Government
LETTER: Watertown Republicans Condemn Endorsements of Dems by GOP Officials
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The Watertown Republican Town Committee released the following statement about fellow GOP members endorsing Democrats in the Nov. 4 election:
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
State Will Study Ways to Improve Mt. Auburn Street
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A section of Mt. Auburn Street in Watertown and Cambridge will be studied by the state to come up with “solutions for traffic,” the Department of Conservation and Recreation announced.
Real Estate
See Which Homes Sold in Watertown This Week
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Home sales continue to keep rolling in even as winter approaches.
Police/Fire
Police Log: Home Broken Into, Man Passed Out in Car Gets OUI
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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.
Government
School, Town Discuss Reasons for Last Year’s Budget Freeze
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School and Town officials have been looking into why the school budget got in such bad shape that a spending freeze was put into place, and then why the schools ended up with a budget surplus.
Schools
Congresswoman Clark Visits New Class at Watertown School
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Congresswoman Katherine Clark recently made a special visit to Watertown’s Cunniff Elementary School to see a new program where special education and mainstream students work together in the same class.
Police/Fire
Police Charge Man Who Drove Into Watertown Starbucks
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A 76-year-old man faces charges after an incident in the parking lot of the Watertown Starbucks during which he allegedly struck numerous cars and crashed into the building.
Government
Watertown Real Estate Prices Likely to Rise Again Next Year
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Last year, most areas of Watertown saw an increase in real estate values, Town Assessor Francis Golden told the Town Council, and the trend will likely continue.