1883-84-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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expenses is very much less than in previous years. This brief statement is made as an explanation of the large amount drawn from surplus funds. The amounts drawn, or transferred, are as follows:— For nes flag, . . . , . . . . $100 00 Building and repairing railing, . . . 150 00 Extension of Oakland St. (North) . 250 00 « " " (West) . 200 00 Alterations in Cary Library . . . 1,000 00 $1,700 00 We think it our duty to say, that we believe the various town officers who have had the disbursement of the money in their respective positions, have taken pains to expend the same in an economical manner, without being parsimonious or niggardly: that they have heeded the vote of the town is apparent, by the balances remaining from each appropriation. As bearing upon the general prosperity of the town and its affairs, we take pleasure in calling at- tention to several significant facts. The erection of several first-class dwelling -houses the past year, and others in process of erection, and still others in con- templation, is gratifying evidence of a growing pros- perity, and financially in a better condition than for the past twelve or fifteen years; also, with a Large surplus in the treasury. In view of these facts, we venture to offer a few words, with the' hope of awakening some thoughts that may ripen into such form as to be of general in- terestto the town. 10 We believe it would be policy for the town, as far as practicable, to make such public improvements as would tend to promote the continuance of its present prosperity, and at the same time add to its material wealth. Several suggestions can be offered for your consideration. One of the most desirable objects to obtain, and one, too, that adds to the growth of a town, is a low rate of taxation; and in the present condition of our finances, there seems to be no valid reason why the rates of taxation may not be reduced to at least $1.0 per thousand for the ensuing year. A few hundred dollars might be used every year upon our highways, in making some special improve- ment; for instance, on Main Street, between the Common and Arlington line, there are several sharp angles which could be easily changed to a curve, which would improve the appearance of the road, and at the same time give it more width. There are sev- eral such places that could be easily altered, at no expense except for labor. The increasing amount of travel over Middle Street will ere long require a greater width for its accom- modation and safety, as some portions of that street are less than twenty-five feet wide. It may not be generally known that a petition for the widening of Waltham Street is now and has been for some time on file in the office of the County Commissioners, and awaits only a call to be acted• upon; there being no question but that the town will, at no distant day, be required to widen this street, more or less, its entire length. It does appear to