The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1920-01-31
BARRE,S 1920 TAX RATE
RECOMMENDED TO Be 81;
NEW BUDGET ,$54y<So46.83
MAYOR GLYSSON
SUNS UP THE YEAR
In Annual Message He Commends Va
rious Departments of the City
Government.

Commendation of the work of the va
rious departments of the city govern
ment is made by Mayor L. {. Glysson
in his annual message, which was pre-
sented last night and ordered printed
in the annual city report. Mayor Glys-
sons message in full is here given:
To the Citizens of Barre:
II is both duty and pleasure 10 present
for your consideration the main features OF
tho matters that have engaged the attention
Of your city government during the past
year. and to review in a brief way tfe work
which has been done under the supervision
of the city council, in an endeavor to keep
the city in the front rank Of pre- sressive
communities. II has ever been the aim of
the administration to conduct the affairs OF
the city in safe and conservative manner
and yet avoid that narrowness of vision that
would impede true civic progress 1T we
have been successful in this undertaking. 1t
has been only through the hearty co-cpera-
tion of the citizens if we have failed, u
has not heen due TO lack OF diligent effort
10 safeguard the citys interests.
In order 10 obtain true comparison OF
the results achieved this year with that of
others, it is necessary to bear in mind the
dollar. rs IL can readily be demonstrated
that the cost Of practically all elements en-
tering into the total expense of doing the
eity's business has increased from 90 20
l50 per cent during the past four years. The
fact that there has not been proportionate
increase in The tax rate is a matter for
eonPratulation.
One Of the most pleasing developments Of
the year was the return Of large number
OF our young men, who had laid their all
upon the altar of patriotism and had left
their homes and loved ones in response to
their country's need. The memory OF those
that viii never return will ever be enshrined
in our h6arts, and our-pride in their accom-
.Nax4a xxlI he, NJ
citizens were enabled to show the returning
heroes by means of tho Fourth of July cele-
bration the honor justly their due. is
source of satisfaction TO ell. -fs later ac-
ton Of the city council in providing n place
for the American Legion and thus assisting
them 10 peTpctuate the principles for which
they fought, will ] am sure meet with the
approval Of all citizens.
The success of the street department in
maintaining the streets and sidewalks in an
excellent condition at reasonable cost, IN
spite OF increased labor and material costs,
is very gratifying. The construction Of the
concrete pavement and sidewalk on wash
ingtcn street has made very great inn
proyement in the conditions in this LOCALITY,
and I would earnestly recommend con-
tinuation of the policy OF constructing az
least small amount OF permanent street
every year. As a whole, this city IS sadly
deficient in frst-class sidewalks. and ] trust
that means will be found to extend our sys-
TEN OF cement sidewalks as fast as funds
can be provided
The water department has beer able to
continue the extension Of fire protection
service by providing an adequate supply In
the vicinity Of Goddar dseminary. This y
in line with the policy adopted some time
ago and its advisability has already been
demonstrated. The bonded Indebtedness OF
the depa rtment has been reduced by $4,000
during the year. which will decrease the In
terest charges and thus increase the net
profits of the department in the future.
Nothing but praise can be said of the fire
department. The small fire loss in compar-
son with the value Of the property endan-
vered speaks for itself and is a far better
testimonial as TO the efficiency of the officers
and men ,han anything l might say.
The police depe rtrnent has again proved
its worth and has handled difficult situations
in an efficient and prsiseworthy manner;
The Headquarters have been renodeled ana
renovated during the year and has ALREADY
improved the morale and efficiency OF me
department
The charity department has made a re-
rnarlSably good showing. considering the add
a. burden that was thrown upon IL by the
influenza epidemic and the extremely high
nfices ,f fuel provisions and clothing. he
work of the committee. of Mr.. Reardon,
who was Obliged to resivn as overseer on
account Of moving away from The city, ana
Of Miss Gridley, who so ably took up his
work. ara comnendable examples Of untiring
in behalf of the poor and the city alike
Too much credit cannot be accorded them hy
tn. citizens for their efforts in relieving
The benefits resulting from the employ
u1ent Of the social worker have been marked.
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