The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1914-01-28

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ments in this line. The sum Of 1910
was spent for this purpose, but owinI
to the large amount that was require
to reset the curbing and lay new curb
ing along the new paving, the result
from this large expenditure are not a
apparent as they would have been !
we had been able to expend the mos
of this money in parts of the city tina
are poorly provided with sidewalks now
but this expenditure was necessary an,
had to be made when the paving wa
| laid, otherwise it would have been ever
more expensive later on. / would rec
ommend that the larger portion of thii
years sidewalk appropriation be expend
ed in building sidewalks where there il
none at present and improving those
that are sidewalks only in name; this !,
my Judgment is one OF the crying needs
OF our city to-day, and our street com
missioners should devote their energie.
to induce the citizens throughout the
city to cooperate with them in carrying
out this work.
Lighting Streets.
Sowing to the popular demand of the
public, all night and every night light.
| ing has been established and the mum
Der OF lights have been increased. This
| is great advantage to the police and
fire department, and the better service
will be appreciated by the public, and
the extra expense cheerfully met.
Poor Department.
ut has been necessary to spend some
over $1,000 more this year than last
for the support OF the poor. The APP
preparations for this department have
steadily increased from year to year, yet
/ do not think that the taxpayers wish
anything different than to see the poor
and needy made more comfortable. The
charity committee and overseer have
been very thorough in their inyestigs
tions in regard to spending money where
IL was not actually needed. They have
been very diligent and successful in find
ing homes for charity children through.
adoption or in institutions. As the
agreement with the cemetery commits
sioners expires next June, immediate
steps must be taken to move the city
farm buildings, and make some other
arrangements. for the care of the poor,
or obtain from the commissioners an ex-
tension of time for the buildings to re !.
main in their present location.
Fire Department.
"The past year has been an exception
al one to the city, as very small losses
have been incurred by fire, yet the de.
partment has received more calls than
usual. believe that this good record
"a ~ hn al of Gra AaY a,rk
ment, which has been made possible bv
the auto fire truck. | believe that this
truck has already paid for itself by the
saving of property made possible by its
quick response in times of emergency
It has also helped to earn over 1000
for the city during the year, by allow
ing us to use both pair of horses on the
streets. The time is soon coming when
age will incapacitate these horses for
good service, and | believe that it would
be advisable to replace them by younger
blood as soon as possible,
Water Department.
During the year it has been neces-
sary to tear out the temporary work of
some previous administrations at the old
Orange reservoir, and replace it by per-
manent improvements. whereby the san
itary conditions of the place would be
materially improved. For sanitary rea-
sons, also, it was found to be necessary
to purchase the LaBounty place, near
the Bolster reservoir, which called for an
of $500. The long eontin-
ued drouth called for an expenditure of
about $40. This was entirely unavoid
able, and together with the purchase
price of the farm, was not provided for
by last years finance committees esti-
mate, so that the funds were overdrawn
by about $500 Notwithstanding this
fact, the department has turned into the
city treasury sls23.3o, after paying all
expenses and interest and retiring $1,000
worth of bonds.
Police Department.
"This department has again shown is
efficiency, having fulfilled its duties in
every respect and everyone has been
amply protected, and the citizens well
with the efficient manner in
which it has been conducted. j think
i is up to the standard of former years
md that it will compare favorably with
other cities.
Our citizens generally take great pride
n our city and its progress, and insist |
hat it be kept in the front rank as a
i've, progressive city. But it must be
borne in mind that it takes .goney to |
10 this, and as long as we call for i'm
and better conveniences than |
We We're content with years ago, we |
must not forget that we must eheerfully |
provide the money 10 pay for it. All |
II the departments have been run in an /
,ffieient and economical manner during |
he year, and perusal of the finance |
report will give you the re-
ults in detail
"1n closing, l desire TO express my |
hanks and appreciation of their services
o all the members of the board of alder |
men, the city clerk and treasurer, and |
he heads of the several departments.
"W. III. Ward.
Mayor"