The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-17

RetuSal Of controller Sherwood L. Rowland to allow use of part of an approximate balance of $4,000 in the WPA funds is holding up the government-offered jobs of 25 women now receiving relief from the city, it developed at the meeting of the board of finance yesterday. While Lucy Holabird, federal super visor of the local WPA welfare projects, sought but $827.50 to buy sewing machines, chairs and sup plies so that the needy women might draw government salaries and be taken from welfare rolls of Water bury, Controller Rowland remained adamant, pending examination of the condition of the WPA bond funds which he admitted has free balance of at least $4,000.
 Purcell Explains
 The controller, frequently ques- tioning James F. Purcell, personal accountant, for information about the WPA fund balance, called on his aide to speak to the board and Purcell substantiated the offering of MT. Rowland as to the need for a balance of at least $40O0," de- scribed as necessary" to take care of possible" bills that might come in from other WPA Jops."
 Controller Rowland was arraigned against the entire membership of the board of finance after it had been brought out that the govern ment must be informed at once whether the 25 women called" for the addition to the sewing project, will have sufficient supplies made available. The work of the sewing project was explained and it was shown that the women, taken from welfare rolls, made all manner of garments for those who are receiv- ing relief. Thus, the cost of their relief and the cost of supplies fur nished by the city to other recipients of the welfare departments funds would be diminished considerably by the appropriation of the $827, it was testified.
 Balance Admitted
 The status of the WPA funds was described as having the balance of several thousand dollars after the appropriations of aoouJ $13O,O00 TOT numerous board-approved projects. The controller said that the sewing project apparently was not includ- ed in this list"
 Miss Holabird pointed out that the government has expended $6O,- 900 in so-called "white-collar and women projects" to the city's ap- proximate $4,000 to $5,000 and added that this was done to alleviate dire need.
 "The city must do it's share or the projects will have to close down." she said.
 It was pointed out that the cost of the 25 women to the city in terms of relief would approximate the $827 in times when the added welfare costs of the present recession are at 8 peak.
 Commissioners Inquire
 q don't like to see anybody lose chance to work at this time," Con- missioner Patrick M. Perriello re- marked.
 How soon can you check to see if you can furnish the money?" in quired Commissioner Major w. Judge.
 T don't feel that it would be safe saying that we could do this with only about $4,00 0available." Con- troller Rowland finally agreed that vote be passed tentatively appro- priating the $827.50 and said that his office, per Accountant Purcells agreement with this speculation, would "be able to report (whether funds will be availaoie) by Friday to which Miss Holabird agreed.
 The motion was made by Com missioner Charles B. Jackson and passed went to the board of alder men last night and was approved there unanimously.
 61 Men Carry On
 An item of $5,000 rom the WPA golf course fund to the WPA mu- nicipal stadium fund to provide for supplies to keep 61 men employed, was recommended and approved later by the aldermen. Transfer of $10OO from the item boiler insur- ance to electrical supplies in the de- partment of deucation was similarly recommended and approved by the aldermen later. The special meet ing was called for this purpose.
 Controller Rowland volunteered the information" that the item of