Government

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. On July 8, the House unanimously approved the bill called “An Act relative to property tax classifications in the city of Watertown for fiscal year 2027 and subsequent fiscal years.”

Real Estate

21 Open Houses Around Watertown This Weekend

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See the properties hosting homebuyers this weekend in Watertown. 5 Repton Cir. Unit 5405, $449,000, 1 bedroom 1 bathroom 601 sq. ft. Condo, Open houses: Saturday, July 18 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Sunday, July 19 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

39 Green St., $1,150,000, 4 bedroom 2 bathroom 3,347 sq.

Government

Water & Sewer Rates Increasing More Than Expected Due to Error in Calculations

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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. Last year, the City’s consultants, Weston & Sampson, projected a 4% increase in water and sewer rates in FY 2027. The actual increase will be half a percent higher, said Department of Public Works Director Thomas Brady. With the 4.5% increase, residents using 1,800 cubic feet of water will increase $5.10 per quarter ($115.28 to $120.38), and the sewer bill for using 1,800 cubic feet will increase $9.54 per quarter, from $213.48 to $223.02.

Entertainment

WEEKEND FUN: Treaty Day 250, Outdoor World Cup Watch Party, Historic Mansion Tour, Art Exhibits, Crafts for Kids

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On Saturday, Watertown will celebrate the 250th anniversary of a historic first for our nation which happened in town back in 1776. Join the Library’s outdoor World Cup Final watch party on Sunday. Tour the historic Gore Mansion on Friday and learn about chamber pots and hygiene in the early 1800s. Stop by the Armenian Museum of America to see a pair of art exhibits. Kids can craft at the Library on Friday.

Government

Possible Purchase of Police Drone and Guidelines for Use Discussed by Council Committee

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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. The Police Department’s request to have a drone came up in May at a budget hearing. The drone being considered by the Watertown Police is made by Paladin Drones, and would cost $24,000 to purchase, plus an annual cost of $49,000. Paladin’s drones are use solely by public safety agencie, and the company currently works with 115 communities.

Entertainment

A Pair of World Cup Final Watch Parties in Watertown

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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. The Watertown Free Public Library will host an outdoor watch party, while the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center will have its own gathering. The final will feature the winner’s of Tuesday’s semifinal between France and Spain, and Wednesday’s semifinal pitting England against Argentina. Library’s World Cup Final Match Watch PartySunday, July 19 | 2:40 PM – End of MatchSaltonstall Park, 149 Main St., Watertown

Join us on the Saltonstall Field for an outdoor, family-friendly watch party of the World Cup final match. Bring your chairs and picnic blankets.

Around Town

Wada Hoppah Charles River Ferry Boat Has Hit the Water — See a Video and Photos

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The first moments on the water for the Wada Hoppah Charles River ferry boat. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

An idea formed three years ago took to the waters of the Charles River on July 11, 2026 when the Wada Hoppah ferry launched at the Newton Yacht Club. Watertown’s Drew Rollert hatched the idea after a thwarted attempt to attend a Boston Red Sox game in July 2023 by roadway, and he saw an empty Charles River. He decided then to create a ferry service from Watertown Square to Boston. Over the past year and a half, the electric ferry boat has been under design in Concord at Inriver Tank & Boat.