USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1935-1936 > Part 14
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Mothers' Aid
208.75
State Aid
122.00
Soldiers' Relief
.97
90
Schools
11.06
Vocational Training
634.60
Daniel T. Buzzell School
6.85
Whitefield School Toilets and Electric
Lights
4.30
Walker School Toilets
4.62
Parks
3.69
Grading, Seeding and Rolling Common
5.53
Unclassified
4.18
Memorial Day
31.21
Blacksmithing Tools, W. P. A
78.00
Surveying, Mapping, etc., Town Property etc.
400.00
Park Street Water Mains
.87
Andover Street Water Mains
9.03
Cemetery
2.61
Cemetery, Special
.42
Interest
1,247.03
Reserve Fund
669.00
5,120.76
From Tax Revenue Account
15.46
Estimated Receipts (excess)
3,742.81
$31,221.09
Recapitulation of 1936 Taxes
Total Appropriations for Town purposes $192,336.09
Maturing Debt
1,400.00
State Tax
6,700.00
County Tax
6,633.22
Hospital and Home Care Tax.
129.60
State Parks and Reservations.
75.68
Balance 1936 State Tax
335.00
Balance 1935 State Parks and Reservations
27.97
Overlay
1,533.11
$209,170.67
Raised as Follows:
Property Tax, $4,298,648.00 @ $38.20 $164,210.65
Poll Taxes, 1274 @ $2.00. 2,548.00
Estimated Receipts 42,412.02 $209,170.67
91
STATEMENT OF TOWN DEBT
Temporary Loans (Anticipation of Revenue)
Outstanding January 1, 1936:
Note No. 171
$10,000.00
Note No. 172
10,000.00
Note No. 176
25,000.00
Note No. 177
5,000.00
Note No. 178
20,000.00
Note No. 179
10,000.00
Note No. 180
10,000.00
Note No. 181
10,000.00
Note No. 182
10,000.00 $110,000.00
Borrowed during 1936:
Note No. 207
25,000.00
Note No. 194
$10,000.00
Note No. 195
4,000.00
Note No. 196
20,000.00
Note No. 197
20,000.00
Note No. 198
20,000.00
Note No. 200
25,000.00
Note No. 201
5,000.00
Note No. 206
20,000.00
Note No. 207
25,000.00
Note No. 213
20,000.00
Note No. 215
25,000.00
Note No. 216
10,000.00
Note No. 217
10,000.00 $214,000.00
$324,000.00
Paid during 1936:
Note No. 171
$10,000.00
Note No. 172
10,000.00
Note No. 176
25,000.00
Note No. 178
20,000.00
Note No. 179
10,000.00
Note No. 180
10,000.00
Note No. 181
10,000.00
Note No. 182
10,000.00
Note No. 194
10,000.00
Note Not. 195
4,000.00
92
Note No. 196
20,000.00
Note No. 197 Note No. 198
20,000.00
20,000.00 $179,000.00
Outstanding December 31, 1936
$145,000.00
Temporary Loans
(From Commonwealth-Account Tax Titles)
Outstanding January 1, 1936:
Note No. 170 (Balance) $8,065.15
Borrowed during 1936:
Note No. 183
4,000.00
Note No. 200
4,686.71
Note No. 203
1,500.00
Note No. 205
5,300.00
Note No. 214
4,000.00
$27,551.86
Paid during 1936
Note No. 170 (Balance)
$8,065.15
Note No. 183
4,000.00
Note No. 200 (on account)
2,720.22
14,785.37
Outstanding December 31, 1936
$12,766.49
Municipal Relief Loan
Borrowed during 1936
$1,795.27
Outstanding December 31, 1936
$1,795.27
School Department Notes
(Issue of 1935)
Outstanding January 1, 1936
$28,500.00
Paid during 1936
3,500.00
Outstanding December 31, 1936.
$25,000.00
Water Department Bonds
( (Issue of 1928)
Outstanding January 1, 1936
$287,500.00
Paid during 1936 12,500.00
Outstanding December 31, 1936
$275,000.00
93
Water Departmnt Notes
(Issue of 1935)
Outstanding January 1, 1936
Borrowed during 1936
$14,000.00 4,000.00
$18,000.00
Paid during 1936.
1,400.00
Outstanding December 31, 1936
$16,600.00
Summary of Town Debt
Temporary Loan ( (Anticipation of Revenue) $145,000.00
Temporary Loans (Account Tax Titles) 12,766.49
Temporary Loan (Municipal Relief)
1,795.27
School Department Notes
25,000.00
Water Department Bonds
275,000.00
Water Department Notes
16,600.00
$476,161.76
BALANCE SHEET, DECEMBER 31, 1936
DR.
CR.
Cash in Treasury
$60,325.94
Uncollected Taxes :
1931
$3.29
Water Department .. 3.93
1932
3.11
Cemetery Reserve Fund.
1,365.00
1933
46.13
Abatement 1935 Taxes 497.27
1934
27.06
Abatement 1936 Taxes
1,155.99
1935
19,348.09
County Tax 1936
40.65
1936
84,950.68 $104,378.36
County Tax 1935
27.32
State Parks and Reservations Tax 1936
16.52
Library (Income due)
13.88
Trust Funds (Income due)
944.48
Abatement 1933 Taxes
161.59
Abatement 1934 Taxes
958.94
Authorized Loans
2,000.00
Tax Title Possessions
2,740.38
Tax Titles
29,137.08
Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes :
1931
$1,942.55
1932
1,750.78
1933
1,645.88
1934
1,583.54
1935
1,760.64
Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes-Revenue.
11,108.58
1936
2,425.19
11,108.58
Excess and Deficiency 13,831.50
$211,769.23
$211,769.23
Dog Licenses 27.00
Tax Title Possessions-Revenue.
2,740.38
Tax Titles-Revenue. 29,137.08
Tax Titles-Temporary Account.
8.12
Tax Titles Redemptions Reserved.
778.66
Surplus War Bonus Funds.
1,475.83
State Highway Damages
84.00
Old Age Assistance Tax-State.
1.00
Hospital and Home Care Tax 1936. 9.60
Hospital and Home Care Tax 1935
10.00
Temporary Loans (Anticipation of Revenue) $145,000.00 Appropriation Balances. 4,450.80
Net Funded or Fixed Debt. $331,161.76
$331,161.76
Tax Title Loans.
$ 12,766.49
Municipal Relief Loan 1,795.27
Water Department Bonds. 275,000.00
Water Department Notes 16,600.00
School Department Notes
25,000.00
$331,161.76
Sears Cook Walker School Fund. $ 298.64
S. D. J. Carter Lecture Fund.
6,878.97
Chester W. Clark Library Fund .. 609.65 Burnapp Library Fund .. 268.09
Trust Funds, Cash and Securities .... $22,899.45
Benjamin Buck Library Fund. 568.05
Charlotte C. Smith Library Fund.
760.36
Sabra Carter Common Fund.
308.67
Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds. 8,207.02
Lizzie T. B. Sweatt Cemetery Fund.
5,000.00
$22,899.45
$ 22,899.45
HARRY R. DEMING, Town Accountant
REPORT OF A STATE AUDIT OF THE ACCOUNTS OF THE TOWN OF WILMINGTON
FOR THE PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 18, 1932 TO JULY 3, 1936
MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 44 GENERAL LAWS
REPORT OF STATE AUDITOR
October 9, 1936
To the Board of Selectmen Mr. Harold E. Melzar, Chairman Wilmington, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and accounts of the Town of Wilmington for the period from September 18, 1932, to July 3, 1936, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Herman B. Dine, Assistant Director of Accounts.
Very truly yours,
THEODORE N. WADDELL, Director of Accounts.
TNW: MC
Mr. Theodore N. Waddell Director of Accounts Department of Corporations and Taxation State House, Boston
Sir:
As directed by you, I have made an audit of the books and ac- counts of the Town of Wilmington for the period from September 18, 1932, the date of the previous audit, to July 3, 1936, and submit the following report thereon:
The financial transactions, as recorded on the books of the several departments receiving or disbursing money for the Town or commit- ting bills for collection, were examined and reconciled with the books and records in the town accountant's office.
The books and accounts of the Town accountant were examined and checked. The recorded receipts were compared with the avail- able departmental records and with the treasurer's books, while the recorded payments were compared with the treasurer's records of payments.
99
The ledger was analyzed, the appropriation accounts being checked with the amounts voted by the Town as listed from the Town Clerk's records of town meetings and with the records of transfers from the reserve fund authorized by the finance committee, while other accounts were checked with information and records in the departments in which the transactions originated.
A trial balance was taken off, and a balance sheet, which is appended to this report, was prepared showing the financial condi- tion of the town on July 3, 1936.
In checking the departmental accounts receivable it was noted that in some departments no adequate records of charges for materials sold or services rendered could be located. It is essential that proper records be kept in every department of bills due the town and sent out for collection by such department, and that the town accountant be promptly notified of all bills committed for collection so that his ledger accounts may at all times reflect the true condition of the accounts receivable.
The accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts were compared with the records in the several departments collecting money for the town and with other sources from which money was paid into the town treasury, while the payments were checked with the warrants authorizing the treasurer to disburse town funds and with the accountant's books.
The cash books were analyzed and footed for the period covered by the audit, and the cash balance was proved by actual count of the cash on hand and by a reconciliation of the bank balances with state- ments furnished by the banks of deposit.
The payments on account of debt and interest were checked with the amounts falling due and with the cancelled securities and coupons on file. A complete verification of interest payments could not be made. since many cancelled coupons, which had undoubtedly been returned by the bank. could not be found. It is important that all paid interest coupons, when returned to the treasurer, be properly filed.
It was noted that receipts collected early in one year have been entered in the cash book as receipts of the previous year. This practice is contrary to the provisions of Section 56. Chapter 44. Gen- eral Laws, and should be discontinued.
100
The securities, including savings bank books, representing the investments of trust funds in the custody of the treasurer were ex- amined and listed. The income as reported was proved, the dis- bursements were verified, and the balances were found to be as re- ported.
The books and accounts of the tax collector were examined and verified. The taxes outstanding at the time of the previous examina- tion were audited, and all subsequent commitment lists of taxes were proved to the assessors' warrants. The recorded collections were verified by a comparison with the payments to the treasurer as shown by the treasurer's books, the abatements, as recorded, were checked with the assessors' records of abatements granted, and the outstand- ing accounts were listed and reconciled with the town accountant's books.
A further verification of the outstanding accounts was obtained by mailing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town. the replies received thereto indicat- ing that the accounts, as listed, are correct.
The balance sheet appended shows a substantial amount of out- standing motor vehicle excise taxes of prior years extending as far back as 1930, and it is recommended that a determined effort be made to collect these taxes promptly
The records of tax titles taken by the town were examined and proved by checking to tax title deeds in the custody of the treasurer. The redemptions and foreclosures were verified, and the outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled with the accountant's books.
The financial records of the town clerk were examined.
The records of licenses issued for the town, of hunting and fishing licenses issued for the State, and of dog licenses issued for the county were examined and checked and the payments to town, State, and county were verified.
The books and accounts of the water department were examined and checked. The records of charges and payments were analyzed and the recorded payments to the treasurer were compared with the treasurer's cash book. The recorded abatements were checked with the abatement records of the water commissioners, and the out- standing accounts were listed and reconciled with the ledger accounts.
101
In addition to the departments and accounts mentioned, the avail- able records of all other departments collecting money for the town or sending out bills for collection were examined and checked.
The surety bonds of the treasurer, collector, and town clerk for the faithful performance of their duties were examined and found to be in proper form.
Appended to this report, in addition to the balance sheet, are tables showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's cash, summaries of the tax, tax title, and departmental accounts, together with tables showing the trust fund transactions.
During the progress of the audit, co-operation was received from the various town officials, for which, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, I wish to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
HERMAN B. DINE,
Assistant Director of Accounts.
HBD: MC
102
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
February 2, 1937.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
In accordance with the requirements of the Town By-Laws, I submit herewith my report as Town Counsel covering the year 1936.
A. On January 1, 1936 there were pending the following actions by or against the Town (exclusive of actions in which the Town was merely summoned as Trustee and in which it had no interest) :
Hakey v. Town of Wilmington, Middlesex Superior Court. (Action of tort by Mary Jane Surrette Hakey to recover damages for personal injuries alleged to have been received by reason of a defect in Mid- dlesex Avenue; ad damnum $5000.)
Bean v. Town of Wilmington, Suffolk Superior Court. (Action of tort by Nellie F. Bean to recover damages for personal injuries alleged to have been received by reason of a defect in the sidewalk on Main Street; ad damnum $5000.)
City of Woburn v. Town of Wilmington, Fourth District Court of Eastern Middlesex. (Action of contract by City of Woburn to recover for aid furnished in a public welfare case in which $102.64 is claimed to be due.)
City of Woburn v. Town of Wilmington, Fourth District Court of Eastern Middlesex. (Action of contract by City of Woburn to recover for aid furnished in & public welfare case in which $68.84 is claimed to be due.)
City of Woburn v. Town of Wilmington, Fourth District Court of Eastern Middlesex. (Action of contract by City of Woburn to recover for aid furnished in a public welfare case; ad damnum $3000.)
City of Loweil v. Town of Wilmington, District Court of Lowell. (Action of contract by City of Lowell to recover the sum of $275.96 for special vocational training of certain pupils.)
103
City of Lowell v. Town of Wilmington, District Court of Lowell. (Action of contract by City of Lowell to recover $657.77 plus interest for aid furnished in a public welfare case.)
Woburn Five Cents Savings Bank v. Town of Wilmington and others, Land Court. (Bill in equity seeking to compel the apportion- ment of taxes assessed on various lots on Clark Street heretofore assessed as a unit.)
Town of Wilmington v. Wyckstrom, Administrator Middlesex Pro- bate Court. (Suit in equity seeking to collect judgment previously obtained against above administrator in the Superior Court for Mid- dlesex County.)
B. During the year 1936 the following new actions were brought against the Town:
Cincotta v. Town of Wilmington, Middlesex Superior Court. (Action of tort by Marion Cincotta to recover damages for personal injuries alleged to have been received by reason of a defect in Burlington Avenue; ad damnum $5000.)
Town of Chelmsford v. Town of Wilmington, District Court of Lowell. (Action of contract by Town of Chelmsford to recover the sum of $63.84 for aid furnished in a public welfare case.)
Town of Chelmsford v. Town of Wilmington, District Court of Lowell. (Action of contract by Town of Chelmsford to recover for aid furnished in a public welfare case; ad damnum $300.)
City of Lowell v. Town of Wilmington, District Court of Lowell. (Action of contract by City of Lowell to recover $721.90 for aid furnished in a public welfare case.)
The Town brought no new cases during the year 1936.
C. During the year 1936 the following actions by or against the Town were settled or disposed of:
Woburn Five Cents Savings Bank v. Town of Wilmington and others. This case was disposed of by the entry of a final consent de- cree apportioning the valuation in a manner approved by the Assessors and permitting the redemption from tax sale of a portion of the property in question upon the basis so fixed.
104
Cincotta v. Town of Wilmington. This action was settled with the approval of the Selectmen by the payment to the plaintiff of the sum of $125.
Bean v. Town of Wilmington. This action was settled with the approval of the Selectmen by the payment to the plaintiff of the sum of $100. .
D. Compensation received by the Town Counsel in said matters and in all other matters during the year as follows:
Compensation Disbursements
$420.00 28.29
(The above payment was entirely on account of services rendered and disbursements paid in the calendar year 1935.)
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP B. BUZZELL,
Town Counsel.
105
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I hereby submit my report of the Wilmington Police Department for the year 1936:
Since my original appointment in 1932 as Chief of Police I have labored to build up an efficient police department, properly trained and equipped and able to care for the protection of persons and property and I believe that the marked efficiency of this department the past year has been very noticeable to your Honorable Board and to the citizens of this town.
I have had the highest degree of co-operation from all of my officers, regulars and specials and they have all carried out their assignments in a very commendable manner.
During the past year several decided improvements have been made in the department.
On account of the increasing amount of records, reports, etc., it has been necessary to install a card index system and to date, ap- proximately 3500 cards have been made out showing reference to loca- tion of records filed away in a new filing cabinet. This card index system has brought all records up to date and a checking up on a desired case can be made immediately through this system.
Another added improvement was the installation of a radio in this station which is connected with the State Police Barracks at Framingham where messages from this department are relayed to that station by the State Police at Andover for broadcasting. I wish at this time to express my appreciation to the State Police for their fine co-operation and service.
Also during the past year the officers of the Wilmington Police Department have been equipped with new Military Smith and Wesson 38 calibre revolvers and it is indeed gratifying to know that each man through training under the watchful eye of Col. Duncan Stewart of Stoneham is able to handle his revolver efficiently.
106
The year 1936 did not have any exciting cases other than regular police work. We have had many more arrests than in the previous year but these arrests were mostly for drunkenness and for viola- tion of Motor Vehicle Laws.
During the past summer months this department did consider- able amount of cruising work at night and this feature proved quite essential and profitable considering the number of persons appre- hended for violation of the Motor Vehicle Laws and the amount of fines levied by the court, a proportion of the total amount of fines which will revert back to the Town of Wilmington.
There were many miscellaneous items which required consider- able amount of time from this department to check up and investigate. These miscellaneous items can be found in my statistical report of this department shown in this book.
I wish to express my appreciation to the Boy Scouts of this town who so willingly and efficiently assisted this department on three different occasions the past year searching for missing persons. An- other feature that may be interesting to many citizens of this town is that the Kelley Hill murder of 1934 has been entirely completed as the missing man wanted in this case was apprehended in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin and on orders from the District Attorney's office I was re- quested to go with Lieut. Dempsey of the State Police to Wisconsin and bring back this much desired subject, who has been tried, found guilty and sentenced to State Prison.
In conclusion may I take this opportunity to thank your Honorable Board, the citizens of the town, the various Town Departments and also the men of this department for the fine assistance and co-opera- tion which has been given to promote the welfare and success of this department.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY J. AINSWORTH,
Chief of Police.
107
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I submit the following report of the work of the Police Depart- ment for the year ending December 31st, 1936.
Number of Arrests
144
Males
138
Females
6
Residents
50
Non Residents
94
Causes of Arrest
Assault and Battery
4
Assault on an Officer
1
Breaking and Entering
2
Carnal Abuse
2
Disturbing the Peace
1
Drunkenness
48
Evading Alcohol Tax
1
Evading Railroad Fare
1
Illegal Sale of Alcohol
2
Indecent Exposure
3
Insane
2
Keeping of Unlicensed Dog
4
Larceny
17
Murder
1
Non Payment of Wages
2
Non Support
4
Suspicious Persons
1
Violation of Motor Vehicle Laws
48
Disposition of Cases
Released
36
Filed
33
Discharged by Court
12
Suspended Sentence
7
House of Correction
7
State Prison
4
Defaulted
1
To Officers of Other Cities and Towns
9
To Danvers State Hospital.
3
To Tewksbury Infirmary
1
Fined
32
Fines Imposed
$655.00
108
Miscellaneous
Accidents Reported
66
Automobiles Transferred
210
Auto Licenses Revoked and Suspended 25
Auto Registrations Revoked 37
Buildings Found Open 68
Complaints Received 612
Complaints Investigated 612
Dogs Disposed Of
103
Inquests
2
Persons Missing
26
Persons Found 26
Permits to Work on Lord's Day
23
Property Found and Recovered
$5,730.25
Persons Bitten by Dogs 25
Warrants and Summons Served
40
AMBULANCE FUND
Rounding out its two and a half years of active service at the close of the year 1936, the Wilmington Ambulance has rendered to the people of Wilmington incalculable service that is enjoyed by very few towns of the size of Wilmington.
During the year 1936, eighty two cases have been served by the local ambulance, seventy of which were local, seven out of town, and five accidents, which is an increase in service of twenty cases over the same period of time last year.
In many cases, it was necessary to exercise the utmost caution; yet speed was also essential in saving lives.
In addition to the establishment of a brilliant record for work in this town during the past year, the ambulance shared in the honors out of town, especially so at the time of the flood in March 1936. At that time, the ambulance and a crew of two local men in co-operation with the Lowell Branch of the Red Cross, performed three day's service in the Lowell Flood Area and won high commendation from that organization for the splendid work performed.
To date, the independent fund which makes possible the main- tenance of this public convenience without any burden on local tax payers other than voluntary contributions, has enjoyed a favorable and comfortable balance in the bank. This fund is made solely of con- tributions by local public spirited citizens, who have generously
109
responded to the need of such a public convenience and is being sup- ported at this time by their kindly donations. However, in spite of the fair balance now held in the bank, this fund is constantly subject to withdrawal to meet with any unforeseen emergency that may arise. Therefore, regular contributions of any size are solicited in order that a substantial balance may be maintained in the fund.
At this time, we wish to express our thanks and appreciation to those who have made possible the maintenance of this valuable service to the residents of Wilmington and trust that we may receive their further support and also the support of others in the near future.
As in the past, the ambulance will be on call twenty four hours each day and is at service for all.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY J. AINSWORTH.
Chief of Police.
Ambulance
Ambulance cases
82
Males
33
Females
49
Town cases
70
Out of Town cases
7
Accident cases
5
Ambulance Fund
Balance in Mechanics Savings Bank, December 31st, 1935 $ 124.78
Cash received 107.60
Interest 2.79
$ 235.17
Paid out
$ 130.99
Balance in Mechanics Savings Bank, December 31st, 1936 $ 104.18
110
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my Nineteenth Annual Report as Chief of the Wilmington Fire Department. This Department has responded to the following alarms for the year ending December 31, 1936:
Oil Other Auto Burners Reasons Total
Month
House Chimney Brush
January
2
3
3
1
9
February
2
2
1
5
March
1
9
3
13
April
1
14
1
1
17
May
3
14
17
June
2
7
1
10
July
3
13
1
17
August
2
6
8
September
2
2
October
2
8
10
November
2
2
12
16
December
4
3
3
1
11
-
-
-
-
-
-
23
11
91
2
5
3
135
Valuation of Buildings Destroyed
$ 8,960.00
Valuation of Buildings Not Destroyed
25,825.00
Damage to Buildings
2,555.00
Valuation of Contents
8,275.00
Damage to Contents
3,571.00
Valuation of Auto
950.00
Damage to Auto
35.00
Number of feet of 21/2 inch hose used.
13,150
Number of feet of 11/2 inch hose used.
27,200
Number of feet of chemical hose used.
1,200
Gallons of chemical used
950
Fire permits issued
150
Oil permits issued
62
Hydrants used
20
111
Mileage of Trucks
Reo
414
La France
87
Ford No. 4
261
ROLL OF DEPARTMENT
Chief
Asst. Chief
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