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Watertown Tax Relief Legislation Approved by House, Moves to Senate

By Charlie Breitrose | 8 hours ago

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

Development

Plans for Biotech Building in East Watertown to be Discussed at Public Meeting

By Guest Writer | November 11, 2020

A map showing the proposed location for a three-story biotech building at 23 Elm St. in Watertown.

The following information was provided by the Town of Watertown regarding a project at 23 Elm Street, just off Arsenal Street in East Watertown.

Elm Street Partners will be hosting a virtual community meeting on November 23rd at 6:30 PM for the review and discussion of conceptual plans and specifics of the redevelopment of the site known as 23-29 Elm Street.

Schools

Watertown Students Can Get COVID-19 Tests as Schools Move into Hybrid

By Charlie Breitrose | November 10, 2020

Watertown Middle School

With Watertown elementary school students already attending hybrid, and the middle school starting some in person learning this week, the Watertown Public Schools are offering COVID-19 testing for students.

Government

MBTA Proposed Service Changes Could Impact Some Watertown Routes

By Charlie Breitrose | November 10, 2020

An MBTA bus in Watertown.

With ridership significantly down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MBTA has proposed a series of changes to the system, including altering and consolidating bus routes, and reducing hours of service on subways and the Commuter Rail.

Around Town

Get Your Trivia Teams Together for the Community Foundation’s Trivia Night

By Guest Writer | November 10, 2020

The Watertown Community Foundation’s Annual Townwide Trivia Night is coming up on Nov. 20, so get your team of trivia buffs together.

Around Town

Town Council to Discuss FY2021 Property Taxes, See the Proposed Rate

By Charlie Breitrose | November 9, 2020

A lot of money was raised and spent on the 2015 Watertown Election.

The average Watertown property tax bill would rise $65 a year in Fiscal Year 2021 under the tax rate proposed by the Town Assessor.

Elections

Watertown Group Celebrates Election of Biden & Harris, See the Photos

By Charlie Breitrose | November 9, 2020

Watertown Citizens for Peace Justice & the Environment celebrated the victory of Joe Biden in the 2020 Presidential Election on Saturday in Watertown Square.

While the calling the 2020 Presidential election for Joe Biden drew large celebrations in cities around the country, members of a progressive Watertown group had a smaller-scale one in Watertown.

Business

Next Watertown Business Coalition Coffee Connect Coming Up

By Guest Writer | November 9, 2020

Meet others from the community in a virtual networking event hosted by the Watertown Business Coalition on Dec. 2.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Gun Pointed at Man Leafletting Houses, Man Busted for Stealing Axe Body Spray

By Charlie Breitrose | November 8, 2020

The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.