 14,784.87


Tax on Real Estate 34,462.47


$54,429.30


Additions since issue of Warrant as per Assessors'


Notices


394.13


$54,823.43


Less Abatements for the year as per Notices from Assessors


303.26


$54,520.17


Interest and Collection Charges.


64.56


Total amount to collect.


$54,584.73


By Collections to January 6, 1921 1


53,873.25


Balance 1920 Taxes to collect.


711.48


73


TOWN CLERK.


The Town Clerk issued during the year licenses for : 190 Male Dogs at $2.00. . $ 380.00 160.00


32 Female Dogs at $5.00


$ 540.00


Less Clerk's fee, 220 at 20 cents


44.40


Balance paid to County Treasurer and receipted


for by him. $ 495.60


WESTFORD HOME. Mr. C. S. Ripley, Superintendent.


Balance cash on hand January 2, 1920. $ 27.88 Total cash receipts from all sources during the year 5,310.71


$ 5,338.5€


By expenditures for the year. 5,284.5%


Balance cash on hand January 2, 1921.


$ 54.07


TREASURER.


To balance cash on hand Jan. 1, 1920. .$ 21,780.71


Receipts from all sources during year. 128,184.50


$149,965.21


By total payments for year ending Dec. 31, 1920. .


$147,768.31


Cash on hand Dec. 31, 1920. 2,196.90


$149,965.21


SELECTMEN.


The Selectmen drew a total of 939 orders on the Town Treasurer during the year just ended, the total amount of which was $94,414.51. Cancelled voucher checks were found on file with the Treasurer.


STATEMENT OF CONDITION.


ASSETS.


1918 Excise Tax uncollected. $ 562.07


1919 Excise Tax uncollected . 495.07


1920 Taxes remaining uncollected. 711.44


Balance cash on hand with Supt. of Town Farm. $ 54.07


Balance cash on hand with Town Treasurer. 2,196.90


$4,019.55


LIABILITIES.


Due State Treas. on Schoolhouse Loan (W. E. Frost) $2,000.00


Two months' interest on above at 41/4%. 14.16


Due State Treas. on account Graniteville Road. 2,400.00


Four months' interest on above at 5%. 40.00


Due State Treas. on account New Fire Truck,


Dated Dec. 31, 1920, interest at 51/2% . 4,500.00


$8,954.16


74


LIST OF FUNDS.


E. D. METCALF MONUMENT FUND.


Two $1,000.00 Erie R. R. Co.'s 4 per cent. Gold Bonds, Nos. 7243-7375 $2,000.00


INCOME FUND FROM ABOVE ACCOUNT.


Merrimack River Savings Bank. $ 216.20 $ 216.20


LIBRARY FUNDS.


In Savings Banks.


$4,000.00


Wilkin 's Bequest 150.00


Interest on same.


82.73


$4,232.73


WHITNEY PLAYGROUND.


Two $1,000.00 Am. Tel. & Tel. Co.'s Bonds,


Interest


Nos. 30,040-30,041. $ 2,000.00


Two $1,000.00 Spencer Gas. Co.'s Bonds, Nos. 46-47


2,000.00


One $1,000.00 City of Canton Bond.


1,000.00


Lowell Institution for Savings


526.59


Lowell Institution for Savings


1,000.00


$ 34.00


Central Savings Bank.


1,000.00


34.00


Merrimack River Savings Bank


1,000.00


34.00


Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank


1,000.00


34.00


City Institution for Savings.


1,000.00


36.53


$10,526.59 $172.53 $10,699.12


Mrs. M. Elizabeth Whitney $2,500 Fund for the care and preservation and replacing of shade trees


Mechanics Savings Bank. $ 500.00


Two $1,000.00 Liberty Bonds. 2,000.00


$2,500.00


INCOME FUND FOR ABOVE ACCOUNT.


Mechanics Savings Bank. $ 99.89


$ 99.89


CEMETERY FUNDS.


Interest


Central Savings Bank. $2,400.00


Lowell Institution for Savings.


350.00


City Institution for Savings. 250.00


$107.79


Mechanics Savings Bank.


1,225.00


Merrimack River Savings Bank.


1,350.00


Five Cent Savings Bank.


1,995.25 .


Liberty Bonds of 2nd Issue 600.00


Liberty Bonds of 3rd Issue


1,700.00


$2,000.00


$9,870.25 $107.79 $9,978.04


-


75


Interest drawn from Perpetual Care Funds and


deposited in an Income Fund for Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds : Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds :


Lowell Five Cent Savings. $ 735.02


Lowell Institution for Savings. 7.90


Merrimack River Savings Bank. 29.63


Lowell Five Cent Savings


44.93


Merrimack River Savings


29.25


Lowell Institution for Savings


7.90


Central Savings


59.70


Interest on Income Account.


12.21


Coupons from $1,300 3rd Liberty Loan.


55.25


Coupons from $1,700.00 3rd Liberty Loan.


72.25


Coupons from $600.00 2nd Liberty Loan.


24.00


- $ 1,078.04


INCOME FUND.


Above interest reinvested in an Income Fund


which now stands as follows:


Liberty Bonds 3rd Issue


$1,300.00


Central Savings Bank


1,440.24


$ 2,740.24


$32,466.22


All Bank Books and Securities as listed above are held by the Town Treasurer.


FREDERICK SMITH,


Auditor.


76


Finance Committee Report.


Westford, Mass., January 28, 1921.


The Finance Committee has carefully considered those articles in the warrant, calling for appropriations, to be acted upon at the Annual Town Meeting, February 14, 1921. We have conferred with Officers of the several departments in regard to their expense requirements for the year 1921. We submit herewith our recommendations.


Appropriate Raise and Appropriate


Arti-ls &


Public Library ... . .


Public Burial Grounds


Dog Tax $ 1,900.00 150.00


12. Highways,


Roads $14,000.00


Snow Removal


2,000.00


Electric Lights


3,800.00


Tools


200.00


Guide Boards


100.00


Silent Signals


300.00


State Highway


1,000.00


$3,900.00


17,500.00


13. Town Debts and Charges,


General Fund


$ 4,000.00


Salaries 4,000.00·


State and County Tax 17,408.00


Notes and Interest


3,151.00


20,059.00


7,500.00


15. Police Department


16. Public Schools,


Rent and Care of Bldgs.,


Fuel, Light, Water, etc. $ 5,770.00


Salaries 23,900.00


Transportation 8,260.00


Text Books


1,000.00


Supplies


1,500.00


Repairs


570.00


6,000.00


35,000.00


17. Moth Department


1S. Fire Protection,


Hydrants $2,360.00


Forest Fires 500.00


Fire Department


1,100.00


3,960.00


Amount carried forward.


$33,159.00


$71,010.00


..


14. Support of Poor.


2,500.00


2,000.00


2,000.00


..


700.00


1,000.00


77-


Amount brought forward .. $33,159.00


Article 19. Unpaid Bills (Estimated)


$71,010.00 2,000.00


20. Westford Post 159, Suitable Quarters 200.00


21. Westford Post 159, Stand of Colors. . 150.00


16 22. Hydrants at Brookside (Provided for under Article 18)


23. Repairs of Cottage House at Centre Fire Station


1,000.00 3,950.00


34. Board of Health


35. Band Concerts 350.00


36. Fish and Game


75.00


39. Branch Line


2,100.00


41. Memorial Day


300.00


43. Farm Bureau


250.00


$36,209.00 $78,335.00


Valuation of Town in 1920, $2,735,339.00.


Income from State Treasurer. . $31,774.20


Income from other sources. 818.34


Poll Taxes 4,000.00


$36.592.54


24. Motor Hearse. Upon investigation we find that it is not expedient to purchase a motor hearse at this time.


66


27. Town Accountant. In as much as the Town Officials have from year to year exceeded their appropriations, we recommend the adoption of this article asking for the employment of a town accountant.


30. Rental of Academy Building. In as much as the proposed new agreement with the Trustees of Westford Academy for the rental of the Academy Building will call for additional expense in the way of janitor service, we recommend that should the town vote to authorize this new agreement that the necessary amount to defray the expense be paid from the appropriation to be made under Article 16.


32. Assessors' Pay. The pay of Assessors is $3.50 per day as fixed by law. We recommend that the town vote 50c per day additional making the total pay $4.00 per day.


33. Groton Road. This article calls for the expenditure of money for the purpose of the construction of the Groton Road with a permanent pavement. We are informed that it is proposed to construct only a portion of the work at this time, $5,000.00 to be spent by the Town and a like amount to be contributed by both the State and County making a total sum of $15,000.00. Should the voters of the Town take favorable action in the matter we recommend that the Town borrow a sum sufficient to defray the expense incurred on its part, payment to be made in five promissory notes of one thousand dollars each, one only to mature each succeeding year.


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On the supposition that $78,335.00 is raised as recommended and using the 1920 Town's valuation. $2,735,339.00, and the same refund from the State as in 1920, the tax rate figures approximately $28.60 per thousand for the year 1921.


There is at the present time much dissatisfaction among our taxpayers in regard to the valuation of property as now on the Assessors' books. Each property owner should bear his proportional part of the burden of taxation.


It is recommended by this committee that the Assessors be requested to make a new and thorough appraisal employing expert advice on such property as they themselves are not acquainted with and competent to judge upon.


The Finance Committee recommend that a committee of three be chosen to confer with the Selectmen and investigate the road conditions of the Town with a view to laying out a general system of improvement, in order to have the yearly appropriations expended in such a way as to tend toward permanent betterment of the highways, after being suitably laid out according to a general system, this committee to report at a meeting of the town not later than the next annual meeting.


H. V. HILDRETH, J. A. CAMERON, E. H. FLAGG, GEORGE F. WHITE, W. R. TAYLOR,


Finance Committee.


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WARRANT FOR ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WESTFORD, MASS.


COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.


MIDDLESEX, SS.


To the Constable of the Town of Westford, in said County : GREETING :




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