Government
Watertown Winter Overnight Parking Ban Dates Announced
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The following announcement was provided by the Town of Watertown:
Watertown Chief of Police Michael P. Lawn has announced the 2020-2021 Winter Parking Ban dates.
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
Parking Plan with High-Tech Meters, Pay by Card & Phone Approved
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Watertown’s current parking meters will be replaced with “smart” meters that offer a range of payment options.
Watertown’s parking lots will be getting new meters which allow for paying by credit card and with cell phone apps in the parking plan approved by the Town Council on Tuesday night.
Around Town
Watertown Library Lending Out Laptops, Internet Hotspots
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Laptops and internet hotspots are available to be borrowed from the Watertown Free Public Library.
The following information was provided by the Watertown Library:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a home internet connection has become more important than ever. That’s why the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) is now providing laptops and wifi hot spots for patrons to take home for two weeks at a time. Do you know someone that does not have access to the internet, or could benefit from borrowing a computer? Send them to the Library!
Bluebikes
Bluebikes Offering Free Rides on Election Day
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The Bluebikes station in Coolidge Square in East Watertown.
Bluebikes will offer free rides for people on election day. The bicycle share company expanded into Watertown in August, and four of the seven planned stations have been installed.
Government
Charter Committee Looks at Areas to Improve Watertown’s Government
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Watertown Town Hall
The group looking at making changes the Watertown Town Charter talked about their views on changing to a mayor, how to make the Town government more responsive to residents and how to get residents involved in the charter review.
COVID-19
Positive COVID Test Reported at Watertown School, Reopening Still Going Ahead
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Hosmer Elementary School in Watertown.
The Watertown Public Schools had a person test positive for COVID-19 in the same week that the elementary schools are preparing to welcome students back for in-person learning.
Entertainment
Hatch Hosting Virtual Costume Contest, Thanksgiving Craft Classes
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The following information was provided by Hatch Makerspace, which is part of the Watertown Free Public Library:
Halloween by HatchFriday, October 30, 6pm Hatch’s 3rd annual costume showcase is going virtual!
Around Town
Watertown Student Group Holds Rally to Stop Climate Change at Town Hall
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Watertown Sunrise member, Carolyn, reads the groups demands outside of town hall on Oct. 23.
The following announcement was provided by Watertown Sunrise:
Last Friday, a group of over 30 teenagers, all a part of Watertown Sunrise, took to the streets for a late-night march. Their purpose was to wake up the community to the climate crisis through songs, chants, and speeches. Backed by concerned citizens, they read their demands of town council outside of town hall.