Watertown News | Your Source for Local News

Watertown Tax Relief Legislation Approved by House, Moves to Senate

By Charlie Breitrose | July 17, 2026

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

Businesses on Mt. Auburn Street Remain Open During Sidewalk Reconstruction

By Guest Writer | 5 hours ago

Sidewalk Construction on Mt. Auburn Street in Coolidge Square. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Sidewalk replacement work continues along Mt. Auburn Street during the week of July 21-25. Crews will be working between Melendy to Dexter avenues, Elton and Dexter avenues, Adams and School streets, and School Street and Amherst Road. Businesses will remain open, but in some cases access will be through the rear entrances.

Real Estate

11 Homes in Watertown Were Sold This Weekend

By Charlie Breitrose | 5 hours ago

Four condos, a quartet of townhouses, two single families, and a two-family home were sold this week.

Around Town

Deadline Approaching to Apply for Community Preservation Funds

By Guest Writer | July 18, 2026

The deadline to apply for Community Preservation Act funds is Monday, July 27, 2026. See more details from the City of Watertown, below.

Entertainment

See What’s Happening at the Rink in This Week’s Small Saves Cartoon

By Guest Writer | July 18, 2026

James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net.

Schools

Students from Watertown Make Dean’s List at Three Colleges

By Guest Writer | July 17, 2026

Local students made the dean’s list at Georgia Tech, Northern Essex Community College, and Salve Regina.

Government

Tree Hearing Planned for Proposed Removal of 4 Trees

By Guest Writer | July 17, 2026

A Public Shade Tree Hearing will be held about the proposed removal of four trees on public property on Channing Road, Elmwood Avenue, Fairview Avenue, and Webster Street. See more information from the Watertown Tree Warden, below.

Real Estate

21 Open Houses Around Watertown This Weekend

By Charlie Breitrose | July 17, 2026

See the properties hosting homebuyers this weekend in Watertown.

Obituaries

OBIT: Carolyn Beach Tolman, Nurse Practitioner, Grew Up in Watertown & Married Her High School Sweetheart

By Guest Writer | July 16, 2026

Carolyn Beach Tolman

Carolyn Beach Tolman of Watertown, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away on July 13 after a long and valiant battle with cholangiocarcinoma. She spent the final few weeks of her life surrounded by loved ones.