Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/page/1759/)
Watertown City and State officials appeared before a joint committee at the State House on Jan. 27, 2026, to discuss the City’s Home Rule Petition. Pictured, from left, Steve Owens, George Proakis, John Lawn, Earl Smith, and Mark Sideris.
The City of Watertown’s effort to prevent a tax hike for residential property owners, which could be as high as 18%, cleared a major hurdle when it was approved the the House of Representatives on Beacon Hill.
Watertown residents will see an increase of 4.5% in both the water and sewer rates for the fiscal year that began on July 1, 2026, which is slightly higher than forecasted a year ago. However, the future increase could be significantly higher than projected due in part to an error made calculating future year revenues.
The Watertown Police Department is considering purchasing a drone like this one made by Paladin Drones (Photo from Paladin)
An automated drone is one of the new technologies being considered by the Watertown Police Department. On July 9, the City Council’s Public Safety Committee held a hearing to ask questions and hear from the public about the possible use of a drone.
Those looking to join other soccer fans in Watertown to catch the World Cup Final have two choices of venues to catch Sunday’s big game.
Seven Watertown first responders who put their lives on the line during the shootout with the Boston Marathon Bombing suspects received the nation’s ultimate honor Wednesday.
Councilors,
On January 28, a discouraging event in town governance occurred here in this chamber. Against the wishes of 400 hundred Watertown residents who signed a petition;
Catch a free screening of “Frozen” and help a local food pantry.
Now it its fourth year, the Friends of Watertown MusicFest will be held in March, and musicians are still being sought to play at the event.
A Town Council subcommittee has begun wading into whether the town should have a ban retail stores using plastic bags in Watertown.
Award-winning Composer, Playwright, Music Director and Educator Steven Bergman will speak at the next free Text + conText program in advance of Watertown Children’s Theatre’s premiere of his musical, “Reigning Cats & Dogs.”
A new grant received by Wayside Youth & Family Support Network announced will be used to create a social media campaign to inform youth about preventing HIV/AIDS and substance abuse.
The MBTA announced Monday that public transportation in and around Boston will be suspended starting Monday night and continue through Tuesday.