Watertown News | Page 880 | Your Source for Local News

Watertown Tax Relief Legislation Approved by House, Moves to Senate

By Charlie Breitrose | 19 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

Around Town

Watertown Groups Holding Vigil for Indigenous People, George Floyd

By Guest Writer | October 8, 2020

A vigil in July hosted by the Kingian Response Team.

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Citizens for Black Lives and the Kingian Response Team.

UPDATE: Due to heavy rain forecast through this evening, the candlelight vigil for Black lives and Indigenous people that was planned for today is postponed until next Tuesday, October 20th.

Candlelight Vigil Tuesday, Oct. 13, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sponsored by Watertown Citizens for Black Lives and the Kingian Response Team.

Entertainment

See How to Enter the Watertown Mall’s Scarecrow Contest

By Guest Writer | October 8, 2020

Vote for your favorite scarecrow at the contest hosted by the Watertown Mall.

The Watertown Mall is hosting their 29th Annual Scarecrow Contest. Scarecrows can be entered by individuals or groups. There is no entry fee. Your group could be family, friends, co-workers, classmates, teammates, or business.

Charter Review Committee

6 Residents on Charter Review Committee Revealed, Consultant Will be Hired

By Charlie Breitrose | October 7, 2020

The 15 members of the Charter Review Committee met for the first time Tuesday night, including the six residents appointed to serve on the group that will make recommendations for how to change the document described as the Town’s constitution.

Entertainment

Work of Former WHS Art Teacher Featured in Watertown Gallery

By Guest Writer | October 7, 2020

“Violet” by Donna Calleja will be on display at Room 83 Spring in October.

The following announcement was provided by Room 83 Spring:

Room 83 Spring is open again and pleased to present Close to Home: new paintings on panel by Donna Calleja on view through October 31.

Business

Engineering Company Hosting Recruiting & Offering Free-Lunch from Food Trucks

By Guest Writer | October 7, 2020

The following information was provided by Veeva:

With traditional ‘job-fairs’ out for the unforeseen future, Veeva, the fastest-growing enterprise cloud software company for the life sciences industry, is hiring 200 Boston area engineers to develop innovative technologies to advance clinical trials.

Schools

School Officials Hold to Hybrid Start Date for Elementary Schools, Looking at Moving Date for WMS, WHS

By Charlie Breitrose | October 6, 2020

Lowell School in Watertown.

After hearing from several parents anxious to see the Watertown Public Schools open for in-person learning as soon as possible, the School Committee did not adjust the Oct. 27 reopening date for elementary schools. However, they will look into moving up the date for middle and high school students from late November.

Around Town

Learn About Putting on a Wedding During the Pandemic

By Charlie Breitrose | October 6, 2020

Watertown’s Commander’s Mansion will show people how they can hold a wedding during COVID-19 at “Gossip!”

Around Town

Video Available for First Meeting of Group Following the Town’s Charter Review

By Charlie Breitrose | October 6, 2020

Watertown Forward, a group that seeks to bring information to residents about the Watertown Town Charter, held its first meeting on Oct. 3. For those who missed it live, the video of the meeting is available to watch online.