Schools
Watertown Before, After School Program Fees Rising Jan. 1
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Monday night, the School Committee voted to raise fees for the district’s Before School and After School programs so they can qualify for state reimbursements.
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
Council Puts Firefighters’ Contract on Hold
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After years of negotiations, mediation and finally arbitration the Firefighters appeared to have a contract ready to be voted on by the Town Council, but the board instead decided to postpone the vote.
Government
East Watertown Dog Park Gets Preliminary Approval
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A dog park in East Watertown took a step closer to becoming a reality when the Town Council voted to the include the facility in the new entrance to Filippello Park.
Police/Fire
Car Drives Into Watertown Starbucks
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A driver drove into the Starbuck’s on Mt. Auburn St. Causing some damage on Sunday morning.
Government
Town Council Approves Improvements at Church Street Intersection
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The intersection of Church and Palfrey streets will get a new look after the Town Council approved improvements to the intersection which has had more than its share of accidents and near misses.
Real Estate
Check Out the Latest Watertown Home Sales
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Home sales continue to be healthy in Watertown even in late November.
Police/Fire
Police Log: Camera Stolen from Mall, Man Gets 2nd OUI Arrest
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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.
Government
See How Much Watertown Property Taxes Will Rise
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Watertown property owners will see a increase in their property tax bills, but the overall average is bigger than most people’s reality, Town Assessor Francis Golden told the Town Council Tuesday.