Real Estate
Here are This Week’s Open Houses in Watertown
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A number of homes have open houses in Watertown this weekend.
Watertown Tax Relief Legislation Approved by House, Moves to Senate
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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.
Water & Sewer Rates Increasing More Than Expected Due to Error in Calculations
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.
Possible Purchase of Police Drone and Guidelines for Use Discussed by Council Committee
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.
A Pair of World Cup Final Watch Parties in Watertown
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.
More Headlines
Wada Hoppah Charles River Ferry Boat Has Hit the Water — See a Video and Photos
City Council Moving Out of City Hall for July 14 Meeting
Mutual Aid Group Delivers Air Conditioners in Watertown During Heat Wave
Government
Unions Rally for Firefighters, Council Stands Behind Rejecting Contract
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Labor unions had a strong showing in front of Watertown Town Hall Tuesday night before the Town Council meeting, but councilors did not reverse their decision to reject an award for the town’s firefighters approved by a state arbitrator.
Government
Town Councilor Wants to Created Local Olympic Committee
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With last week’s announcement that Boston had been chosen as the United State’s nominee to bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics, a Town Councilor has proposed creating a group to take on the issue from Watertown’s perspective.
Government
OP-ED: Town Manager’s Statement on the Fire Contract Negotiations
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At Tuesday’s Town Council meeting Town Manager Michael Driscoll addressed the situation with the Local 1347 firefighters union contract and the Council’s vote in December.
Schools
Watertown High School TV, Radio Program Expanding
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After starting with a couple of periods of television production classes last year, Watertown High School students now have five classes to choose from, including one focused on radio.
Schools
Watertown Spelling Bee Coming Up – Teams Can Sign Up
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The annual Watertown Education Foundation Spelling Bee is coming up soon, so get your teams together.
Government
LETTER: Resident Thinks Town Bargained Unfairly with Fire Union
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We have heard several Town Councilors tell the public that funding the arbitration award for the Local 1347 would not have been fair to other public employees.
Entertainment
Mall Hosting Event with Snow-Themed Stories, Songs & Crafts
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The Watertown Family Network will host a “Let it Snow,” an event featuring snow-themed event including stories, songs, crafts and surprises.