Police/Fire

Chimney Fire Damages Home on Belmont Street

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Minor damage was done to a Belmont Street home Tuesday by a fire that began in the chimney. At about 7 a.m., the Watertown Fire Department received call for smoke coming from the attic of a single-family home, said Provisional Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson. “Upon arrival fire companies found a smoke condition in the attic and on the second floor. Thermal imaging cameras were used to determine the heat source between the second and third floors,” Nicholson said. Watertown Fire Engines 3 and 1, Ladders 1 and 2, Medic 1, and C2 responded.

Government

City Councilor Caroline Bays Invites Public to Annual Meeting

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Caroline Bays seeks re-election as a Town Councilor At-Large. As part of the changes to the Watertown Charter all City Councilors must have an annual meeting to meet with the public. City Councilor At-Large Caroline Bays announced the date of her meeting. See info below. Caroline Bays will hold her annual meeting in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 149 Main St., on Dec.

Government

Council’s Budget Priorities for FY 2024 Include Watertown Square Study, Rodent Control & 311 System

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Watertown City Hall

The City Council gave City Manager George Proakis its priorities for the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, which includes funds for a study of the future of Watertown Square, rodent control, and launching a 311 system. Each year, the Council’s Budget and Fiscal Oversight Committee meets in the fall to discuss the priorities for the next fiscal year’s budget. The results were presented on Nov. 22, and adopted by the full Council. Other items added include staffing to make sure the changes to the Comprehensive Plan are implemented, focusing on snow and ice removal as a possible residential requirement is considered, and implementation of recommendations coming out of plans and studies, including the Personnel Department assessment, the salary study, the Energy and Climate Plan, and the Health and Human Services Study.

Around Town

Giving Tuesday: Some Watertown Non-Profits You Can Support

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Looking for a place in Watertown to donate on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29, here are some ideas. Watertown Boy’s & Girls Club serves hundreds of children across the community. It also provides swim lessons and hosts some of the Cops and Rec programs with the Watertown Police and the Watertown Recreation Department. There are other ways to give to the Watertown Boy’s & Girl’s Club, click here to see the options http://watertownbgc.org/donate/

The Watertown Community Foundation awards grants for educational programs, health programs, revitalization of the riverfront, and provides emergency assistance for families in crisis.

Government

Council Approves Tax Rates, Cannot Shift Burden onto Commercial as Much as in Past

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A State law that allows cities and towns to shift the tax rates from residential properties to commercial and industrial properties also stands in the way of providing as much relief to homeowners as the City Council would like. Last week, the City Council adopted the new tax rate with a split tax rate and residential exemption that would increase the average annual tax bill by $309 or 4.4 percent. State Law’s Impact on Watertown Taxes

Proposition 2 1/2, which is known for limiting the overall tax levy increase to 2.5 percent per year, also allows for some relief of up to residential property owners. Watertown City Assessor Earl Smith told the City Council on Nov. 22 that the law also limits how much can be “shifted” onto CIP (commercial, industrial and personal) properties.

Entertainment

Whoville is Back and Bigger Than Ever at the Commander’s Mansion

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Charlie BreitroseThe entry to the 2021 Whoville Jubilee lit by holiday lights. The Commander’s Mansion announced the annual Whoville Jubilee and Tree Lighting on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 from 4-8 p.m.

The celebration takes place at the Mansion, located at 440 Talcott Ave., Watertown (enter the east entrance of the Arsenal on the Charles). The tree lighting will take place at 6:30 p.m.

Come by and enjoy:

Photos with Santa! Holiday Bazaar!