Government

Watertown’s Budget Includes Study of Improving the Square, Rodent Control & Energy Efficiency

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Watertown City Hall

City Manager George Proakis told the City Council that he believes that a key to getting the best bang for the buck in the City Budget is providing competitive salaries and benefits to employees. He also discussed some new initiatives planned to start in Fiscal Year 2024, including studies on Watertown Square, rodent control, and making the City’s buildings and vehicles more efficient. Revenues

The vast majority of Watertown’s budget comes from local real estate and personal property taxes. The City is forecast to collect $152 million in property taxes, which makes up about 80 percent of the $190 million Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. The City budget includes $15.9 million in State Aid, up $1.5 million from FY23.

Around Town

Armenian Memorial Church Hosting Fair, Portion of Proceeds Going to Syria Earthquake Relief

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The Armenian Memorial Church of Watertown will hold its Annual Fair on Friday, May 19, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 20, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. (rain or shine). Both days, the Church will be serving its delicious kebab dinners and exquisite desserts. Visitors will have two days to enjoy the fabulous Armenian beef, chicken and losh (ground meat) kebab dinners complete with sauce, rice pilaf, salad and pita bread. The selection will also include meatless meals. Visitors may enjoy eating at tables under the tent or may purchase take-out orders if they prefer.

Government

Budget Forecast Good for 2024, but Manager Sees Gloomy Conditions in Future

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Watertown’s budget will be healthy enough to add several positions in Fiscal Year 2024, but City Manager George Proakis told the City Council Tuesday night to expect some challenging budgets in the years to follow. The FY24 budget, which will be approved by the Council in June and begins July 1, will be $190 million. This is 5.9 percent below the FY23 budget, but Proakis said if you take out the money used to purchase Walkers Pond and the former Parker School, it would be 6.99 percent higher than FY23. The stormy seas ahead are due to five converging forces, Proakis said, and they could impact the budgets from FY25-28. The first factor is the cost of construction, which comes at a time when Watertown is taking on the biggest in its history: a new high school which will cost more than $200 million.

Schools

Busing Available to High School Moxley Campus, Fewer Spots for Hosmer Bus Next Year

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by Pixabay

Students living more than three-quarters of a mile from the temporary Watertown High School campus at Moxley Field will be able to ride the school bus for free next year. The School Committee also heard that the number of seats on the bus to Hosmer Elementary School will be reduced starting in the fall. Superintendent Dede Galdston said that while the free busing to the high school will be available, it is intended for students would ride it regularly. “It is for students committed to riding the bus for the school year. It is not public transportation.

Government

This Week: City Budget, Planning Board Discusses Main Street Project & Rodent Control

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown City Hall

On Tuesday night, City Manager George Proakis will present the Fiscal Year 2024 budget to the City Council. The next night, the Planning Board will continue its discussion of the proposed six-story mixed-use project at 104-126 Main Street. The City Council will also consider a citizens petition to amend the Zoning Ordinance to create buffers between developments and residential areas. They will meet on Tuesday, May 9 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber City Hall and remote. See the agenda and how to participate here. The Planning Board will continue discussing the project at 104-126 Main St.

Around Town

Watertown Seeking New Library Director After Current One Announced Her Resignation

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City of WatertownCaitlin Browne announced she will be resigning as Watertown Library Director. After just over a year working as permanent Director of the Watertown Free Public Library, Caitlin Browne announced her resignation at the Board of Trustees meeting on May 2. Browne was appointed the new Library Director in April 2022, succeeding longtime director Leone Cole. Prior to that, she worked as assistant director at the Library for many years, and served as interim director after Cole retired. At the May 2 Trustees meeting, Browne publicly announced her resignation, which she had already sent to the board.

Police/Fire

Police Log: False Report Draws Large Police Response, Shoplifter Spits at Officer

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

April 25, 11:03 a.m.: An officer was flagged down and got a report of a man urinating outside their vehicle into the roadway on Main Street near Waverley Avenue. The car was seen heading toward Waltham. The officer headed in that direction and another person flagged him down to tell him about a vehicle stopped at the light near John Brewer’s who was slumped behind the wheel and appeared to be asleep. The officer went to that area and saw the man.