1907-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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II dwelling house on the Lincoln Street property, and a sufficient parcel or parcels of land adjoining such buildings to make them available to purchasers." Upon seeking a customer for this property, the Selectmen found that to sell it in separate items was not the best course to pursue, particularly as there is some question as to some of the boundries of the different lots, therefore, it appears to be necessary for the Selectmen to come to the town for a broader and more specific authorization to sell this property. The recommendation of the Committee is that tl:e entire property consisting of buildings and meadow lands be sold at a price not less than a sum to be determined by the Assessors and Selectmen, reserving however, some five acres of land used for a play ground. It is the intention of the Selectmen to insert an article in the warrant for the next March meeting asking for the authorization. The sale of this property will certainly prove beneficial to the town, inasmuch as it will produce enough money to reduce the tax rate for 1907 about $1.50 per $1000, besides placing the property in the hands of individuals who will improve the same and pay annual taxes thereon. While the committee does not know the exact condition of the finances of the Water Board, the account must necessarily show a great improvement over the conditions of May last, inasmuch as the receipts for water from the town and from individuals will include fifteen months income, that is, the last three months of 1905 and the full twelve months of 1906, and this additional three month's income is estimated at $5000. Besides this a large income has been obtained from various sources which will not be available in future years, so while the over -drafts of this department will be practically wiped out on April 1st, the income which has enabled the depart- ment to bring about this result has not come from the increased rates charged the water takers. We understand that this increase has amounted to only $$00 during the last six months of 1906; therefore we can only depend upon some $1500 or $1600 increase over the old income from the present water rates. Therefore, we believe it would be extremely unwise to make any reduction in the 12 rates, at least for the present. We believe, however, that the town should be metered, and to this end we suggest the passage at this meeting of the following vote : Voted, that the Water Board is hereby authorized and requested to procure and install from time to time water meters upon the premises of such water takers of water as shall apply for meters and pay the actual cost of procuring and installing them. The rates to be paid for metered water shall, in the absence of a determination of them by vote of the town, be those from time to time established by the Water Board; and the Board may deduct from the water bills of one taking water through such ineter two dollars a year, or at that rate for part of a year, until the aggregate of such deductions shall amount to the original cost of the installed meter. Such meters shall be kept in repair by the Water Department at the expense of the owner, the cost of repairs made from time to time to be added to his water bill. Each applicant for a meter shall sign an agreement with the town to abide by the foregoing terms of this vote and such other provisions not inconsistent herewith as the Water Board may determine. Each application shall be accompanied by a deposit of ten dollars as an advance payment on account of cost of the installed meter: Under such a vote a good beginning may be made during the present year, and if at the end thereof it should be found that a considerable number of takers, especially the larger tiseis, shall not have availed themselves of the privilege accorded, it will probably be hest to pass a vote making the installment and use of meters obligatory upon all users. The committee will offer at this meeting revised By -Laws covering the Water Department affairs which are more in accordance with the present conditions. This report is submitted as Report of Progress. Respectfully, GEORGE W. TAYLOR, FRANK D. PEIRCE, HENRY A. C. WOODWARD, G. D. MILNE, F. W. JOHNSON.