Town payroll quite different in 1950

Good news for the town council 61 years ago was "the town is in the black." Mayor and councilmen heard the news in May, 1951. Total receipts, $37,941.95, were reported since July 1, 1950. Sources of income included tax receipts, $8.042.14; license sales, $1,260; housing project, $8,848.09; water collections, $15,032.24; court fines, $ 317; street, alley department, $1,125.73; special lighting levy, $1,166.42; building permits, $85; wiring permits; $86.85; dog taxes, $87.

New residents, and even old timers, may laugh at the low figures compared to modern million dollar amounts. It was serious business years ago. Town was just starting to grow after years of status quo.

Mayor Herman Benzien took over at the May meeting, succeeding Ernie Massman. Councilmen seated were Fred Fredriksen, George Ridpath, Lyman Hill, L.A. (Boots) Schoenberg, and Fred Krona. Other councilman, Leon Bedell, was working and unable to attend the meeting.

Resignation of Bud Darling as police chief was accepted. Byron West, former police chief, was appointed to succeed him. Clarence Clapper had resigned earlier as water commissioner at $330 per month, and Clarence Hendrickson as patrolman at $200 monthly.

Mrs. Marion Larkin, town clerk, and Howard Greene, street commissioner, were sworn in as special police. Purpose was to assure that police power would always be available. Payroll announced was Byron West, $300 a month plus $ 0 car expense for being police chief 24 hours a day. Bud Darling had received $200 plus car expense for eight hours a day, and the night patrolman was paid $200.

Mrs. Larkin's salary as town clerk, water registrar, water collector, housing project registrar, housing project collector and special police (they were all separate tabs) continued $270 a month. Her hours were Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., and no Saturdays. Howard Greene, street commissioner, water commissioner, housing project manager and special policeman's pay continued at $330 a month.

Other employees and wages were F.P. Fleming, town treasurer, $50 per month; James Cumming, city attorney, $50 a month and office space; Floyd P. Jones, police judge, $10 a month; Bud Darling, fire chief $25 per month. Dr. W. F. Bennett was named as acting health officer at $100 per month. Fay Loveall continued as building and wiring inspector for the town. He received 75 per cent of all fees he collected.

Would be remiss if failed to add they were all proud of their town.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.