Government

Budget Forecast: State Legislation Will Have Big Impact on Watertown’s FY27 City Budget

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For several years, Watertown’s City has operated comfortably on a budget built on the 2.5 percent property tax increase allowed by the State and the added tax revenue from new developments. A mixture of economic uncertainty and the unknown of whether the State Legislature will approve Watertown’s tax relief request means residents could face a major tax increase next year. City Manager George Proakis presented the Preliminary Fiscal Year 2027 Budget to the City Council on Monday night, which has total forecast expenditures of $226.2 million and includes a shortfall of at least $3.6 million. He also told the Council that his aim is to “maintain options and flexibility” in the City’s budget. He stressed the budget figure is an estimate, adding that the numbers are based on the approval of the Home Rule Petition submitted by Watertown to the Legislature.

Elections

LETTER: City Councilor At-Large Candidate Endorsed by Watertown Resident

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Dear Editor,

I write to formally endorse Theo Offei for Councilor At-Large. As a lifelong resident who graduated from the high school in the 90s, I have seen Watertown dramatically change and continue to do so. The Watertown of 2025 requires leaders who reflect our community’s diversity, energy, and forward-thinking. 

Anchored in understanding the power of community and importance of belonging and representation Theo brings a fresh, inclusive, and visionary approach to city governance. A father in his 30s, Theo was born in Ghana, raised in Italy and became a U.S. Citizen in 2020, making him the embodiment of change. With experience in the tech sector, venture capital, real estate development and construction management, Theo’s professional background gave him a strong grasp of budgeting and finance, housing policy, and infrastructure planning. As Vice Chair of the Resident Advisory Committee he has helped staff 24 boards and commissions, which has shaped the city in many ways. The role has provided insight into city operations and residents’ challenges.

Elections

LETTER: Group of Residents Endorse School Committee Candidate

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We the undersigned, are thrilled that Sheila Krishnan has stepped up to run for Watertown’s School Committee. Sheila respectfully listens to diverse perspectives, builds bridges, and takes stands that will advance Watertown’s well-being for all residents. When she offers suggestions or opinions, Sheila takes stands that will advance Watertown’s well-being for all residents. Sheila is a deep thinker and keen observer. Sheila has proven to be a solid ally for all Watertown residents in a variety of ways and under many circumstances. Recent examples include her advocacy for the 2024 Health & Human Services Study and providing thoughtful feedback on the final report and serving as a community member on the Library Director hiring committee in 2022.

Elections

Watch the Video from the District C Councilor Candidate Forum

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The candidates for District C City Councilor appeared on a forum at the Watertown Cable studios on Oct. 9. See how to watch the replay of the event, which was co-hosted by WCA-TV and Watertown News. Incumbent Vincent Piccirilli and challenger Andres Guzman appeared on the live broadcast from WCA-TV Thursday night. They answered questions about Watertown Square, the winter parking ban, improving transportation, and more.

Elections

City Council At-Large Candidates Appearing at Housing for All Watertown Forum

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The following announcement was provided by Housing for All Watertown:

Please join Housing for All Watertown (HAW) as we hold an in-depth conversation on housing policy with the At-Large City Council Candidates on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. The forum will take place from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank Room at the Watertown Free Public Library. Due to a scheduling conflict, we will be unable to host the candidates for the other contested City Council race, in District C. Please see the forum lineup below. 2025 Candidate Forum Lineup

2 p.m. – Welcome and introductions 

2:15 p.m. – Candidates for Councilor At Large: Caroline Bays (Incumbent), John Gannon (Incumbent), Theo Offei, Tony Palomba (Incumbent), Tom Tracy

3:15 p.m. – Closing

This event is free and open to the public.  For more information on Housing for All Watertown go to: https://www.housingforallwatertown.org/

Elections

LETTER: Resident Endorses School Committee Candidate

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I’m writing to urge Watertown voters to vote for Sheila Krishnan for School Committee. Sheila and her husband Steve, both educators themselves, have chosen to rise their kids in Watertown because they love the level of community engagement they’ve found here. I first got to know Sheila through the Kingian Response Team, and we have connected over our shared interest in history and ongoing learning despite our different personal backgrounds. Since then, I’ve watched with admiration at her success in bringing together different parts of the community in service of our youth. She brings a rare combination of deep insight and non-nonsense smarts to complex problems. She helps colleagues get to the heart of the matter with grace and wisdom.

Elections

See What the City Councilor At-Large Hopefuls Spoke About During the Candidate Forum

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The five candidates for City Councilor At-Large appeared at the candidate forum hosted by Watertown News and Watertown Cable. The replay of the forum is available from WCA-TV. The candidates running for the four spots on the Council are Tom Tracy, Tony Palomba, Theo Offei, John Gannon, and Caroline Bays. They spoke about a variety of subjects, including property taxes, the future of Watertown Square, what to do with Watertown Middle School, housing, and City staffing priorities. Click here to watch the video: http://vodwcatv.org/internetchannel/show/4134?site=1

More Forums

Thursday night, the candidates running for District C City Councilor will take appear in a live broadcast from the WCA-TV studio.

Government

State Rep. Owens Hosting Office Hours in October

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State Rep. Steve Owens

Residents can meet with State Rep. Steve Owens during three office hours in the month of October, including two in Watertown. See details in the information provided by Rep. Owens’ Office, below. Please come visit me at my next office hours:

Thursday, October 9 from 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at Kendall Kitchen at the Quad (10 Wilson Road, Cambridge, MA 02138)

Monday, October 20 from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Watertown Senior Center (31 Marshall St., Watertown, MA 02472)

Friday, October 31 from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at Triangle Coffee Bar (66 Galen St., Watertown, MA 02472)

The Statehouse is open to the public and my legislative office is in suite 167. The office phone number is (617) 722-2230. Please give us a call or drop us a note if you plan to stop by!