New Britain herald., 1915-07-17
FIREWORKS DISPLAY
 AT BERLIN MEETING
Town Government Is Criticized
 By Prominent Tax Payers.

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 Although notices had been posted in conspicuous places around Berlin notifying the citizens that public meeting of the special investigation committee was to be held in the town hall last evening for the purpose of hearing such evidence, complaints and recommendations that the citi- zens might wish to make, the meet ing was very slimly attended. Col Charles M. Jarvis, one of the heaviest taxpayers in Berlin, was of the opin- ion that it costs the town too much to run it's affairs Mir. Jarvis ex- pressed himself in favor of taking the position of first selectman out oi politics entirely and have the affairs of the town run by q board of three selectmen who would receive nomin- al sums.
 Town Clerk Francis H. Shaw, said Col. Jarvis, is far too advanced in years to give the office the attention that it should have. It is the opin-s ion of Col. Jarvis that man much younger in years should fill such an important position, and that the clerk should manage the affairs of the town in detail and should be the clerk of the selectman.
 Jarvis Criticises Arrangement.
 The meeting was opened by Cot Jarvis who inquired what the pur- pose was for calling it. He was ln- formed by the investigattng commit tee that it was thought advisable to call a meeting to become acquainted ;.,f v,d dations that the citizens, desired to make.
 There is no question about 1t that 1t costs too much to run the town, said Col. Jarvis. The town is in debt $11O, 900, and there is floating debt of $so, 1000" declared the colonel. IT conditions continue as they now exist the town of Berlin will soon go into bankruptcy. The grand list at pres ent is over $2,000,o00 and the rate of taxation is sixteen mills. Years ago the grand list was $1,0O0,0O0 and thirteen mills was taxed. The taxes have been raised and the grand list has been doubled and still the in debtedness of the town has in creased.''
 Francis Demfng informed Col. Jar wis that he must take into considera tion that years ago the schools cost the town but $700 or $500 a year while today the cost amounts to about $24,O00 The state stands part of this expense, paying the town of Berlin about $6,00O a year. Co,. Jarvis declared that he has always thoroughly understood the school bus mess.
 MT. Deming told the speaker that the schools have aincreased in pro- portion to the numeTation. Also, that at one time the janitors < oe, the schools were paid $5 a term while now they receive about $15. Then again the teachers salaries arc much higher.
 Town Expenses Too Great.
 '.It seems to me- said Col. Jarvis, that town expenses are too great and it is necessary to find some method to It was learned by Col. Jarvis upon inquiry from the commit tee that the first selectman of the town received a salary of $500 while the second selectman's salary was $64 and the third selectman's re- was but $50. Shaw's salary for being town clerk and treas ruer is $214 while the fees received by him increases 1t to about $1,o0o. The tax-collector receives two per cent. on taxes collected making his salary about $750 year. The selectman, town clerk and superintendent of the town home combined receive about $3,000.
 Col Jarvis said that it occurred to him that it would be for the best interests to take the affairs of the town out of politics. Does the re- publican party derive any benefits by having the town managed by a re- publican selectman?" asked the colo- nel
 Col. Jarvis was of the opinion that it would be practical to have board of selectmen elected each year who would serve, office for nominal sum. The first selectman would receive about $10O. The other two selectmen would meet about twice month with the first selectman and would receive about g day for their services.
 Tn touching on the town clerks position Col Jarvis said that the man to fill the position should be a young man.
 The present town clerk, he said. is too far advanced in years to give.